2019-06-02 - Back To The Grind

It's Midday and where do all business professionals flock to for that midday boost? To the nearest coffee shop of course! The brief reprieve from the rain over this past week or so, despite the last weekend, has brought those cloudy skies and drizzle back. Having some business in Downtown, Byron finds himself drawn to one of the many temples of caffeine goodness nearby. As usual, he's dressed professionally in his suit and tie with a heavy coat thrown over the ensemble to aid in protecting against the weather when moving from car to fancy coffee establishment. There's also a backpack strapped over one shoulder. In one leather gloved hand, he holds a black umbrella, one that he's tapping out the raindrops from near the entrance, before proceeding further and walking past the long line of patrons found there. No, he'd ordered his coffee ahead using an app! Ah, technology.

So moving to pick up caramel mocha latte at the counter, though he likes the quiet solitude of his ride, he'll linger for a moment longer, as to not have to wander out into the rain just yet and looks to be finding a quiet table somewhere that he can get some work done.

May was also in the mood for a bit of coffee herself, it was a little chilly out after all. On her form she was wearing a long bell-sleeved dark purple sweater with black cross bones on it and a pair of all black leggings that disappear into a pair of black leather ankle boots. As she stands in line, she curiously looks about, doing a bit of casual people watching when she spots Byron. It had been a while since she ran into him but a smile curls her lips as she slips from the line to walk towards him as she asks, "Byron? Is that you?"

You would think that May were a difficult one to miss in a crowd, especially in Downtown in the dark, gothic style that she wears, but Byron was really in need of that coffee. Having set up his laptop on a table before him, with a couple of folders laid off to the side, he's already typing out a few things in between taking that much needed drink of life-giving refreshment when his eyes lift hearing his name. Her's was not someone easy to forget and his lips spread out into a wide friendly smile, "In the flesh." His eyes linger on her a moment, before he gives the windows a mild gesture with his chin, when he murmurs, "At this moment, it still feels like wet, damp flesh, but that's life in Washington for you." Full attention returns to her now, noting that she's without coffee, "Can I get you something?" He's already reaching for his phone to do just that, as he gestures, "Have a seat, May."

May moves to sit down and then give Byron a brief hug, sitting back afterwards. "Sure a Caramel Macchiato with a lot of liquid sugar. You remember me, either it can cause a cavity or it isn't sweet enough." Laughs soon following the joke she makes about of herself. "And the weather is almost always like this, why I never get to use my favorite parasol, but worse things can happen in the world." Her eyes flit to the stack of folders as she inquires, "And how is work?"

Semi-lifting into this hug, Byron gently pats May on the back before resettling as well. He openly looks over her from head-to-toe as he's leaned back within his seat, "You look good. And yeah, I mean, come summer I'm sure we'll have enough sunlight for a few months anyway to enjoy." With his gloves removed, he's scrolling through the app on his phone, pressing a few things on the screen before sending the order through, "From what I recall," his gaze lifts to view her from over the top edge of his phone before he sets it down next to his own coffee, "you had a personality to match that sweet tooth. How have you been? How's life? Good I hope."

Even as he converses, he keeps attentive for one of the baristas to call out this second order. "Works been fine. Aside from getting a new client this past weekend. One that you wouldn't think, because the weather we'd been having was /so/ impressive." He says sarcastically, "And I'm working with a few investors on other business ventures."

May blushes softly at the compliment as she responds, "Thank you. You look dashing as you always do Byron." She sits back in her seat, her hands moving her laptop bag to rest in the chair next to her. "Life is well enough, work has been good in the private sector. I may be helping Sally out, she is new to town and opening up a barbeque place called The Firehouse in the old haunted one. I am going to be helping set up her point of sales system and coding a custom inventory one that will help track what sells best on what nights so she can order just what she needs and not have any product go sour. And... actually starting to get out of the house more." A giggle emits at the comment of the weather being so impressive before she inquires, "Who is the client, you know I like looking into those things for you. I could do a bit of my tech work if you want. I can find anything they might be trying to hide."

"Sally?" He asks, going through all the Sallys that he's ever known, especially those in town. "Ah, the food blogger. Never met her, but know of her." Reaching a hand over to lift that coffee cup to his lips again, he goes in for another warming sip. "A barbecue place, eh? I'll need to check that out." Though when told where this restaurant was being built, there's a quirk of his brows when gives off this 'huh' expression. "That's a bold choice if I say so myself. I remember visiting that place as a kid just because it was supposed to be haunted."

His tone quiets and he even sets his laptop to sleep so as not to be interrupted in their conversation, "That's good to hear." There's even this genuine smile on his face when he says this. "Glad to hear that you're venturing out into the world. Now, I don't blame you for not wanting to. There's always a bunch of crazies or drunks lingering about." Hearing his name being called, finally, he gestures to her as he rises to stand, "I'll get that for you."

And when he returns he's brought a rich bounty in the form of a Venti-sized Caramel Macchiato which he extends out for her to take, before settling himself back down.

"He's a contractor out of New York. He'll be here for the summers with his family mostly, but he's also keen on writing a detective novel. Thought the dreary setting of this place might help to inspire."

May nods yes once before she responds, "I believe so? I didn't know she was also a food blogger. I had not had the time to really dig into her background just yet. And yes barbeque, she assured me she will have a sweet barbeque sauce which I look forward to tasting." A brief pause as her hands rest in her lap as she responds, "I know... that place still kinda creeps me out but... I can't help but want to see if it will still have that feel after Sally opens up."

She smiles as she listens, lighting up as her order is ready. She was about to get up but Byron, being a gentleman, offers to get it for her so she settles back down as she responds, "Thank you Byron." Her hands easily accept the drink when offered to her, bringing it to her lips to sip on briefly before she responds, "As for the crazies, I know. There are tons of them. Somewhat use to some but not others." As she listens to the new client she hmms softly before she inquires, "A detective novel? That is quite curious. You know I like reading such things to see how close it is to how it is really done at the prcinct here."

"I've read some of her articles. She's a food critic. The thing that I'm surprised about is that she'd choose this place to start up a business." Byron says once he's already settled back down with that coffee in hand, though he doesn't lift it to his lips just yet. "I wouldn't say that this is a town full of foodies, but it could be heading in that direction. Gentrification and all." He says with a murmur. "If that ever starts happening, I'm sure there'll be some push back against it."

On talking about this client of his, Byron has to laugh, "Do I think he'll be a successful writer? No. Absolutely not. First of all, he's a contractor, not a writer. But I thought I'd help fuel his inspiration somewhat. It's more of a hobby he'd like to start up." After an idle lick at his lips, tasting the caramel there, he says, "So you actually did it. Working with the police department now. Almost makes me feel like I'm the only one not to have followed in my father's footsteps in any way. Andi did it. Magnolia wanted to." He's lists off the rest of the children of cops in town.

May offers a soft shrug before she comments, "Well, it isn't like we actually have good barbeque in town, and you know how everyone gets when a new place opens it. It well be good for the economy either way. I like to think anyway." She is letting her coffee cool a touch more before she sips on it, but she is enjoying cupping the warmth with her hands. "And there is always push back about something new. People are generally stuck in their ways and habits."

She gently blows on the top of her coffee as she listens to Bryon speak of his client, unable to giggle into her coffee a bit. "Fueling inspiration can indeed be a good thing. And I suppose I am in a way. I just don't wear the badge like they do. Can't bring myself to hold a gun. Still." She softly shakes her head before she responds, "I really need to catch up with Andi since she divorced. And I haven't seen Magnolia in ages it feels like. How has she been doing?" Also inquiring about the other children in town between sips and inquiries.

"I have nothing against gentrification myself. If it's done mindfully." Byron will admit to right before taking a sip from his cup, then setting it down, a now-idle hand resting on the tabletop beside it. "It's difficult to draw attention to this place, especially with it's dreary economy and it's been this way for a while. So new businesses that could possibly pique the interest of anyone who wants to visit a cozy, sleepy bayside town, but who also want their fancy coffee and.. now sweet barbecue," He says that last part with a smile, "May be more willing to take the plunge. Hell, we've got a far too fancy bakery for this kind of town, but it's a good way for me to sell Gray Harbor to any interested potential tenants."

"Andi and I have kept in touch over the years, but life does get busy. Haven't heard too much from Magnolia as of late either. I'll definitely try to reach out." Thinking further on something that May had said, his own eyes now lingering on her, perhaps seeing that bright light within that so many in town seem to possess. "So you can look up anyone through a police databank? What about incidents from the past, out of curiosity!" The last part he says quickly, making sure to tack it on. "I'm doing a little research myself right at the moment."

May nods softly as she agrees, "I would like to assume it would be done correctly, but we know I try to be an optimist when I can." She does try to see the good in people, but that is why she hacks into others, she knows her judgement isn't always the best. "Well... if I hear of any other places that are new I will let you know. I walk by this place called Pew Pew Pie, it looks newish? I don't remember it being there a month and a half ago. Kinda curious to go in but... you know I get nervous unless I know someone who works there already or it belongs to a friend. Social... situations can suck for me." She does tend to shell up with the more people around, especially new ones. A nod is given before she says, "I should reach out to both of them too. I need a girl's night out. Can't remember the last time I /actually/ went out for one of those in truth." A soft giggle emitting before she hmms softly as the near whispered words. She quietly responds, "I could if you need me to yes, what is it you want me to nose about into? You know I not mind digging and hacking if I need to."

"Pew Pew Pie..." Byron says the name out loud, "I'd read about it in the paper. Pizza joint. I hear there was an incident there not long ago, not long after it was opened. But if you're ever free, I don't mind checking it out either. And who'd want to eat a whole pizza pie alone right?"

When she seems willing to help him with this task, Byron considers, "How far does your databank go? I mean." He clears his throat a bit now, leaning forward in his seat after pushing his laptop slightly off to the side. "I was looking for information on the Baxter family. The ones who were driven out of town so many, many years ago. Someone told me that they, for whatever reasons, looked through the cemeteries in town and found no Baxter headstones. What we are curious about is whether there are any possible Baxters living in town. I know, that might be difficult to track as some may be going under different surnames now. And just any possible leads on what incidents forced them to be driven from this place." He then goes to add, seeing as she has that spark within her, so she must know, "There's an idea that it has to do with the oddity that is Gray Harbor."

May laughs a bit before she responds, "Maybe college students? I... am pretty sure I ate a whole pie my freshman year. I did gain that freshman 15 after all, but... I think I needed it. I was skinner in high school."

Her voice drops once more as she responds, "Well I can always get into the other ones if I need to, you know that. I can try to look into the Baxter. And... I may be able to at least try to locate something, it may take me a bit. And... you know my love for odd things, partly why I will probably never move away. I did... visit a bar in the town over the other night though. It was rather fun." Her cheeks flushing a touch once more.

Hearing May's laughter brings that smile to Byron's lips and whether she was self-conscious about it or not at that age, he does go to confirm, "You definitely were a skinny child back then." Before adding on, "But I believe we all were." The smile broadens a touch. He seems content by her willingness, and perhaps eagerness, to tackle this job. Though he's curious now, as this is the first that he'd seen her in a time, "How have you been feeling during the past few weeks, since the festival started? And has that changed now that the theater troupe and everything are gone?" Inquisitive dark eyes lift to view her from across the way, though he doesn't just sit and stare, he takes a drink from his coffee cup as well.

When she brings up a bar, he has to ask, "Oh? Which bar?"

May nods as she agrees, "I suppose we all were. You know that Nicholas still calls me Wednesday to this day." She laughs a bit more before she takes a moment. "I.. I feel like there is a pull again. And.... the nightmares... dreams... whatever it is... they are... just getting so intense now. I... am not sure what to do about it. Still a bit... fearful I guess." As he inquires about the bar she hmms softly and responds, "Oh it was one out in Wishkah. I met this guy who is training to be a pilot there and he was in the army before that from what he told me. I... was going to do a bit of digging on him." She bites her bottom lip briefly before she tacks on, "But I can do yours first." She flits back to the theater mention as she softly murmurs, "I still can't believe I came out unscatched in all of that."

Byron tries to recall if he knows this Nicholas, "I don't know if I know him personally, at any rate. But Wednesday?" He laughs, "I mean, if you don't mind. But you've always had a far better disposition than Miss Addams ever had." A nod then follows, listening to her mention of nightmares and dreams, his own gaze drifting now to stare at the black screen of his laptop. "Since the theater troupe are gone, things should be looking up, I think. Or that's how I feel, personally. That oppressive darkness isn't there anymore." He's no fool though, "But I know that it will return."

Looking more rested when he leans casually in his seat, arm outstretched with his hand resting on the table, he can't help but grin, "A pilot, huh? From what I've heard, you have to watch out for those types. Heartbreakers that they are. But, I don't want to pressure you into doing this. I mean, it could be somewhat important in the long run, but even I can't say. The Baxter-Addington family feud may really be nothing and simply some argument back in the day over money."

Then he hears her response to the topic of the theater and he blinks, "You were there too? I mean, it was crowded and dark for a time." If he were attentively looking her over before, he does so even more now, eyes narrowed a touch, "Were you hurt at all?"

May giggles a bit and muses, "He called me it back in school sometimes. It was meant more as a pet name than anything. He hangs out with Harper a lot. The librarian." A soft nod is given in agreement, she knows that darkness will return again as well, a brief look that is annoyance mixed with worry crosses her feature but is gone just as quickly. She comments about the pilot, "I am... trying to be careful. Just never really wanted to date until now. We both know I was more wrapped up in my work before and didn't... really let people close." She shrugs softly before she says, "But I'll be careful, I promise Byron. As for the fued... there is always a story behind the story and a beginning to find. And... I was at the theater... I managed to be able to shield myself and a few others and took to harm. And have to heal a few. You know I... hate using my... gifts... unless I have to."

While he might not know Nicholas, he does know who Harper is, being of the same age. "That's interesting. I guess I don't tend to go to the library as often as I... well, in this day and age of the internet, there's really no reason to venture to the library. You have all the information you need right at your fingertips." Byron intones, before reconsidering, "Then again, not every thread of info makes it onto the information highway that is the internet. Surprisingly."

This talk of dating brings that grin back to his lips, a bit of laughter found in his tone, "Dating will always be an experience, for good or bad. Even those of us who've gone through a few relationships already, it's can still be awkward when taking that first step. But I wish you luck and let's hope that you aren't disappointed with what you find out about him." His gaze doesn't look on her when he says this and he's already back to casually sipping at his already cooled down coffee.

The darkness. It's not a topic that Byron ever really engaged in until now even though he knew about it, that those nightmares existed. "Before the theater company set up shop, some of those actors and performers began to pay specific individuals in town a visit. Trying to lure them, just as they did during the performance, to.. kind of side with them." His eyes lift, looking to her once more, "That night, they were after Alexander Clayton's blood, of all people. I wonder who will be the target next."

May laughs a bit before she responds, "Sometimes reading an actual book is nice I find. And I happen to like the smell of books. I know sometimes they are musty but it has an odd appeal to me I guess." She sips on her coffee as she listens to the dating advice before she responds, "I hope I am not either but... I am still hopeful I am right about him."

A soft sigh emits as she says, "I know they were after Alexander, I am glad they didn't succeed but I wonder who is the next target too. Sometimes in some of my work he is very useful. Even if he is odd. I am too so I suppose I not mind his, should that make sense."

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I still buy books. It makes my bookshelf look impressive." Byron says good-humoredly, "But no, I read as well and I do agree, I'd prefer to have a good book on hand, just to feel the pages beneath my fingertips. There's also no awkward interface to mess with." No, he won't pry further into May's love-life, not wanting to make her self-conscious about it all.

"Do you know that I caught Alexander skulking around my home once back when we were kids? My first interaction with him, if you can call it that." Byron says in a dry tone, "But yes, you're right. He does have his uses with that font of information that he carries around with him." Perhaps just realizing the weight of what she'd said earlier, he does make sure to add in, "I'm, also, glad that you're fine and came out of that thing at the theater unscathed. Several others weren't so lucky and it's hard to explain to the authorities that you were randomly struck by a crossbow bolt when there's no such bolt to be found. Anywhere."

May smiles as Byron agrees with her about the books and looks curious as he mentions his first meeting with Alexander, all while sipping on her coffee, not much of it left by now. Soon she responds, "It is hard to explain it to them. Especially when they just look at you like you are crazy. You know that is why I went reclusive, to try and avoid all of that. Especially since I work with them. It makes i t all the more difficult to look credible if I look crazy. Then they will require me to see a therapist more than just once a month. And I already am not super fond of the one I have now already."

Byron's about done with his coffee as well and is idly sorting up his paperwork, straightening them neatly within their folders. "You'd think that the town would know by now that there's something strange going on here." He pauses, hands at both sides of the folder in pause, "Or that there's something in the water and they're lucky enough not to catch it." Another of his warm smiles forms. "With everything many of us had gone through growing up in this town, you'd expect them to be keen on all of it, but then again, when I went away to college, I'd forgotten most of it myself."

Placing his items into the backpack, before pressing the laptop closed, he brings up, "I have a phone call that I need to make, but if you like, I can drive you home. Doesn't look like the weather will let up. And it's on my way." He's not sure whether she'd driven out here herself or taken a cab."

May sets her coffee on the table as she responds, "You would think so, but I think some actually have the ability to forget and just chalk it up to some sort of nightmare or something. And... I do think something is in the water." She laughs a bit. She nods a bit before she says, "I did all of my stuff online, so I never really left. And a ride would be lovely. I still have to get my car over to Jack's shop so he can fix it. You know how my ford gets sometimes." Her laptop bag is easily picked up and resting on her lap, ready to get up and go whenever he is.

Byron's got his laptop all packed up too, securely in the backpack and he's already reaching to put on those gloves. Hey, it's chilly out there! Holding his umbrella close, pressed against him with one crooked arm, he picks up both empty coffee cups to deposit in the recycling bin. When May comes to join him, he shakes his head slowly, "This is not the best time of year for your car to be in the shop," He says all grins. As their preparing to brave the onslaught of rain, the umbrella goes up to shield the both of them. Being that this is Downtown, sometimes it's hard to find parking right near the building that you'd like, so there's a little bit of a walk in the rain.

Byron's Rolls Royce is one of the fanciest cars in town, once the doors are unlocked, hers open to allow her entrance before hurrying around the large vehicle to slip into the driver's seat. Here, he closes the umbrella and slips it into... a compartment within the car built for just that. In fact, the umbrella is being dried off by heat within there as we speak. For now, he turns some of the heat on, if simply to help them warm up or get dry from that little walk. She can feel her seat warming up as well.

"Let me know if you find anything. I mean, I'll be trying to do my own research... maybe even hitting up the library." He says, turning towards her with a flash of smile. "Or the Addington House museum, if time permits."

May easily and quickly moves with Bryon to the Rolls Royce, getting into the passenger seat and buckling in for the ride as she muses back to him, "I know it isn't but you know, fix or repair daily." She giggles as she makes the jab about her car but she has had it for a long time. She hmms happily as the seat warmer can be felt beginning to work as he gives her a ride to her house on Bayridge. "I promise I will let you know Byron. And go see if maybe Harper has anything, or even Alexander. He is a wealth of knowledge, as we agreed on before." A brief pause, "I should go to the musuem, it has been ages since I went. Thank you again for the ride Byron." She gives him a quick hug before she gets out of the car and quickly scurries to her door to keep out of the rain.

Byron accepts the hug graciously enough once he reaches her home. Once he resettles back into his seat, he murmurs, "Yeah. Alexander is the one who brought this subject up to me." He'll admit that much, that it as Alexander's inquiry that led to him bringing the topic up with May. "You take care of yourself." He would have walked her to the door with the umbrella, but it's amusing to watch her run to avoid getting soaked. With that said, the door slowly begins to shut with invisible hands just as he looks down at his shiny gold watch to see how much time he has left before said boring meeting. They had a lot of work ahead of them.