2019-12-05 - Down at the Boardwalk

Erin is seated on a flat rock on the beach. Sure it's cool out and there's a light breeze off the ocean with only a few clouds that dance across the otherwise clear sky. Dressed in a pair of chinos in olive green that are rolled up in a cuff a bit above her ankle and she wears deck shoes with them, as well as an oversized beige sweater that looks thick and extremely warm. With one leg tucked up beneath her, the other hangs down on front of her, off the rock, not quite reaching the sand and she watches as the white capped waves roll in.

Ryan hasn't really been out and about much since coming to town. Between trying to look after his sister and being sick he just started wandering about town the last few weeks. Wearing a grey v-neck sweater, along with a jacket due to the cold. Going down to black pants and black shoes as he wander along near the beach. Eyes on the waves before he turn his gaze to the woman sitting on the rock nearby. Studying her for a brief moment, but not wanting to disturb her, trying to wander past behind her. Not blocking her view.

Erin really doesn't mind being disturbed. Seated a she is, she does notice the nearby movement. When he approaches, she offers a friendly smile. "Good afternoon. It's a nice day out." Her dark eyes briefly taking in his clothing before lifting to his eyes. Lifting a hand, she gathers her dark hair a it keeps moving in the breeze to cover her face now and again, she tucks it enmasse over her shoulder. "Are you from around here?"

Ryan smiles, "Good afternoon." He offers in return with a bow of his head. A slight irish accent can be heard. "Not quite. Ireland. But this place has quite interesting so far." He offers to her. So far been able to not be recognized too often in town, only once so far. Thus he tips his head. "I'm Ryan." He introduces himself.

The accent catches her attention even before he announces where it is he is from. Just from the few words he speaks just before he mentions it. "I like your accent," she tells him quietly. "It is certainly an interesting town. What brings you here?" Though he mentions not being recognized, she tries to place him. Tries and fails after a long look. "Ryan," she echoes his name. "I'm Erin. Recognized for what? Are you famous?" Her own tone holds curiosity.

Another smile, "Thank you. How about you? Local?" Ryan asks her. Though as she goes on he sighs, "Came to help out my sister. Think she is doing better now." He offers, a bit of a smile following. Perhaps not realizing that he said it out loud, he shakes his head. "Oh, sorry. Not that much. I run a tech company back home. Ran into someone that did recognize me before, but don't think too many people know me in the U.S." He explains. Perhaps being a bit modest about it, or just not feeling like talking about work.

"Local. My entire life I've lived here. I'm Erin Addington." As if Addington meant something. Though if he'd studied any on the town, her family were founding members. Probably as celebrities go, she's more local compared to his global. "I hope your sister doing better doesn't mean that you'll leave our little town?" Inquisitive enough, but he doesn't push on his work as he doesn't seem real interested in talking about it as much.

Ryan ahs and nods, "I think I've read something about Addington. Apologies, my knowledge of town is limited." He admits, but seemingly knowing about her family at least. A soft chuckle. "I think I will stay for a bit at least. But I guess you are the one trying to make sure people stick around?" He jests. "I am wanting to work on some stuff on my own for a bit, got a project. Was thinking about perhaps starting it in this town. As a branch of my company." He explains. Then shifting the conversation again, "So, as a local. What do you do around here? For work, as well as for fun." Looking for a guide perhaps.

"Oddly enough, not generally. Usually, I tell people how unsafe it is here at most times. There are stories in this town, not all of them are good. That doesn't mean there aren't good things in this town." Erin scoots over, "Would you care to join me? You are more than welcome to." A tentative smile offered over. "What sort of project are you considering?" His more direct questions bring a tilt to her head and the smile warms by several degrees. "Myself? I like to hang out here on the beach. I live just over there," across the way on Bayside road, her house can be seen. Pretty large cottage style with a spectacular view of the ocean. A Maserati is parked in the driveway. "I like to spend time in the gym where I work, though I also work in a doctors office. Considering leaving the doctors office and working in the hospital. I'm a nurse." Though the mention of what to do around here begs more attention, so she tries. "There is Addington House and a carousel there if you like historical places. The boardwalk, I suppose it's nice. There's a ferris wheel but I've not been on it in years." She muses, "I never think about it I suppose. Huh."

Ryan ahs and nods, "What made you change your mind?" He asks. Moving to join her at the offer. "If you want the company, I am happy to join." Looking towards where she lives, "Ah, Looks quite nice. And beaches can be nice." He agrees. As for his own project, he ponders for a moment. "Well, wanted to try and do some more entertainment things, so games and things like that. Though will probably take a lot from the main company. But with an entertainment focus." He explains. Adding then. "Sounds like an interesting job. Do you enjoy it? Which of the places have you prefered to be at? And also, nice ride." Offered about the car. Nodding a bit more. "Sound like interesting things. I could enjoy a historical tour. Though if you haven't been on the ferris wheel I'd be happy to keep you company if you ever get the urge to ride it." He offers and grins. Looking back out towards the water.

His accent was charming so that Erin finds herself having to concentrate not only on how he says it, but what he says. "The thing is you look strong enough to take care of yourself and I'm stronger too, so maybe from a distance I could keep an eye out for you. I do that for all my friends. Maybe we'll be at that point if you stick around," she smiles, a light shrug lifting a shoulder. "Your work sounds interesting. Entertainment and games? Board games? Or something more technical like electronic or apps?" Looking back to her car, she waggles her brows. "Thanks, I love that car." With another look back to him, she laughs softly. "A historical building mostly, like a museum. Then there are the boat tours as soon as it warms up more." His offer to go on the ferris wheel just has her studying him. "I think I'd like that. If you're certain?"

Ryan does chuckle a bit, "Ah, well. Now I have to stay." He teases. "Oh, mainly electronics. But might do all kind of games. Would be fun to make a board game as well as a pen and paper thing." He offers, being a bit geeky. "Though currently my company do mainly computer things. Hardware, Software, AI, so on." He explains. Studying the car some before looking around the sea, perhaps to find any boats. Which probably can't be found out and about at the moment. "Museums are fine, I enjoy it. So are boat tours." Turning to her then to offer a smile, perhaps as charming as the accent. "Of course. Gives me an oppurtunity to enjoy the town in a different manner, and your company does seem like fun."

"I hope you do stay." Erin tells him with another smile. "Board games are interesting. I wonder how one goes about designing a board game. I like all sorts of games, cards, dice, board, arcade, apps." Curious, she asks, "AI? Do you do things like VR?" That one also holds her interest. So, with his further response rises a challenge, she slides off the rock and gets to her feet. All 5'9" of her. "Then shall we go to the ferris wheel now?" A crooked smile at the semi-challenge, not even sure he would accept.

Ryan nods, "We have worked some with it. Still trying to make better mocap tech as well. And I have been pondering making VR experience stuff. If we can buy an abandoned warehouse or similar. Were several people can be in the same game walking around in a VR game." He explains. In case she hasn't heard about those things. "Perhaps a horror one. Haven't seen it." Sliding off the rock after her. Smiling in return. "Let's go. And perhaps I will offer to bring you along to try out some games." He suggests. Moving up next to her. Offering an arm if she wants, but being subtle. So she doesn't feel forced to take it. Perhaps not noticing even, unless she actively looks for it.

"I would test it out, the VR experience. I love doing that. I've heard there are systems for it at home so I'm considering it, but I would like professional assistance when I purchase it. Maybe you could give me a hand. Something really good." Erin was good with subtleties and the offered arm is accepted, "Fancy a walk then or would you prefer a drive? My car is right there, but the boardwalk is really close also. I'd prefer a walk."

Ryan nods and smiles, "There are. These ones are a bit different usually. Almost like a trimmed down mocap suit, is the common one. A form of gloves with sensors, sensors on your feet. Most will have you carrying around a computer backpack with battery packs, then the actual VR goggles. Just to be able to map out each person. Then you can also have a weapon in hand. So all those things are neat." Being a bit carried away. Grinning about her purchasing it and needing help. "Happy to help in that case. "Admitedly only recently done more with actual games, but have done a few VR demos before, and dealing with making VR stuff." He explains. "A walk would be nice. I can take a ride with you some other time." He suggests. Matching her pace as they walk. "So, what else is there to Erin Addington?"

His knowledge of it was impressive and Erin gives him a curious look as she strolls along beside him, her hand holding his arm, tucked in nice and neat. Her movements are graceful, elegant, giving off the impression that she comes from old money and plenty of it. "I guess I've only seen the goggles and handheld controllers. I want something that is easy, probably not a backpack, something easier to use. Even for an eight year old. A girl I babysit, she may want to try it out." His oh so casual 'some other time' catches her attention and she laughs softly. "Some other time then," not entirely certain he was serious. "I don't know what to say. You tell me more about you. You're from Ireland. What part?"

Ryan ahs and nods, "Well, yes. Usually it is just goggles and controllers, with cameras set up in the room. That whole body stuff is more for a experience center style thing. Like people that do escape room do these as well, and set up scenarios." He explains. Nodding about the girl she babysits. "Ah, I see. I am sure we can do that. There are also simple ones to attach your phone to, but those aren't quite as fun, currently." Grinning as she echoes his words. "Good then." A smile and a wink offered to her. "Ah, yes. From Galway. But lived in Dublin for a bit as well." He explains. "More traveling nowadays though."

"You could open a business doing VR, I imagine an entire game room would be a success here. I think it would be something fun. Especially along the boardwalk. The younger generation needs something to do and if you need backing, I'd partner up with you on it. I admit my time for running something like that is limited, but with a lawyer involved in the details, I'd be willing to put cash into such a venture. If you're really sticking around." Erin hesitates after all that and gives him a sheepish smile. "I guess I'm more enthusiastic about it than I imagined." As they get closer to the boardwalk, she glances towards the buildings, looking for an empty one that would be suitable. "Galway and Dublin. What is it like over there? I've heard really green because a lot of rain. We get a lot of rain also, so maybe that's why you found us here."

Ryan nods and smiles, "I was thinking about it. Glad that you approve. And if you want to invest, that just make it easier." Grinning at her and nods, "Which part, the VR or me staying?" He teases. "Ah, well yes, green. Open fields and rain. Shauna might have came here because of that." He says, pondering that. Looking around the place some as well, when she does.

"VR and arcade games? What ideas were you thinking about?" Erin quirks her lips at the mention of him staying being the reason she was enthused. "Nice try, Ryan." Using his name finally. Leading him on down to the ferris wheel, she gets to the ticket booth and gets two, paying for it from some cash she had in her pocket. Once they have their tickets, she gets to the ferris wheel. There's no sort of line, but there are a few others on it. She hands her ticket over and waits for him to do the same before walking over and getting on the bottom chair with the assistance of the ride operator.

Ryan nods, "At least the VR stuff, along with developing new things on the side. Perhaps should have an arcade style test room." He ponders. Grinning at her words though, "Worth a shot." Then again, she didn't say no. Since she seemed to offered to pay this he will pay her back later, in some fashion. For now following and handing over his ticket as well. Then moving to join Erin. "This seems nice." Offered once seated and they are about to start moving.

"VR will certainly have an attraction. And an arcade style room would bring the money in with the younger kids. I'm not sure how involved you want it to be, but a snack bar on the boardwalk would be a success. I imagine. You could do a market study and find out." Settled in, Erin watches as he moves in beside her. The operator draws the bar across them and she smiles as he steps back and starts it. There are no more in line, so no more stops, and soon they are getting to the top. "Those are the Bayside Apartments. The wealthy rent apartments there or live mostly on Bayside." The road she lives on. She points out other places they can see. "Seaview Motel, it's called the murder motel. There have been several there recently and in the past." Though the ocean keeps catching her eye. "The water goes on for miles and miles. It's beautiful."

Ryan ahs and nods, "I might try it out, and a study might be wise." He agrees. Looking to the places as she points them out. "I see. Quite a rich area then." Gesturing to where he bought a house. Over at Oak "I live over there now. Stayed at the Seaview before." He explains. Grinning a bit amused about it being the murder motel. "At least I survived being there." Following her gaze out over the water as well. "It is indeed. You want to go out there more it seems?" He asks as he turn his gaze towards Erin.

"Oak is a nice street, though I've not been there much so I don't know who all lives there." Erin laughs a little, "Well, I am glad you've survived it. It's just the name the locals give it. Just be careful wherever you go and avoid the old sawmill. It's really haunted." The old Addington sawmill she speaks of. "I like the water, I don't go out on it much. I do like sitting on my rock at the beach and watching the storms come in. I ride the storm out safe inside my home though. But as it builds out over the water it's incredible."

"You're welcome to come by whenever you want." Ryan assures her. As for the places, and being glad he survived, he smiles and nods. "Well then, I will take your word for it." As for the water he nods again. "Perhaps we can go out once it get warmer. And I did think you looked like Ariel on your rock." He admits. Which does seem to be a high compliment. "Ah, wise. Stay near it before moving to safety." He offeres with an agreeing nod.

"Stop by your house?" Erin considers that. "If I'm to back your idea, then I'm sure we'll be spending a lot of time together until it gets off of the ground. Then I'll be seeing the payoffs for it." She looks amused, a soft laugh accompanying the words. "An invitation to go out on the water, you know, I think I'll have to accept that. What sort of boat have you got?" Curious, admittedly. "Or are you renting one for the occasion?"

"Indeed, and if you do it would be a lot of time, true. So will give you time to think about it." Ryan offers to her, a bit more serious. As for boat, he shakes his head. "Have not had the oppurtunity to get one here, so might rent one, or buy one. Depends on how long I'll stay here." Taking a moment to actually study her now.

"The only doubts I have about the backing is your continued saying depends on how long you stay. I'd hate to back something and then you abandon it by leaving. That's the only hesitation." Erin continues to watch the scenery pass by on the ferris wheel. It's cool out, certainly, her cheeks are pink from the breeze and altitude, but she's enjoying herself immensely. Though now it seems to be slowing to let people off.

Ryan grins and nods, "Well, I won't do that if you are backing. If I leave I will still make sure that it will be run." He assures her. "Though I will stay to make sure it is up and running." Looking to her, "Cold?" He asks, nodding towards her pinkish cheeks. "Perhaps we should go find somewhere to hide from the cold?"

"Actually I have somewhere to be. The firefly club. Would you like to go? I plan to get my drunk on. I'll meet you there though, I have to change and I'm taking an Uber because I'm not driving home." Erin starts her way back towards the house, maybe he would show up. Maybe he wouldn't. She would see!