Me, my sister, my mother and her husband. [He still can't say my stepfather, because as good a man as Walter seems, he hasn't earned the title. Oliver doubts he ever will.

The double doors swing open as they near them, and Oliver checks sharply, using the motion to hide the fact that he's stepped closer to Cissie, between her and whoever's coming out.

...And it's Tommy, looking back toward the house with a mix of tiredness and worry on his face. Which means one of very few things. Oliver closes his eyes.] Hey man.

[Merlyn starts, takes in the picture of Oliver and his companion, and nods slowly, eyebrows up.] Hey.

[Thankfully Tommy still knows Oliver well enough to read a please don't ask on the latter's face. Oliver takes a deep breath.] Cissie King-Jones, my friend -

[Tommy cocks his head, his tiredness replaced by a grin.] Your best friend.

[Oliver's smile is small but genuine.] My best friend, Tommy Merlyn. Cissie's a friend of mine - she's going to be in town for a while and I suggested she stay with us instead of downtown.

Uh huh. [It's not quite suggestive, for which Oliver is infinitely grateful.

He gestures toward the house, already knowing what Tommy is going to say.] Why the late visit?

Ah... Thea needed a ride home. She's asleep. [Tommy rubs the back of his neck. Oliver squeezes his shoulder, a silent thank you for taking care of their mutual problem sibling.]