2019-06-13 - The Buddy System

Gray but rainless outside, that's a good spring day for the area. Jack isn't a usual comer to the place of Java, but today his feet dragged him in. There is a wetness to the bottom of his blue dickie pants, grass wet, with some clippings on it. Seems he chose to do some lawn work this evening before coming for a late night coffee (going by ic time). A coffee in hand, he's not taken to a seat yet, instead he's found the paper they offer, coffee on the counter. He's crumpling it madly (not fast, but a rough shake with each page turn, actual mad). His coffee cools on the counter, but its a blended ice drink, more like melts a little waiting for him to pick it up. "Good, god damnit." He grumps finally, after fingering through discombobulated sections of paper from other readers. He sets down what he found, the obituaries, and finally grabs his drink to look around for a place to sit, or someone who needs company if the place is hopping enough. His face still holding that grump of anger he had in searching the paper.

Cole wanders inside and heads over to the counter to get himself a cup of coffee -- nothing fancy, just plain coffee with cream. Glancing around, he looks for familiar faces and spots Jack grumbling over the paper. "Hey Jack," he says, having met the man once with Sall and Declan while getting coffee previously. "Bad news?" He nods toward the paper.

Eli pushes his shoulder into the door of the coffee place and slips inside. His eyes are down and his brow furrowed in some degree of concentration, brain working hard on some thought or another. Or maybe he just always looks like that. He pushes a hand across his face and draws his hair back, wiping the expression away and focusing on moving to the counter and ordering himself something warm. The man is dressed in jeans and well worn sneakers, a black spring jacket on the top, maybe not needed for the temperature but more the potential of rain. He takes a sip from his steaming mug as soon as it's in his hand before making his way toward the seating area.

Some people don't function well without coffee, and Genevieve is that type of woman. She gently pushes the door open to step inside, blue eyes scanning the place before she moves to place an order. "Iced caramel mocha, please." She orders, setting money carefully on the counter. She's dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a loose tee-shirt, her hair pulled back into a braid. She waits quietly for her order, and when it's finally finished she turns to make her way to sit. There is a polite, friendly nod to those already gathered, and once she's settled she'll pull a new book from a bag that was hanging from her shoulder.

Hannah has been camped out here for awhile, curled in one of those chairs that looks comfortable but really isn't. A slim laptop is propped across her knees and a hot coffee rests within reach on a nearby table. She's not occupying the table, just...using a little corner of it. She glances up with wide dark eyes as people drift in. All strangers.

Lifting that cold coffee of his, Jack hefts it just lightly towards said paper that Cole asked about. "Actually, good," he says in a put off manner. Like exepcting bad news much? Then he takes a drink himself and explains, "Someone dropped me some news, just good to see they're not dead or missing." Certianly the most articulate and informed presenter of information, he concludes that explains it all. He doesn't move to sit, so those getting drinks are nearby or passing by to get on. "Good time to be new to town in your line of work, lots of new construction in some of these old places, finding pletny of work Cole?" He asks the man, nodding at any locals he may recognize, "Maybe we chould grab seats before they're gone, grab yourself one, I'll see what I can kick up?" He can follow or not, Jack finds the table that Hannah has claimed a corner of by virtue of proximity, "Can I rent some space?" Asked to her, implying can he take a chair a the table, but not the whole thing.

Easton is seated at a table in the center of the room, a satchel bag stuffed with papers and probably a laptop is down at his side. There's a gigantic chocolate chip cookie in front of him that he seems more interested in picking at then actually shoving in his face like normal. A large mug of black coffee sits next to the plate. He, like many other patrons of coffee shops everywhere, is more interested in his phone than the goings-on around him. He glances up every time the door opens, as if he's expecting someone, but none get more than a cursory glance. He's not waiting for you.

"Well, that's a good thing.. the whole.. not dead or missing, right?" Cole asks, lifting his cup of coffee and taking a swig from it. He pauses for a moment and then says, "Oh, I'm not really in construction as a profession. I'm just kind of looking for anything at all, really. But yeah, I've found a bit of work doing some odd jobs, and a place to stay, so I'm out of the motel now." He follows Jack over toward the table near Hannah and gives her a smile as they approach, taking up a chair on the other side of the table so that there's plenty of room for everyone.

Hannah is back to staring at her laptop screen, but glances up when Jack addresses her and flickers a smile. "Oh. Of course, yeah. I can move my cup?" It's a polite offer, though there's just a hint there that she'd definitely rather continue to make use of the table corner. There's a little nod to Cole. "Dead or missing?"

"I feel like we all should introduce ourselves, this isn't exactly a large area." Genevieve says, glancing around with a smile on her face, the slight accent in her voice noticable the more that she speaks. She takes a sip of her mocha, turns the page of her book, lifting her gaze to look around. She waves briefly to Easton and gathers her things to move to an occupied table, since that seems to be the craze. She nods at Eli when she settles near him, keeping her book closed. "Afternoon, stranger. I'm Genevieve Dupis.." She offers a hand so he can shake it, taking a sip of her mocha before she sets it down. "You are?"

One of Gray Harbor's finest pulls up in the patrol car into the parking lot and a few minutes later Andi Johnson, lifelong resident, steps inside in her uniform. Black shirt and pants and a utility belt around her waist with everything from cuffs to a pistol holstered there. A quick glance around and hearing part of the conversation, her suspicions are confirmed by that obituary portion of the paper. With a long-suffering sigh she heads to the counter to place an order, sort of stiffening her shoulders in every attempt to look unapproachable. "Large coffee, little sweet-n-low, lot of creamer." Her words are clipped, not at all her usual friendly and patient self.

"One step more official being out of the motal," comments Jack to Cole as they are near Hannah's table. "Nah, leave your cup, table is more yours, we're the guests." But he does take a seat, leaving room for Cole and other takers of course. "Someone showed up out of the blue, talking nonsense. So, kind of put me in the bad spot of now having to wonder about them." He explains more on the missing or dead topic to those interested or listening. "So far, not dead or missing. But no telling what she's up to since she dropped that on my lap." Whether Genevieve is close or not, he does offer "Jack," which may help Hannah at least, make him less a stranger. His eyes catch Andi on her entry as she orders coffee, if she turns around, a hand lift in greeting with a turn and curl of finger in a light come on over fashion of invite.

With his coffee in hand, Eli navigates between chairs and tables with a somewhat distracted sense about him. Not that he's distracted with anything in particular. He's hardly in a seat before Genevieve is settle nearby and making her declaration, blinking and refocusing his attention more fully upon her in that moment. "Eli." He replies in a clear voice, though not loud. He doesn't shy away from the hand, accepting it while he looks at Genevieve with an impolite degree of intensity for a few seconds before releasing her hand and shifting his eyes to her book. "Something good?" He asks, curious, before sweeping his attention back toward the others who are gathered close by to catch more names.

"Hannah," Hannah adds to the impromptu coffee shop role call before shaking her head to Jack. "I just didn't want the mug near the laptop and if I put it on the floor I'll forget it's there. But I think we can all happily co-exist." So the coffee cup remains.

"No need to move," Cole says to Hannah with a smile. He's not using any of the table, himself, just the chair nearby. Glancing over at Genevieve, he smiles a little bit at her announcement that they should all introduce themselves. "Cole," he offers at the sugestion, before nodding to Jack. "Feels a little more official, anyway. Like I might actually be staying, after all." His brow furrows just a little bit at the mention of someone showing up and talking nonsense. "What sort of nonsense?" he asks, curiously.

"I don't know, you might consider horticulture interesting." Genevieve jokes to Eli, patting the book with her hand once she reclaims it. "I think it is." She nods, and then turns to smile at the others as they start to introduce themselves. "I hope everyone is having a day that coffee can cure." She offers, raising her clear plastic cup with a smirk. She takes a drink and opens her book, flowers showing on the pages. She crosses her legs, turning to peek outside. "Anyone know of any nature trails nearby?"

Easton smiles and does a polite wave to Genevieve, remembering her from the other night. He watches the other table of people gathering with interest for a moment, especially as introductions are made. It dawns on him that the coffee shop is quite full, so he consolidates some of the things on his table back into his bag and makes sure the chairs at his table are likewise free. He then looks back to his phone and is dismayed by something on it, specifically the local news feed that he's just catching up on now.

Oh you bet Andi is listening to the names and applying each to the mental picture she takes. Never bad to know the new locals. Or the old ones. The coffee is placed on the counter and after paying and dropping a tip in the jar she gathers it to turn around. Catching that crook of Jack's finger, she relents and walks over, approaching the others at the same time. "Andi," she says to no one in particular. "Johnson," adding in case people wanted more formality. "Hi Jack." Cole and Hannah, nearby Jack likewise get a look over and a nod of greeting.

"Local nonsense, half the people think their cursed or something," mutters Jack aabout that friend, "Poking at things no one needs poke at, let skeletons lie where they are you know?" Or maybe not so much. "You're pitching in quick, sort of person worth keeping around if you ask me." Muttered again, like he knows locals that aren't so motivated to work even. That seems settled, "Firefly Forest is close if you don't want to drive out of town a little to hike," to the one who asked, and to the latest arrival, "Hey Andi." She gets a chin just of greeting to, a little more warm reception than most might get from the bearded mechanic.

Hannah reaches for her coffee and takes a delicate sip, but looks up sharply as Jack makes a nature walk suggestion to Genevieve. She clears her throat and says hesitantly, "Be care out there if you go. I ran into some strange sh...stuff out that way a few days ago." Local nonsense, no doubt.

Eli turns his coffee mug in his fingers and brings it to his lips for a sip, eyes narrowing a little at Genevieve's answer and then her question. He lowers the mug. "The cemetery is peaceful and picturesque to walk around." He offers, as though it's an entirely normal place to spend your free time. He's briefly distracted by Andi making her way into the shop, making enough eye contact and a small nod of his head - that's considered to be a polite enough greeting in his book. "Are you new to the area?" He asks Genevieve when he pulls his attention back.

Genevieve's attention is caught by Hannah and Jack, especially at the news that she should be careful. So when she turns to gaze at Eli, she looks slightly distracted. "The cemetery? You can often find some really nice plants there, depending on how well kept the place is." She nods and rests her hands on her book, fully engaging herself into the conversation. "Just moved here not too long ago, actually. Looking to put down roots and stay, no pun intended." She spots Andi, raising her hand to wave and smile in her direction before she turns back to Eli. "Go walking in the cemetery often?" She pulls a stubby pencil from her bag and makes a note about Firefly Forest, offering Jack a casual salute in thanks.

"No one needs to walk alone in Firefly Forest. Or anywhere else for that matter," says the cop, Andi. "We're just close enough to Seattle for some of the crazies to make their way here and cause trouble for one. And for another does anyone ever read the paper?" A head bob in the general direction of the obits. "Or is everyone just fearless and looking for trouble? It's not that hard to find. We are a coastal town and attract tourists." Her usually patient voice is sharp. But she looks tired, like maybe she worked late into the night. Eli gets a weary smile, he's someone familiar to her, and so is Jack. It's at Jacks table she sits. Some of the locals may recognize Jack as her ex-husband. She sips her coffee before returning the smile to Genevieve, remembering her from the Waffle Shoppe finally. "I hope you found Miss Carmen."

"I stick to the town mostly these days," nods Jack, not quite agreeing with Hannah about strange stuff, but not denying either just the same. "Not bad on a good day though. Definitely take a friend, buddy system, standard forest safety though." As if to downplay weirdness himself. He's over that nonsens. "Acros by St. Mary's I keep that lawn, its kept." Not the only cemetery in a town this size for certain. "Nah, little Erin Addington came over talking nonsense about Tommy, I can't let it go now, have to make sure she's not in the paper." Then a little turn of a grin, "Hey, I read the paper still." Not a google person for his news at least. A slight lift of his brows as Andi comments about Carmen to Genevieve, he may have heard a little and its a name to face sort of moment, if only in a passing sort of way, but connect the dots.

Easton clears his throat reflexively when he can't help but overhear Andi blame 'those big city crazies' for why Firefly forest might not be safe. He considers being good and holding his tongue, because it's already rude enough to eavesdrop. Buuuut, it's Easton. So he doesn't. He instead looks at Hannah and asks, "Was that the 'weirdness' in the forest? Drugged up crazies from Seattle?" He holds up both hands to Andi and says, "No offense, but this little town hardly needs to import trouble from what I can tell." He turns to regard Jack when he mentions Erin, but doesn't say anything about that yet, just makes mental note while giving him a curious look.

"The crazies?" Hannah asks, looking at Andi with her eyebrows perked in reserved curiousity. "I'm not sure having someone with me in the forest would've helped that much, but I did run into some people eventually and that was...fortunate, probably." Her gaze cuts to Easton and she shakes her head solemnly.

"The paper always makes things seems worse than they seem. I've been walking around the city and the outskirts my entire life and have never run into anything that was a real threat." Eli remarks, eyes following Andi for a moment after her little speech. "Can't really go about the day like the worst is going to happen all the time." His words are a bit more bold than the otherwise quiet tone he'd been taking. Eli's focus falls firmly back on Genevieve after he has said his piece, nodding to her. "I do walk there often. It's peaceful. Even if there are other people it's not the kind of place where strangers will just walk up and start a conversation." Not like in a coffee shop. "Welcome to the city. It's a good place to live. And the forest is misunderstood. Just like any wilderness, have to be careful and not get turned around is all."

Genevieve goes from looking slightly intrigued to worried, her eyes wide as she takes in the talk about weirdness and crazies in the forest. "Perhaps I should stick closer to town." She murmurs, more to herself than anyone else. She nods at Andi, reaching out slowly for her drink, taking a long sip. "I did find Miss Carmen and she did give me a job. I'm churning soil and helping people pick out flowers on a part time basis." She shakes her glass, letting the ice cubes rattle around before she adds, "Thank you Eli, if I need to engage in the buddy system, I will look for you." She clears her throat and murmurs under her breath as she turns the page of her book. "Jamais un moment ennuyeux."

Easton tries not to look smug, it's not entirely successful, but he does at least nod to Hannah in a 'yea, I bet it was way worse than that' understanding manner. He looks a little surprised when Eli recommends it as peaceful. That's not exactly how we would describe any part of this town so far, particularly since even a novice like Easton can tell that Eli stands out, in a group of people who stand out. He chimes in on Genevieve's introduction of sorts, "And starting a pot dispensary business!" He smiles at her and adds, "I'm starting that rumor to hold you to it."

But with that he checks his watch and grumbles, he takes his phone outside to apparently call who ever he's waiting for and make sure he has the time right. Spoiler, he doesn't.

"Now see how stories change with each telling? Did I once mention drugged up when I mentioned the crazies? That's how these stories work, exaggerated with each and every telling." Lips press together with disapproval. "And there's no use causing a ruckus. Especially to someone charged with keeping the peace in this town." Andi also gives Jack a look upon his mention of the Addington coming over and talking with him. Especially about Tommy. There's a shake of her head and a weary hand is drawn down her face, sort of at a loss as what to say to that particular tidbit. "That's right, you can't go along like something bad is going to happen. But don't be deliberately unprepared in case something does."

"You know what they say about the guy who went to find the minotaur," Jack asks stoicly, lifting his drink to his lips for some cold smooth coffee, "He found it." As if that's the allgory of the cave, which, philosophically speaking, it wasn't. Though seeing what one wants to see ... "You go looking for trouble, you may find some and may not be what you're looking for." Then he nods towards Eli, "There you go." But Jack doesn't explain so much, does he agree with locals walk around all the time with nothing really threatening happening, or not getting turned around in the forest? He is good at explaining himself, articulating enough to not mean much at all half the time. A nod given to Andi when she looks his way, confirming thoughts she probably has already, some agreement between them, an understanding.

Hannah offers a wry smile at Easton's expressed camaraderie, but then he's out the door. "So, you meant crazies from Seattle," she states to Andi, trying to get the story straight. "In general."

"La ville est belle n'ayez pas peur de l'explorer. Ils s'inquiètent trop." Eli says to Genevieve. The words are delivered cleanly, technically perfect, though someone who natively speaks the language would no doubt detect that the accent is learned rather than developed. Blue eyes shift to Jack and a hint of a smile tugs at Eli's lips. "There I go." He agrees. It's not entirely clear what he's agreeing to, but he took something from Jack's words. Again he looks between Hannah and Andi. "It's Seattle. If they're sending crazies down here it's only because they can't find a Starbucks." He says, still dismissive of the idea that the city is infiltrating them with such people.

Genevieve raises her brows as she gazes at Eli, but his words seem to mollify her slightly and she nods, turning the page to her book. "I still think, for now, I will engage in this buddy system. If nothing else, having company on a hike would not be the most horrible thing in the world." She takes a sip of her drink, frowning as she nearly finishes the drink with that slurp. She shakes her cup, holds up a finger and gets to her feet, moving to procure a refill.

While Andi doesn't really believe so much what she's shoveling, she makes a good show of it. While other townies keep insisting it is all locally grown she furrows her brows a touch. "Yes, in general." Just trying to keep a clean rep for the town no matter how much coverup there may be. "Buddy system is always best for anyone. Safety in numbers and all that." Brows lift, almost daring Eli to refute that. There's a clipped nod to Jack, in complete agreement. "You look for trouble, chances are you'll find it."

Hannah just nods, once, silently, at Andi's answer, then chimes in, "Yeah, take a buddy. And a gun. Or a shovel. Both, maybe."

"Hornets nets, if a chance upon a bear, a loud noise can get it to move along. You attack it, it'll defend." Says Jack about trouble in the woods. Then more towards Andi, "Can't complain about a walk with a friend no how. Weather is always good for company in Gray Harbor. That's one thing you can't go wrong with." Affirmations and it may have made some sense. "I wish I could get more people away from looking for trouble. No one bothers to listen though. If you hear anything on that Addington girl, let me know." He doesn't want to dig up his past, but he knows someone else is, he worries, even if he seems to be put off by most people.

"No harm in having a friend along until you get to know the area." Eli is forced to agree, watching Andi while he does so and lifting his shoulders in a small shrug of surrender. He does not to Genevieve before she gets up to get her refill. "I'm walking nearly every day. Somewhere. I can show you a few places." He returns his attention to his own coffee mug, taking a deeper sip now that it has cooled. His eyes settle on Jack again, lips parting at though he might comment further on the idea of looking for trouble, but instead he leans back and stays silent.

Genevieve returns and settles back down where he book is still open, her legs crossing again as she sips from her cup. "I don't want trouble, just samples of the local flora, that's all." She sets down her cup and glances from Hannah to Jack, her lips quirking as she fights off a grin. "I don't have a gun, nor a shovel, hopefully though at some point I manage to make friends." She brushes some hair behind her ear. "If not, the buddy system will get a little bit iffy." Then Eli offers to be her buddy. "I would like that." She jots her number down on a piece of paper, tearing it to pass it to Eli.

Shoulders kinda sag when Eli inputs and Andi tries to toss a covert look of thanks in his direction. Relieved that Genevieve may not be roaming around by herself now. Point for the good guys. Another sip of her coffee and she glances over at Hannah and her mention of the shovel and gun, an all together new problem.. before giving Jack a nod. "If I hear anything about the Addington girl I will let you know. She has been flying off the radar lately as far as I know. At least when I'm on duty."

A slow nod from Jack, that seems good enough for him. "A friend around here can do better than a gun or shovel, sometimes." Which by the way he stops there, that's as far as he's willing to go on the topic of a good friend is better, his eyes do look to Eli on that one, somewhere in the 'there ya go' agreement without much more to add, and back to Andi. "I'm sure your plate is full enough, hate to make personal requests like that, but damned if she wonders off and doesn't return, I'm going to feel responsible that stupidity." There, he's opening up a little in present company, making steps, baby steps. Thankfully he has coffee, to occupy his taste buds with to stop all this dang nabbity talking coming from his very own lips.

Eli looks down at the phone number that has been scrawled out for him, perhaps trying to figure out how he went from having a cup of coffee to volunteering himself for buddy duty. He reaches out and takes it, pushing it into the pocket of his jeans. "I'll text so you'll have mine." He says to Genevieve. "I don't know much about the local flora. There is a lot of it. I enjoy seeing it all around. Maybe I'll learn a few things." He pushes a hand back up through his hair again and brings his coffee to his lips, eyes tightening toward Hannah. "Gun is more likely to to harm you than whatever might be out there. And everyone is suspicious if I carry a shovel to the cemetery."

"I'm certainly not suggesting you take a shovel to the cemetery," Hannah says mildly to Eli over the rim of her coffee mug.

Genevieve covers her mouth so the brief laughter doesn't carry, her eyes on Eli when he speaks. "Am I going to hear rumors about my new nature buddy? Digging up bodies on dark, stormy weekends?" She looks amused, even if he does not, turning to gaze at the others. "Do not worry, I don't want to find trouble or get into it." She tries to reassure Andi, picking up her cup. "I just enjoy nature, and taking a hike is usually the easiest way to accomplish getting into some."

"Oh trust me, if an Addington gets hurt on my watch.. well I'm sure the elder Mrs Margaret would have my job anyway." Andi really means that and so she speaks it quietly to those at the table or immediate vicinity. A smile is offered to Genevieve at the reassurance. "That's good. I have to agree, it's always good to get back to nature when you can. I think I'm due for vacation time soon. I may spend time doing just that, out in the woods somewhere." Her eyes crinkle at the sides at her own amusement. "With a buddy of course." Chancing a look towards Jack.

Cole comes wandering back in from where he'd gone outside to take a call that had him standing around out front of the shop for a bit. The conversation over, he makes his way back over to his seat and slides into it once more, but not before grabbing a second cup of coffee, just listening to the others for the moment, catching up on the conversation.

He'd said too much, for his liking, so Jack retreated just a little into listening. Comfortable there, his own world. He does finally look over at Andi, "Definitely buddy system. You're capable enough, but you need a dirty mechanic to help scare off the bears." He seems serious in all that, but no telling, maybe a little gleem in his eyes, his variant of this smiling concept. "I could use more walks myself. Even around town, face of her is changing lately. Lots of new business." A look at the more local types though, "Makes you wonder, is the wind blowing something our way."

"I'll leave my shovel at home." Eli says, lips turning in a small smile while he meets Genevieve's eyes and shakes his head. He leans back into his seat, seeming more comfortable with the small crowd as a bit more time passes. He certainly gives the impression that this isn't something he does all that often. His fingers flex around his mug while he listens without comment to the quiet conversation about the Addington, but it seems he has nothing really to add on that matter. "You're from France?" He asks Genevieve during a lull.

When Cole comes back in, Andi offers him a nod in between sips of her coffee. She'd gotten a to-go cup with every intention of leaving after ordering. Caught up though, here she still was. "I think the dirty mechanic is one of the bears," she teases him, but there's genuine fondness when she looks at him. "There's always something blowing into town, we'll see what it is this summer besides the tourists."

"If you feel the need to bring your shovel, I won't be put out. As long as you are digging up plants for me, and not planting me in the dirt." Genevieve jokes, her eyes rolling playfully as she sips from her cup. "My parents were from France, they had me once they moved to Georgia." She shakes the ice in her cup, setting it down. Her gaze moves from Jack to Andi, watching them discuss a nature hike of their own. Then she gazes down at her book, reading for a few moments before she turns the page. "Does it get busy here during tourist season?"

Hannah downs the last of her coffee, closes her laptop and tucks it in its bag. "Lovely meeting you all," she says before unfurling from her seat, slinging her laptop bag over her shoulder, depositing her mug in the dirty dish tray and slipping out into the drab evening.

"Oh," Cole says, as though something suddenly occurred to him to ask. "Does anyone know if there's a dance studio in town at all?" Sometimes even small towns have studios where kids learn tap and ballet, that sort of thing. He doesn't look like he necessarily expects anyone to know, but one never knows. He smiles to Andi in greeting as well before glancing in Genvieve's direction, perhaps curious as to the answer to her question about tourist season as well.

"Busier, for sure. Not that this is a top vacation destination, but it's close enough that it makes for a cheap place to get away from the city and get a taste of something quieter." Eli replies, not commenting on whether he'll be burying anyone during nature walks. He glances toward Andi to let her give her perspective on tourist season - no doubt it's much more busy from her point of view. He just has to deal with slightly longer grocery lines. "Quiet and peaceful here, right?"

"That coupled with the crazies from Seattle, like weekend getaway them. Not quite tourism, we all drink Rainier, but tourist enough for my blood." And Jack nods as well to Eli's summation of why they come, taste of something quieter. "We'll let it blow us out of the way, figure it out ourselves I think, on those hikess," he offers to Andi as well before pondering Cole's question. "Not sure," as in not his interest, but he does elucidate, "If not, I'm sure someone has a in home instruction studio out of a spare room. Not my part of town though." Too rich for is blood?

"I hope to be considered a local after a while, I do plan on staying." Genevieve wiggles her fingers briefly at Cole, greeting him again as he settles down into a chair. "I was thinking of taking a trip to Seattle to do some shopping, but if there are crazies there, I'll just poke around online for the things I need." She looks amused, her crossed leg swinging out slowly, bumping Eli's leg beneath the table. "Je suis désolé." She murmurs in his direction, her fingers toying with the straw in her drink.

"It's not so bad. Just being a coastal town it's a destination place. And the proximity to Seattle makes it even more desirable as a get away, especially with our small town and less touristy feel." Andi smiles at Jack, more openly this time, "We can talk more about it on the hiking trip." That's turning more into a campout. The question from Cole is met with a nod, "Oh I think there's one called Dance Evolution. It's a dance studio and gymnastics place too. You should call in advance though to see which nights are which."

"Thanks," Cole says to Andi with a smile and opens up his phone to jot down the name of the place to look up later. "I'm looking to rent some studio time and I hadn't found a place yet. No room where I'm staying." He smiles appreciatively to Andi for the information and then says, "There are kind of crazies everywhere there's people. It's hard to find a crazy-free zone. I wouldn't let that stop you from getting out and enjoying places. Just, you know, try and be safe and go with friends if you're not comfortable on your own."

A little shrug from Jack, "Can't all be crazy, but still." Like, its Seattle, its more ifyou're from the smaller cities, you're not Seattle; if your from Seattle, Gray Harbor may be podunks. Who knows though, somne locals act that way, some don't. He just assures towards Genevieve about the shopping trip there. "There you go, something to talk about. And yeah, crazies every where, buddy system can't go wrong with that on any level." Dead panned, like he can talk, having spent the last three years virtually in a cave. "I ain't volunteering to buddy up to Seattle though, shopping isn't my thing. Its why God gave us Amazon on this green earth." Said with all the muster of 'not really'.

"Ne t’inquiète." Eli says easily in reply to Genevieve, taking a moment to consider the woman more carefully when her eyes are down on her book for those moments. He stops it shy of staring at her, though. "This is a long way from Georgia." He remarks, but doesn't press as to what would bring someone from the sun to the misty grey of the coast. He was also shaking his head to Cole's question, but luckily someone actually knew the answer. "Might just join the crazy if it gets to be too much of an issue. Easier that way."

"I was here ten years ago, was going to stay then but.. things happened. I went home, went to college, and here I am now -- making a second attempt." Genevieve looks up from her book, smiling across the table at Eli. "So, you know of the good places to find nature, do you know of a good place to find food?" She asks, taking a sip from her cup. "Crazy has it's place, no matter where you go, but you shouldn't liberally sprinkle it around. People take exception to it sometimes." She gestures toward Andi, cops usually like things to be a little calm.

Cole chuckles at Jack's lack of interest in shopping in general and says to Genevieve, "If you need a shopping buddy, I'd be happy to go into Seattle. I've never been and wouldn't mind checking it out." He grins a little bit at Eli and says, "Just let the assimilation happen?" when he mentions joining the crazy. He takes another sip from his coffee, and draws his feet up to sit cross-legged in the chair that he occupies, making himself comfortable, moreso as the conversation goes on.

"No problem. It's not a bad place to go. Nice and clean and I think it's pretty busy at times. Not so many things to do in this town so it's a good, healthy environment for people." Apparently Andi approves of the dance studio. Amused, she cuts a look to Jack, the knowledge of his dislike of shopping and even Amazon already on her features. "You do good to order parts online and on Ebay for the older vehicles. I just can't imagine you Amazon Priming it up." After a sip of her coffee that's now almost gone, she lifts and tilts the cup towards Genevieve, an acknowledgement. "Calm is good. Very good."

A nod as folks get his dislike of shopping, regulars and new folks alike. Jack's in that comfortable place. "Like coming home then, been here once, can't fight the alure of it. Queit mostly," a nod towards Andi as she said something similar in agreement. "Settles on you I guess. And no, not for parts, Ebay, I know who I can trust." Cause he's been doing it for a while, "Otherwise, I know I can go see who's selling it and decide then. Need to see the part, Amazon Prime offers it, but you get what you get. Tried it once. First and last time I did that. You know me." His conclusion, Andi nailed it on parts and Amazon. "I think Cole has it, every place has its crazy, folks just make more out of that anthill here sometimes I think."

"Seattle is nice enough, but I don't go that way often. Not much reason. Everything I need is here and just going somewhere bigger for the sake of bigger ... " Eli shrugs. "I'll stay here with Jack." He concludes, fingers turning his coffee cup on the table while he considers a few moments and then nods toward Genevieve. "This isn't the big city, but plenty of good food to be had. We'll likely be hungry after wherever our walk takes us. I'll take you somewhere."

"Sounds like a nice space. I'll definitely check it out," Cole says to Andi with a smile and a nod of his head. "What do you guys like doing best in town, then? For those who've been here for a while. Any favorite places?" He then says to Genevieve. "I found the diner -- Grizzly Den? The service reminds me of New York but the food and coffee was good."

"My parents would rather I come home to Georgia, but I feel like I have some things to explore here. They can always come visit." A smile settles on Genevieve's face as she leans in to rest her chin on her palm. "I agree, Andi. I like calm a lot better than chaos. Everyone I've met so far has been pretty happy, honestly." She leans back, rubbing her stomach briefly. "I had Taco Tuesday last night, and Eli here is going to recommend my next culinary foray." She aims a teasing look toward him, laughing when he speaks up. "Sounds like a plan, you'll take me somewhere." She gazes toward Cole and beams. "I've been to the diner, met Bennie at the bar. I look forward to going back."

"I prefer the Waffle Shoppe over the Grizzly. The service is better, the omelets are great, the coffee is strong. The whole ambience is worth driving to the fringes of town for." Andi tells them. "Otherwise, there's the whole national forest to explore if you want. But again, the buddy system because you can always look up cases of those walking trails and women being attacked on them on forensic files, unsolved mysters and other shows of the like." After a smile to Jack, she gives him a look of understanding. "It does always help to know who you buy from. And who you can trust."

Jack seems more at ease, even though his smile is rare if at all, as the topic is more away from weirdness of the down. Forget he brought it up in a way when checking obits for a local on some odd hunch. That's normal in his book it seems. "Calm is like a mouse, you have to invite it sometimes. Like cheese I mean." That's more a lure, then he shakes his head, his said enough weird things relating to the weird already, tha'ts not helping. A drink from his cold drink helps, he finishes it off, and holds the cup edge on the table, rolling or rocking it back nd forth a little, his eyes focusing down there mostly. "Yeah, the diner is good, the Firehosue BBQ should be good too when its open, I've tried some of their food." A chin nod to Cole, Jack isn't sure if he helped out enough to try some samplings from the kitchen as that place came together lately. "And Waffle House, better then full of bears, but food is good at the Den, even if the rest of it is just .. what it is."

Cole makes a note of the Waffle Shoppe as well, noting it down so that he doesn't forget. "My parents would rather I had stayed in Boston," he says in sympathy to Genevieve. "But yeah, if they want to come and see me, they can always come and visit. It's not like I can't go back and visit them sometime, as well. I feel like this is where I need to be right now, though." He grins a little curiously at Jack and his mouse and cheese analogy, "I think I get what you mean." Sortof. "I dunno, the bears are kind of funny. It's like someone thought it would make a cute theme then it just totally got out of hand, never to be controlled again."

"It's the kind of place you could set a horror movie in. Just that kind of ridiculous overdone backdrop that you'd expect - and the movie would never comment on it specifically. Just have it all there in the background like it was entirely normal. The food is good enough to brave the nightmares the place might give me, though." Eli allows, eyes shifting between Cole and Genevieve a moment. "Can't always do what our parents want." The words are almost to himself and he pushes back his chair, taking his empty coffee mug and walking up to the counter to get it refilled.

Genevieve watches Eli as he walks toward the counter, a contemplative look on her face before she turns to nod at the others. "I met Andi at the Waffle Shoppe, their food was divine." She aims a smile at Cole and lets out a sigh. "Parents want their children to fly from the nest, but when they do fly, then they want us to come back. I was very close to my Maman, so she is taking my move especially hard." She aims an impish smile toward Andi. "Buddy system is in full force, I promise. If Eli ditches me, I'll call you and.. Jack?" She aims a look toward Jack, clearing her throat before she shrugs. "We'll see what happens, Oui?"

Andi finishes off her coffee too but she doesn't seem in any sort of hurry to get up for more or to leave. As the conversation goes around her she allows herself to slouch a little in her chair, clearly exhausted, but not wanting to go for some reason. Hearing her name she smiles sleepily over at Genevieve. "They do have good food. Breakfast 24 hours a day and lunch and dinner too." Her expression clouds a little at the talk of parents and their children. "My mom told me once there are two lasting bequests we can hope to leave our children. One is wings. The other is roots. So maybe that explains what they are going through in some respect." There's a nod, "Definitely give us a call."

There, proof positive, that grump of a snort is probably a chuckle, and Jack does have some humor in him. Cole got him pondering the bears, but Eli, "Nailed it, them bears. Could use a dusting I bet." Odd in a horror movie sort of why, like who's the taxidermist running the motal. "Started with good intent, but just kept going. Like my mom's kitchen with chickens. I had no idea thay made that much crap with chickens on it." Invoked, he looks up from that cup, the last of the condensation now collected on the table where he rolled the empty cup (some ice still inside). "Yeah, if that should happen." Dubious look to Eli, Jack does not suspect he'll ditch though. Though a little silent at the idea of what to leave children. He'll find his empty cup to look at again for the moment, letting conversation unfold around him again.

Cole nods to Eli's comment and watches the man for a moment or two as he goes to get a refill on his coffee -- not long enough to be rude, but lingering a moment or two. Then he turns his attention back to those seated nearby. He laughs at the kitchen chickens a little bit and says, "Got an aunt who has that problem with owls. The family found out she liked owls and now she's just flooded with stuff with owls on it. I think the takeaway here is, like animals, but don't like them enough to mention any particular type to family unless you want to be buried in them." He glances over at Andi and says "Now I have images in my head of lots of tiny frustrated winged trees trying to take off and unable to pull away from the ground."

"You won't be ditched, Mme. Dupuis." Eli says, walking back toward the table in time to catch some of the conversation. He settles himself back down into his seat and sets down the fresh cup of coffee. "Not many days go by when I'm not walking somewhere. Even when it's raining, but you'll want a good pair of boots if you do that. It gets slippery." He doesn't weigh in further on the topic of parents and what they might wish of their children. Instead he looks over toward Andi. "Have they had you working long shifts?" He doesn't outright declare that she looks exhausted, but he may as well have.

"I pulled an all nighter last night after working a double yesterday. I'm ready to crawl into bed. But.." instead of elaborating Andi gives a shrug then suddenly asks out of the blue. "You ever have those Freddy Kruger dreams? I'm tired as hell but I don't really want to sleep right now." A light shrug, she's speaking out of turn, but it could be blamed on her tiredness right? "I really should be getting home though. I should know better than to snoop through my parents old papers." Not that much of anything she says makes sense as a whole. "Yeah I better go for now. Get some rest." Getting to her feet she looks around for the trash that's where it has always been and tosses her cup inside. "See you all later."

"That is good to know, you seemed a reliable sort." Genevieve says quietly to Eli, trying to suppress the smile that keeps threatening to curve her lips. "I have several pairs of hiking boots, and a reliable umbrella. I'll also be bringing a spade in case we do find a plant that I must see more of." She leans in, gazing at his cup. "What did you get? I'm new to good coffee so I've been trying something new every time I venture out. I find that I really like mocha, that little hit of sweetness just does it for me." She laughs at Cole's words and wrinkles her nose. "Thank you, now that image is in my head as well. Pauvre de moi."

"Good hands, good company," Jack assures, or agrees with Eli not ditching. His beard turns enough, a grin offered in agreement with Cole. "Yeah, don't mention it to family, they'll never stop giving you presents with the animla, even after you stop." Like he does it on purpose for his mother even. Then Andi talking about dreams. "Excuse me," he says to the table, taking his empty drink, no refills. "Hold up Andi, I can walk you there?" Left hanging, like leaving her in that state is part of his questioning as he gets up to follow. A look back, "Take care folks, nice meeting you." To Genevieve, as he moves to follow Andi out the door.

Cole glances over at Andi and there's a flicker of concern as she seems to be making less and less sense the longer that she stays up. "You alright to make it back home okay?" he asks. "Need a ride?" Because falling asleep at the wheel is bad. He does look sympathetic about the dreams though and says, "I've had my share of bad dreams." He grins over at Jack and shakes his head a little bit, imagining the flock of chickens. When Jack offers to see Andi out, though, he seems to relax a little bit, not quite as concerned when it seems someone's going to make sure she gets home okay. "Good to see you again, Jack." He lifts his coffee cup in a kind of wave-salute.

Andi does hold up when directed, her mind just following directions now. "Sure, I'll take the company." An apologetic look is given back towards the others, but getting up and moving around is helping at least some. "Have a great day everyone." And she'll let Jack see her out, even taking his arm. "Thanks, just hit me all of a sudden. The caffeine in that coffee is a lie. Or it's working in reverse." A smile towards him as he accompanies her out to the cars.

"It was nice to meet you, Jack." Genevieve waves, her gaze lingering on Andi as she moves to go. "Get some rest!" She calls out, glancing over at Cole. "Don't we all sometimes?" She asks, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glances down at her book. She takes a sip of her drink, reading quietly for a few.

"I'm no stranger to them." Eli replies to Andi's question, lips tight into what passes as a frown. His eyes move between her and Jack and he finally raises a hand when it's evident both are leaving. "Take care of yourselves." He draws his attention back to the pair who are still seated, taking up his coffee and sipping it while he shakes his head to Genevieve's question. "It's just coffee. I drink it black. From time to time I'll try something else, but this is my regular poison. A little chocolate is nice. But, not just sugar. Never much cared for just pouring sugar on something and declaring it was better."

Genevieve nods at Eli, a slight smile on her lips. "I never had it black before. The first time I tried it was with some French vanilla creamer, it was a bit too sweet for me." She glances outside and frowns. "So what would you recommend for dinner tonight, you two? It's getting to be that time, and I need to conduct some business before the sun sets." She slurps down the rest of her mocha, setting it aside. "I plan on eating while I clean, you know?"

"I'm afraid I don't really know much about the places to eat around here, yet. I haven't been here very long, but it seems that Eli's got you covered as far as recomendations go," Cole says with a bit of a grin after waving goodbyes to those departing. He finishes off the remainder of his second cup of coffee and then says, "I usually just put cream in mine. I like sweet things, but I don't think sugar particularly makes coffee better."

"While you clean?" Eli asks, not entirely sure what that means. "Does that mean you're looking for something to take home? The pizza at Pew Pew is alright. There is a Cracker Barrel if you're looking for a taste of home." He has the good grace to smile to show that he realizes that Cracker Barrel may not be a perfect reflection of southern cuisine. "There is a Fried Fish shack down on the boardwalk that doesn't look like much, but the fish is fresh and - well, it's delicious as far as those things go. I have to admit that I stop by there more often than I likely should. Was there something you're in the mood for?" He's answering Genevieve's question, but he moves his eye contact between her and Cole, since they're both new to the area and looking for information.

"You know, take a bite of something, set it down.. go and clean?" Genevieve considers the various places he's named, her eyes on the table. "I think I'm in the mood for fish. You say it's fresh, and that's pretty much what makes any fish dish good." She tilts her head slightly, focusing on Cole. "How long have you been in town, then?" She asks, picking up her book to put it into her bag. "Do you have any plans for lunch or dinner?" She asks Eli, a slight grin on her lips. "I'll buy if you're interested in keeping me company."

Cole listens to the list of eating establishments as they are given and seems to make some mental notes about which ones he might want to try. With his coffee finished, however, he finally pulls himself to his feet. "Oh, a little over a week or so," Cole says to Genevieve with a smile. He returns his mug to the little bin where such things go, and then says, "Have a great dinner, guys. Was nice meeting you both."

"Nice to meet you, Cole." Eli says, watching the man when he stands and throws his cup away. "I'm sure I'll see you around. Small town." He then shakes his head to Genevieve's question. "No, I don't have any plans. Or nothing that can't be done another day. You don't really have to buy, but I'm happy to show you where it is and join you." As with the idea of playing the part of walking buddy, he seems a bit uncertain about this too. Still, Genevieve doesn't come across as the shabby type, so it's likely OK.

Genevieve gets to her feet, smiling toward Cole. "Hopefully I'll have an opportunity to see you around again, Cole." She murmurs, before she tosses her cup. "I was going to order something and take it home to eat. Is that okay?" She asks, tilting her head toward Eli. "You can bring a shovel for protection if you're not sure about me yet." She says, pressing her lips together so she doesn't start to giggle. She sets down a bill on the table for a tip.

"I'm sure we'll run into each other again," Cole says to both of them with a smile. "It's not a big town." He gives them both a wave then, and makes his way toward the door, chuckling a little bit at Genevieve's comment about bring a shovel for protection as he slips out.