2019-12-16 - Last Minute Shopping

Nothing like an early morning knock on a door to rouse someone. It's not a cop knock at least, no side fisted pounding that, no matter if you'd never done a damn thing wrong in your life, puts the fear of God into a person, trying to recount what they'd done for the cops to be showing up. No, this was nothing like that.

When the door is opened, if it is opened, Erin is standing there dressed casual in a pair of jeans and a red sweater beneath a suede coat that reached almost to her hips. In one hand is a cup of coffee with steam rising from the slotted lid in the cold weather.

For his part, at least he's an early morning person. Even after a long night, Jack just doesn't like to sleep in. She would know that from his time at the Gym and his preference for being in as early as possible to get in his morning routine there. Thus its not long before the door is opened. Old, loose t-shirt on, not hole-y, but paint and stains that just do not wash out and some loose brown khaki/cargo shorts. He looks freshly showered and about to put on regular clothes. He may not have a bath robe, this would be his closest thing to walking around comfortably in his home.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," he mutters, as if needing his first cup of Joe, but those that know him may notice the tone of well being and good will. Jack's standard, shy of a little corner mouth smile at least. "What's on the agenda today Erin?" As if he may not know or just assumes she's up for something to do and knows he's a willing culprit in whatever trouble is afoot; and by trouble, that could mean adventure or hanging out in general. He's a good sport about hanging out but is probably not the hangout sort regularly but seems to be willing to with her.

Erin knows about his early mornings from the gym and from hiking. Her eyes drop to look at what he's wearing and she realizes this is probably the first time she'd seen his bare legs. Hm! This was Jack though. Her buddy! "You look comfortable." She steps towards him and offers out the cup of coffee in the to-go cup. Hopefully made to his liking. Except it's not iced this morning.

"I would apologize for waking you, but you don't look like you've been sleeping, so I'm just going to kidnap you instead. What do you think about an impromptu trip to Seattle for a little last minute Christmas shopping? I'll buy you lunch." She glances down to her Maserati, realizing he likely wouldn't drive it. It's not a Ford. She offers anyway. "You can drive my Maserari. It's either the Maserati to Seattle or a charter to New York and FAO Schwarz." Her lips quirk, amused. "And I know you won't leave the state.."

"That so," he says, taking the offered cup of coffee, "Just kidnapping, that's what you kids do these days." Not that he's much older, at his age that is, others wouldn't call others kids. Just what Jack seems to do sometimes. "Yeah Seattle," he's saying as if to grumble about going there, and then she talks about her car. Even grumbling about Italy just maybe, but she gets in the alternative. "Yeah, okay, I can try to drive it. It doesn't have butt warmers in it does it, that's not really a car at all." Knowing full well what the cars seats are equipped with, having worked on it especially after the smell incident not all that long ago.

He takes a sip of coffee, "Let me get covered up and we can go." She can look at his legs, if that's her focus as he turns to go to his bedroom. She's welcome to his place as much as she's comfortable with. It takes knowing him to understand his level of trust, and when he turns his back, she can explore or look around and he won't complain if things are out of place. If he didn't trust someone, he's just not leave their company like that.

Its five minutes to nice ford shirt, as if to say he'd rather be driving that then the Italian sports car. But its better than flying to NYC for super fancy shopping. Seattle it is. "I'm in Erin, but I get to pick one of the places we go." Whatever that might mean, he'll grab his coffee again, and hold his hand up to get the keys if she has them handy before heading for her car and the drive to Seattle.

"Uh-huh," Erin also knows if he didn't have the mind to do either, he had no problem telling her no. It was refreshing, in a way. Sometimes. "That's so," she challenges with a cocky grin, following him inside when he allows her to. Amusement over his predictable grumbling in regards to her car and the maker. "At least I didn't invite you to Italy." Laughter follows at his mention of the butt warmers. Only her upholstery specialist knew for sure!

Oh Erin watches him go, she wears a smile, secretly glad he had agreed. There's no prying or exploring his home while he is gone to dress, even though it only takes him a moment to do so. When he comes back, she gives a perusal and smiles, nodding her approval. "Looks good to me! I'm ready when you are." Tilting her head, she studies him as if trying to guess what it is he would choose even as she drops her keys into his hand. "You can choose all but one. I want to go to Funko. Like FAO Schwarz it's a big toy store. Oh and there's a book store I want to go to also. Other than that, your call." Walking out with him, she'll climb into the passenger seat and reach for her own drink she had left in the car. After buckling her seat belt, of course.

Walking out in his regular attire, it meets her approval. Jack nods to her then, "Good thing it gets the approval and that we're not going to Swartz, cause I'm not dressing more up." And he's pretty serious about that part at least. "There is a parts yard in Othello down on the south side, may have a truck there." He looks her way and leaves it there. "That's it for me." And they're getting in and he may drive silently a little, sipping at his coffee. "I guess its not half bad," he says mysteriously, "Italian cars." Then a slight grin, as he doesn't care what others drive, just he prefers ford. "We could paint Ford blue over the fish trident." Trident, Maserati symbol, maybe its the same thing.

"Getting toys for yourself," he says, curiously, "I should watch what you like so I know what to get you for Christmas?" Still a hint of grin to Jack's face.

Settled in, Erin looks at him curious. "Oh Jack, I've never asked you to change anything for me. Or to dress any certain way." She is equally as serious about that. "Othello it is then, we'll make sure to go there too. The toy store isn't for me. Remember when I told you about the Thanksgiving dinner? There was an Angel tree also. All of the gifts have been delivered, but I was told about a family that didn't come and their children wouldn't be getting Christmas. So I plan on buying some things and placing them on their porch. I already paid to get their electric back on. The guy just started a new job, but you know how it is waiting for the first check to come in. I don't mind because they are also trying to help themselves."

After another sip of her coffee, she continues. "We can have lunch anywhere you want. Also, we can go by Othello's so we can make sure we get there before they close."

"Fair enough, I usually have a guy with a truck look for me," about the Othello yard with the vehicle they can look at, "Special for you getting me to drive this far out." And they're off out of the city through the rolling hills/mountains around Seattle area, as they drive further from the coast. "Your toys for that family first, worthy cause and all that. I've not clue where to eat. Anyone that has burgers is good for me."

Details can be figure out when they get there, he'll drive where they need to go or where she tells him to go. He does look over as they drive along, "So, what about you." He chin thrusts to her, giving her more than a look, but not too much distracted from the road. "What is it Ms. Addington want's for Christmas this year?"

"Aren't I lucky." Erin says dryly, glancing at him a moment as he says special for her. "If you are sure you don't mind helping with the truck situation. Or loaning me yours.." An eyebrow waggle. "I'm a careful driver, especially in someone else's vehicle." While they travel, she watches the passing scenery. The radio is available for music if he wishes. In fact she turns it on and Proud Mary starts playing. She turns it down but leaves it on for him to either change the dial or not.

Once they get closer, she starts giving him directions. She'd already checked it out on GPS. A toy store wasn't her usual stop here, so she'd dialed it in. His question catches her off guard. "What about me? Oh I'm getting myself a Portuguese Water Dog. I think. Maybe. I'm finishing up the book before I decide. What about you, Jack? What are you wanting more than anything?"

A look over at her as they pass a car and enter a quiet stretch of road with nothing to close in front, "You are lucky and you're pick. Fix something up make it your own or get a spare set of keys for my work truck. Not the prettiest I have, the most reliable though." He does have his coupe and the Fairlane project he's working on. Proud Mary is good, they'll play other things of that time and Jack seems to like it. There it stays. He'll drive faster than needed, but not reckless fast by any means.

They're driving down streets off the highway/interstate and he listens to her. "You get yourself what you want. I'll probably get you a little something." He may not be the gift exchange sort on the regular. Then a pause, he sort of follow directions from her or the GPS voice. "Me, haven't thought what I want recently I suppose. New t-shirts maybe, that'd be good. Most have a little grease on them." He takes a practical approach it seems.

Now and again, Erin even sings along to the radio. She's not a good singer and she knows it, but with him she doesn't seem to mind acting a fool now and then. "We'll look around and if I find something I like we'll get it." For the vehicle she means. "And if not, then I'll use yours." Cheesing a grin his way. He drives fast, she rests her hands on her lap and watches scenery go by alternately before looking at him driving the Maserati. "Your head almost hits the top. If it wasn't so cold we could put the top down. Maybe next summer when we go to the Woodward Dream Cruise." Trying to hide her smile as that was the one she'd mentioned on the hiking trip.

"Do you like dogs? I never thought I wanted one until I was dogsitting. I am still considering it. I may opt out though, depending. They really are a lot of work." Erin ponders him getting her a gift and she brushes her hand over his forearm since it's the closest thing. "You don't have to get me a gift. Are you sure all you want is clothes? Not tools or anything?" Because tools! Not that she can tell them apart.

"When we get back, you can drive my truck around a little, see if you like it," says to her as the drive through Seattle streets. "Mine or yours." He catches her cheese grin and all, and is perhaps a match for hi grin on any day as he doesn't do it alla the time. Jack gives her a look at a pause or stop, "Just maybe a cruise, not sure how I do on sea yet. I could be miserable the whole time." This is a step up, normally he may insist he'd be miserable, but he's trying some new things, why not.

"Dogs are good, better than cats. They mean what they do, less sneaky. I should get one for the shop." As if he'd never considered it before. His arm seems warm to the touch and he seems comfortable with her touch there. "It not about having to get you something, its wanting to. You don't like it, can just throw it away and all." He's more teasing with that last bit. Then a nod, "Nah, I have the tools I want for the shop. Maybe a good pair of boots for hiking, if you mean for me to get all healthy for this cruise you're going on about."

"I will do that. Drive your truck around, I mean. Probably time my car got serviced again anyway, just the usual, oil change and all again." Enough time had passed if not miles. Erin gives him a confused look. "The sea?" Ohhh, she realizes at the mention of the cruise. "The Woodward Dream Cruise isn't a cruise but now you have me wanting to go on a cruise. The Dream Cruise is muscle cars. Detroit, a huge car show that spans almost from Detroit to Flint. Maybe only Pontiac, but Detroit in all its glory days and automobile makers. You could even take one of your cars and show it off. Ford is still there. I think it would be something you might enjoy."

There is complete agreement on the subject of dogs and cats. "Then you can get a shop dog and I can come visit and babysit sometime. I recommend a Portuguese Water Dog." Realizing she was still touching his arm she withdraws her hand, the warmth was addictive though! "Like I would throw away anything you got me." She doesn't mention what she will get him, but she's already been thinking about it.

His hand even turns a little, so that his arm rolls just a little, she can fill the top part with his arm hairs and then the softer underside as his arm rolls at heir touch. Jack nods, "Ah, cars, different cruise. I'd consider that." Progress, him out of the area, heck, out of the state even. "See how far the Fairlane is next time this cruise happens, you could drive that in this cruise." A shrug though, now he's pondering it at least. A look given her way, "You really want one of these water dogs. I have no idea what that even is. You sure its a good shop dog?" At least he didn't presume its a small arm dog like some girls like to carry around.

Her arm withdraws and he returns, "Well, we'll see what I get you first. If you don't like it, don't have to keep it." Who know if he's thinking of anything or note, but he searches out parking near the toy store, maybe the ticket kind they'll have to validate. "You got a list of what the family wants, or we just grabbing at random?" Sort of focused, it would seem. "Boy, Girl, Both?" As if he has a curiosity in this family she's picked out/found.

"I would keep it just because you bought it for me." Erin confesses, and that's the first time she'd ever said anything that telling to him. There's a smile to accompany it though. She had felt his arm with her hand there, both the smoother side and the arm hair side. And even more so, the muscle beneath, of the man who turned wrenches for a living. "I am still reading whether it's a good shop dog or not, I will let you know. It's either that or a lab, but I think labs are really hyper. I want something that has been trained already and I have a list I was gifted of local breeders of both dogs."

Her smile turns wry, "There are two boys and two girls. Would you like to choose items for two while I choose items for the other two? I don't have any idea what boys want, but you.. being a man.. maybe you do? I have a list of needs, but I already got those. This is for the extras."

The slight bow of his head and pursing of his lips indicates Jack gives more consideration on the thought of gifts when she admits why she would keep it. "Good thing I have a few ideas," he confesses on gifts for her even, as if he'd actually thought about it, not just a run to the bed/bath place for lotion or some soap or something. As for dogs, he gives her a listen and then concurs, "Maybe have to go see for yourself how the dogs are then choose. Reading only gets you so far." He's probably more the hands on learner as far as that goes.

"I could get a few things they might like sure, but maybe a few things they'd all like. Family game or you know nerf guns to get it out of their system." A statement of his own thought but questioning of her thoughts on what to get as they turn for the store to finally go into the wonderland that is there. "We'd have to try them out I think," the toys, or whatever they get. He's more curious watching her reactions as they head for the toys in the moment.

"See, now you've got me curious." Erin turns to look at him, trying to glean a hint from his expression. Nope, nothing there that she could read. Pushing that aside though, she considers it. "Well if we're going to do joint custody maybe we should both go out after Christmas sometime and check it out. Visit a few of the breeders, observe the dogs and ask questions. See if anything calls out to us?" Just expanding on his idea some.

"I like the idea of board games, or even something like Toss Across. I love the idea of the Nerf guns, I'd play Nerf guns with you, but I'm not sure it would be good for a family I know little about. They may not allow any sort of gun or weapon and I would hate to offend someone on Christmas.A smile flashes to him, "Oh good, we can play the piano like they do on Big. Do you know Heart and Soul?" The challenge is issued. It shall be done. Just like the nerf guns!

In fairness, Jack is pretty could at keeping his demeanor pretty neutral by way of his expression. Maybe not so much to hide thoughts just more used to keeping them to himself. She probably gets more out of him than most others, perhaps all others. "You'll have to wait and see, do not open to X-mas." The last bit more out of tradition most likely. "But sure, we can see about that dog you're after. What if they breed other dogs and I see something else I like?" But there is a grin there, as if he's roll with anything and he admits, "But your water dog may have to do for a shop dog. I'll train the thing to fetch my wrench or something." Calling it 'thing' is affectionate in his own way, as if to apply care and some sense of ownership.

"You're right, some fun games and such, nerf guns for us," then he sort of eye rolls with exaggeration, "I suppose I'll have to be active to do just that too." Even though he brought the idea up. She has seen him active, when he trains and boxes he can move, even if he's pretty stoic the rest of the time. "Tell you what, you teach me what keys to push for Heart and Soul and I'll jump on the piano with you." He'll lean into her as they start to move into the store and probably towards this piano she's mentioning.

"No opening until Christmas? You realize that means you have to give it to me on Christmas. I'm terrible about waiting. If it's given to me I'm not going to wait." Erin grins, glancing over at him. "So, you can spend a few minutes of Christmas with me, if you have time. I'll otherwise be unoccupied at the house. You are welcome to join me as you like."

As far as the dog goes, she laughs. "I'm not going to limit you to those two breeds. If you see something you like, then we will check into it, but if you do decide on the water dog, I think that's the one I've decided on. I think the thing would have fun in my back yard." There she is, calling it thing just like he had!

As they approach and then enter the doors, she smiles.. Just like a kid in a toy store. "A wonderland! Come on, Jack. Let's see what trouble we can get into today." Her hand reaches for his and she does indeed lead him towards the piano. With every intention on going to play it. She's sidetracked by a section on Harry Potter, complete with a castle you can actually enter. "No way!" Guess where they are going?

A side look her way, dubious in nature, "Then I'll have to keep an eye on you until Christmas, make sure you ain't cheating." Just because she can't wait, but he considers it, the next part. "That don't sound right, pretty face like that being unoccupied on Christmas. We'll have to remedy that situation Ms. Erin." A hint of smile on his lips.

"I think we're decided on the dog to co-parent. You're water dog, I ain't picky and just seeing you light up thinking about this one is enough of an argument for me." And he could go on but Wonderland it is, he doesn't rush in like here, but she has his hand. "Guess we're getting in trouble."

And he's lead to the castle, some Harry Potter thing, enough room inside at least. "No way, what is it?" He asks, but he could be teasing, who doesn't know Harry Potter. Probably the guy who though the car cruise in Detroit was a luxury ship cruise thing. He holds her hand where ever she leads, feeling the shared warmth himself this time.

He thought she was pretty? He'd never indicated so before. Erin calls the side look and raises him a contemplative one, complete with raised eyebrow and everything. "If you're angling for an invitation over for Christmas, you're invited. I don't know how to cook much, but I have a lady who cooks and brings over meals. Should I request two?"

With the dog idea settled, Erin smiles to herself. Co-parenting a dog. It lessened the responsibility for both, while earning the dog twice the love. How could it possibly go wrong?

The castle is creative, it's a maze with mirrors and the characters of Harry Potter at the dead ends. Erin makes full use of it, meandering through with him, talking about each character they come to. It's not a hard maze, it's made for kids, and once she catches sight of them, hand in hand, in a mirror and looks back at him with a grin. Finally, they come out the other side and it's a slide down, taking them to the world of Pokemon. "Oh wow. I wonder if this leads to Nerf World after." Laughing, she releases his hand and has a seat and.. "Weee!" sliiiiides down. At the bottom, she looks at him. "Your turn." Trying not to laugh.

"Nope," he says to her invitation, or the request for two and is silent a moment, "I'll take the invite, but we'll cook something. I will at least. You take care of a table, I'll put food on it." Just not someone else prepping meals so much as him doing it himself if that's what it takes it seems. Jack is good with it all and does have hints of amusement at the corners of his mouth.

If anyone could look grumpy at a slide, its Jack. But there he is smiling while she enjoys it than looking stubborn about not wanting to slide himself but giving in. She may notice as he goes down the amusement resurfaces enough to indicate he may have enjoyed it. "Alright, Harry Potter isn't to bad, for a wizard." Then he stands and moves near her again to continue the tour of the toy shop. "So these are not nerf?" He picks up a random pokemen, its stuffed, so he tosses it her way. They can take it for checkout, or it could bounce off her and roll away, he just randomly gives one a chuck at her.

At first, Erin thought he was declining her invitation and when he corrects her assumption whether he knew about it or not, she finds herself able to take a breath. No way does she stop and question what she felt when she thought he had turned it down. "Deal, if I get to watch," she says playfully. "No one has ever cooked in my kitchen except me. And that was frozen foods." Despite the best laid plans. "So I will believe it when I see it," she teases.

That stubborn look was all too familiar so when he finally agrees, she grins, watching him. He gets to the bottom and she impulsive claps, but lightly, not wanting to embarrass him. "Check you out." Turning, she walks with him and at the tossed Pokemon, she catches it and boops his shoulder with it. "This would be good for the younger one." One of the males. "Not nerf and careful.. don't feed these animals.." she says sneakily in a whisper, before delivering the punch line. "They're stuffed already."

"Watch, you'll have to help .. a little." Jack keeps it there, new laid plans or whatever it might be for her cooking with him, or just watching him. He's good for it seems. Though he was looking her way when she said only if she gets to watch and clearly he would be good with that alone it seems.

A furrow of brow, but the clap is accepted just the same. "Yeah, good thing I was making sure you didn't have your phone out." Cause recording him sliding may have been a deal breaker, or he's teasing. He ducks his chin just a little at the bop, maybe expecting it or not declining it. "Definitely safe," he agrees, but she is pausing for punchline and he sort of eye rolls when it comes out, and pffts a bit, but amused just the same. "Is that a turkey day joke too? Stuff you," he mutters, teasing a bit about what to do with her and the Dad joke catalogue she seems to have. Through it all, those corner smiles have been lingering for Jack as they near the nerf section.

"Oh I can help. My knife work is fair enough. I can cut up things, but if we're doing this, we're doing it right. We have to make fudge and cookies and everything before Christmas. So the next few days are going to be incredibly busy!" Erin doesn't linger in the Pokemon section, but she carries the Pikachu.

"Now see, had I thought about my phone I would have recorded it. Or at least taken a picture. Next time," she jokes. "I will get one next time." Hesitating, she looks at him aghast, "It was funny!" But her sense of humor really is a little odd. "Stuff me? Well, on Christmas I hope so. I'm going to eat everything. All the food, ever. Then I'm going on a weekend vacation get-away soon after where I plan on exercising all of the food away." Turning, she continues to walk.

Lo and Behold, there's the Nerf section. Every. Nerf. Imaginable. Every Nerf ever. "Oh.. wow. Bingo. We can get a football for one of the younger boys.' The Pikachu is set aside for now as she finds the crate with the toys for sample play. She reaches in and tugs out the Annihilator. A fully loaded magazine of Nerf darts with the suction ends. Turning, she aims it towards him. "Hands up!" But shoots anyway. "Too slow!" Ducking behind one of the shields in the vast play zone for things like this. She peeks out, aims and fires again. "You're toast!"

As he nods in agreement about her helping with eh knife work and such, Jack does look at her about the rest, "Okay, only if we do some sugar cookie sugar canes." Seems he has a sweet tooth and he knows his favorite even. Jack grins a little at her insistence on being funny, or maybe her want to get a picture now of him sliding. "We'll make sure you get plenty then, more reason to exercise on that vacation." Which causes him to pause, a vacation to exercise.

He does grab what he can as she lists it off and sets it with the Pikachu they found together. Now they have stuff to buy, just waiting near that test bin. He reaches over to pull out a pistol like weapon, he probably doesn't move much when she starts shooting, but eventually moves for some cover. Maybe not dodging so much. "That's cheating, should of know your a rascal that way." He moves to try and get some cover, "Your ornery that way Erin, I'm learning this." Then he just moves to stand as she goes around, trying to get one shot, just making sure its a good one, "Now who's toast there, white bread."

"You got it." On the type of cookies, agreeing.

Then it's Nerf time and when she peeks out he shoots her and it glances off. Laughing, she shoots off another few towards him, then runs for the fort. "No capturing my flag," not that there was really a flag. She climbs up the few steps and lays on her stomach, peeking out the opening with her gun. "I'm gonna give you to the count of ten to get your yella, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full of lead!" Okay so it's a quote from Home Alone, but she's using it. Noteably, she left the word ugly out of it.

Certainly he's getting hit be a few darts as he moves around the fort. He doesn't move quickly, he just takes time to grab darts she fires and reload his nerf pistol. " 1 .. 2 .. 10," he says continuing the quoting she began even. "What do I get when I capture that flag off yours," he asks taking another shot or two with his slower firing pistol. He eventually kneels down or crouch walks and starts to work his way to the fort. "The gig is up Bueller, your ass is mine," says he with a movie quote of his own. He'll try to get in through a door to capture her.

Erin laughs when he finishes the line from the movie. "You get to keep the change you filthy animal. Or you get the flag." She peeks through and gets hit again easily. She's either terrible at dodging or she's not trying hard. While he is crouch walking, she sneaks out the back and around a shield to try and come up behind him except she trips over a nerf football and falls on the padded floor, half on him, half beside. She laughs so much! "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it." Another Ferris quote as she laughs.

Sneaking to the fort, Jack is greeted by a random attack of being fallen upon by Erin. He stumbles as she finds the floor, laughing with her own quote. He pauses to consider standing back up as he looks her way. "Sometimes it's right in front of you." That may not even be a movie quote our paraphrased from who knows where, but he'd been watching her eyes as he said that. He starts to rise, still addressing get, "You're down right a bad influence .. In a good way Erin." He stands and offers her a hand. If she takes it he shoots her in the butt with the nerf weapon in his other hand. "Told you, mine." Then he walks away a little, probably as a good target.

Erin just laughs that she almost knocked him over and as he looks down at her, she raises her hands above her head, like she's lost. At his quote, she tries to place it and fails, but it doesn't stop her from meeting his eyes and smiling, her own holding on to her amusement and speculation. Probably as to what the quote is from. Reaching out, she accepts the help only to find herself shot in the rear. It only makes her laugh and when she gets to her feet, she aims her gun at him. "The best way.." but she gets distracted watching him walk away. "The best way," she repeats herself. Then pew, pew.

He may have chuckled there, just a hint, air escaping more than a breath and definitely not a sigh. There is amusement in his eyes as well. Jack is having a good time today as noted in those expressions. She returns fire, he turns his head to call over his shoulder, after the bound off his rear. "Ah, now I know where you're looking." Cause eye and aim are the same. And he may just chuckle a little again even.

He doe bend over to get another dart even, "Lucky for you I'm not loaded or you'd get some more." Even as he's loading the dart gun, but he stands and offers, "Safety precaution, can't trust you around these parts ma'am." And he even cocks it, so just a pull of the trigger to get her again it seems. "But, maybe you're looking for some trouble."

There is a slight hesitation as his laughter is appreciated, then she responds with mock solemnity. "Oh no, sir, I'm not looking for trouble." Erin still has a few darts left in her gun and she keeps a finger in the trigger hole as she lifts both her hands, putting on her best innocent face while trying not to laugh. "I swear it was just a brief look. I was looking at your back and I missed! Did I mention what a terrible aim I am?" She can't help it, she laughs at the blatant untruth. "But now.. if you're offering trouble..." letting the sentence linger, she snatches the gun with her other hand and hurriedly lets loose a barrage of the remaining bullets, moving the gun in a sweeping motion before taking a dive towards the nearest shield as soon as it clicks empty. She falls short of the shield and is a sitting duck. Or a laying down one. Which just makes her giggle and hold up her hands again. "I give!" she calls out, playfully cheating, just cause she's out of ammo. And he's not.

Listening, he does respond to her insistence of not looking for trouble. "Oh, I'm sure you're not, looking for trouble or terrible aim." Cause he denies both, and the downcast look he turns her way, indicates how much be believes her (or not). But he moves once she starts firing at him, turning to look where she is going. Then she dives as she's out of ammo, and he comes out, "Ah, I accept your complete surrender, Ms. Erin." He folds hands, lifting the one with his nerf pistol to point the end of the barrel at his chin. Scratching at his face hair, "But now that I have you, I wonder what I'll do with you." He nears, and points the gun like using it to stress points, "All mine, right where I want you, I could," and midstance he points it her way and fires. "You think I'm falling for you giving up, you're nothing but trouble. Incorrigible."

Meanwhile, a couple of kids are going around collecting ammo for their own game.

Yep. Sitting duck. Erin watches as he decides her fate. Judge, jury and executioner. All she can do is laugh and keep her hands up in surrender. Oh, she's entirely amused though, laughing at his speech as to what to do with her. For a moment she thinks she is going to get by with it, brows arching at the whole I could part, waiting for what he could.. then he fires at her and she laughs before giving her Epic. Death. Scene. It rivals that of Judy Hopps in Zootopia. Even ending with, "Annnd death."

Jack's good letting his darts go to the kids walking around getting some ammo, his focus more on his victim ... or captive? Whatever it is that he just shot who goes into a scene of epic death proportions. He watches, amused, but then curses, "Shit. Now what am I going to do be myself." He comes near and kneels down, like a detective inspecting a crime scene, "And with blood on my hands too." Then he reaches out to grab her, "Guess I have to get rid of the evidence." Which will proceed with him lifting and or moving her, unless she puts up a fight, then a little fight, with the intention of getting her on his shoulder. Face over his back, her rear in front of him, sort of a firemans carry but on one shoulder. Should he succeed, he will walk through nerf area letting them know, "Target practice."

Curiosity got the best of her and Erin so that when he comes over, she stays dead. She'd seen the kids, wondered if they would defend her honor. Nope! They snicker when she's lifted! And put over his shoulder! "Hey!" That is not what she expected, but she laughs all the same. Realizing she had access, she impulsively reaches down and swats his rear lightly. "Bad, bad, bad. I want a proper burial." Looking over at the kids. "Traitors." she says playfully.

That only makes them laugh more. Now they have the ammo and her gun and they aim at the adults. "We hereby declare this a kidzone, all adults are Pirates!"

"Oh great, they are quoting movies too." Erin laughs, "I'm alive now, You can let me down," she grins.

Taking his own hits in the barrage, he rides hints of that smile just the same. Jack shakes his head, "By proper you mean dumped in the sea." He takes his swats even, not ashamed to have her hands giving him some revenge for carrying her about. "Who doesn't like movies though." And he sets her down, just near the edge of the nerf area, so they can get the stuff they'd collected already. "You live for today. But next time I'll win." Wait, was carrying her like that winning already. Or did he want more for a victory.

"Allright, I'll admit it, I might of had some fun there," meaning he had as much fun as she did, in his own way. Maybe not laughing as much, but just as playful. "I haven't done that for awhile, did you slip something in my coffee this morning?" And she might catch it, a more real full smile which comes and then fades to the hints and teases he's been giving all day.

"If you're going to dump me in the sea, I'd much prefer you wait for summer and only nearby my house so I can swim home if I don't get eaten by sharks." Erin makes the Jaws sound there. "Da dunt. Da dunt." Rolling her eyes at her own nerdiness. "I like movies, most all of them. A lot of the Disney ones." As he puts her down, she holds on, arms around his neck until she's on solid foundation, then she releases him. "I think you won already." Then she thinks again and grins. "Or maybe I did." She had never seen him like this before, playful and smiling.

"I'm glad you came with me today. Next time the coffee will be iced and I'll make sure that I put the same laughing juice in it as I did today." No such thing, but she doesn't mind making things up on the fly. Just then s he happens to be looking at him and she catches that real, full smile. It absolutely transforms him and she can't help but to smile in response. She doesn't say anything, not wanting to jinx it, nor does she reach for her camera. "Should we get our Pokemon and get some of these Nerf toys and then move along?" Letting him decide which way to go and to what theme.

If she holds onto him while he sets her down, he probably waits a little before setting her on her feet, maybe to be sure and steady with the delicate task of his charge. Jack nods, "I think Disney has some sharks for you. And I'll count it as a draw." The win between them and who actually got it he means. Good spirits kept all around at least.

A slow nod to her, "Laughing juice you say, sounds legit. I'll buy it, just don't double up, not sure I could take that." He knows he's more serious, or comes off that way, but she sees him when he lets more of himself out. Just her in that moment, it was for her, good thing no sharing of it. "Yeah, lets get these and go find some stuff for the girls. What is it girls are into now, Princesses or those little ponies things?" A look at her then, "Or what are you into?" As if to joke about her liking toys, maybe she does have a good idea for them, but he's walking towards the nearest pink sort of area, which is the Disney toys for girls it looks like.

Okay so she sliiides down his body then releases him, but not before she meets his eyes briefly. Not wanting to make it awkward for him, she winks playfully then moves along grabbing several Nerf things for the boys with him. A clerk approaches, offers to take the load so they can continue shopping. She even conveniently has a cart with her. Erin hands over her part, watches Jack do the same if he is so inclined. "I bet they do have sharks. Maybe in Nemo and Dory's story."

Then they are moving on to the vast world of Disney as if conjured by their very words. "I won't double up." The Addington promises. "Not when you're expecting it anyway." A grin cast his way. As they get to the pink world of Princesses that little girl in her gasps.

A Cinderella castle. Ariel's under water adventures. Beasts castle. The hut of the seven dwarfs as well as the cave/mine. Even a Tangled tower and Elsa's Ice castle! Miniature versions of course. And so many other things! A dress up area with costumes both child and adult alike.

"Jack! Just look at this place!" A whole world of wonder in her voice. "It's like a real fairy tale." A crinkle of her nose. "I heard it," she smirks. "Real fairy tale." Poking fun at herself. "Where to first? Now I just want to visit England or Ireland and tour real castles."

Eye look noticed, he didn't make it awkward, but hard to read in the moment most likely. The wink catches him and he watches after her more as she moves and grabs things. She probably hands off more when the clerk starts their cart/collection for them. "I'll have to be on my toes now I see." As she'll get him when not looking, the need to be vigilant. Or not. He lets her lead the way to the pink world but enjoys watching her, not the same reason as before so much as just her sense of wonder as she looks and explores what is offered here.

"Hey, real enough, how's to say," imagination seems like a good thing for him, positive imagination. "I think you're gonna spoil the girls, not a bad thing. Pick our favorite princess, lets get stuff to go with her. You can tell me about these castles you want to see. I can only imagine their dark and cool places." Practical as far as castles go for Jack, stone seems cold to him, but he's listening as they look around this world.

"Who's to say?" Erin echoes his question and smiles as she walks deeper in. The costumes are given a pass for now, she's headed for the cave mine. Mighty convenient that some non-Disney toys are just outside beside the Disney ones. Well placed toys. A diamond pickaxe boasting the Minecraft label. "We could go mining." She ducks inside and laughs at the embedded gemstones and ores in the walls and the tubs of them beneath that people can purchase. It's a little darker in here, the sound of dripping water and of course the sounds of mining.

"It's dark," Erin whispers. Then wonders why she is whispering because it's dark. At least they can stand up straight. "I don't know what a real castle is like. I want to go into the old broken ones. I've had enough of homes that look like museums to last me a lifetime. Could you imagine hiking in Ireland to a castle and having a picnic among the ruins, pondering what life used to be like when it was in all its glory?"

Following from Disney to Minecraft, Jack nods, "Mining it is, the last great adventure." Which really, that's not the last one according to Pan or Hook. Still he ducks into the cave and stands near her. "Castles are well and good I Imagine, could be interesting." He looks more at her, "Then, we don't have castles, but an old ruined barn or some fall down shed is what we have here. A hike along some old dusty road, a faded barn with hardly no paint left at all, and treasures inside it. I'd like to think it some car I could fix up, but all sorts of things. Old signs, old toys, old things. Not quite a picnic adventure but something to explore." A pause, he looks at her eyes, "Make a deal, consider checking out some old barn with me, see what we find. I'll figure out going to Detroit for this cruise you talk about. Not a castle overseas, but its another world for me." Out of state, and multiple states away no less. If she accepts, he seems open to negotiation on where she might want him to go in exchange.

Not exactly a Minecraft world, just the pickaxes at the entrance of the cave mine of the seven dwarfs. Still Disney. Sorry Jack. They meander through and come out at Ariel's Underwater Adventure. Which is an aquarium all around them, tunnel like. "I would go exploring old builds with you. I'd imagine it would be private land maybe, but I'm not adverse to the adventure of exploring." Though with her agreement on that comes an agreement from him so she backtracks on that a little. "The next Cruise is almost a year away..."

There's a tentative look his way instead of their surroundings so that she misses the sucker fish that makes a pass by, sucking on the glass. "How about a weekend away a little closer to home? I can give you the details I've dug up on the area. It's a couple of hours away, still in Washington,"

A light shrug and turn of his head, down and to the right, "Yeah, might be private, but if you're exploring and willing to buy, most folks are good with letting you look around." Jack explains picking in a manner as fish swim about. The cruise is a year away, but another offer closer, he doesn't see anything else either as he faces her. "A weekend away, I can ease into that cruise, and then castles." But progressive, no rush, he needs to be comfortable with it.

Then he looks at her lips, "Do I get to know about this area you're considering, or gonna try a surprise on me?" Just curious really, and still talking quietly as they stand there. Then he leans in a little and brushes her lips with his, "Sorry, I imagined that with a proper date, meal and all, as I dropped you off at your place." Sorry but he brushes again with a hint of nibble at her bottom lip; not sorry?

"Then one hundred percent, I would be more than willing to traverse the countryside and explore. Maybe find little treasures here and there." Erin seems to find adventure in the thought of it. That he is considering it is enough for the moment and she smiles, she can't help it. "Just a weekend get away. I would love to tell you the details. It's a chalet on Mt. Baker. Skiing, sledding, hiking, zip lining, snow mobiles, ice fishing. I've done a lot of research on this. At the bottom of the mountain there's a village with things to do there also. Restaurants and ice skating and other things. It looks like a winter wonderland, really. If you are into that kind of thing."

With her eyes on his, she doesn't even see it coming as he leans in and brushes his lips against hers. Her eyes drift closed, lashes resting on her cheeks and she doesn't even have time to lean into it before it's over and she's standing there with her eyes closed. Color rises into her cheeks as she belatedly opens her eyes at his apology and she parts her lips to offer some sort of reassurance then he is kissing her again! This time though, her hand splays over his chest and she does lean into it at the nibble.

"You're going to some old barn with me, this getaway is all you," he returns about the resort. And its clear, he'll try it all with her, because she's asking even if it might not be his normal comfort zone. She seemed to have this effect on him, trying new things. What all he was good at, skiing or ice skating or anything else that implies he's done it before, would remain to be seen but he would try these things of hers at the resort. Who knows, maybe they'd find more things they enjoy together.

Though for Jack, his focus was her lips and he only said sorry fully wanting to kiss her, and he did. A light brush, Jack in his own time, and a suck of her lips, his head turning to press more upon her with his presence and lips. His hands find her hips and though the kiss is lingering and light and exploring, his hands grab her clothes to pull her closer to him as her hand splays on his chest. His breath comes in through flared nostrils to meet her touch there. No time to speak of, just them among the fish in the wonderful Disney display area, his exploring her more than the wonders under the sea. His lips will part lightly, joining in a sensual dance. Until breath may be needed, and he'll part lips, enough to talk, maybe talk while lips brush upon hers. "You have this effect on me," he says to her, as in he wanted to wait, but the control is lost in the moment, as if it had been building up and he just wanted that kiss, but he wanted her friendship just as much, a juxtaposition that maybe both could be there but his mind was lost on wanting that kiss, maybe more kissing still.

"I think we will both have fun on the get away." Erin reassures him, "And we'll both have fun exploring barns. Doesn't just have to be only one."

The kiss deepens, another thing Erin hadn't expected, but she doesn't step away from him or try and end the kiss unnaturally. Her lips were soft beneath his and his beard tickled her a little but certainly not unpleasantly so, if her reaction was anything to go by.Even when he pulls her closer, she doesn't resist, allowing herself to be tugged against him, feeling his heartbeat beneath her splayed hand. Only when he parts enough to speak does she open her eyes and it takes a moment for clear thinking before she can respond. Resting her forehead against his a moment, she finds herself smiling. "Apparently, I'm not immune either," she says softly, brushing her nose against his briefly before finally stepping back enough to put some space between them in case any kids came through. "Shall we finish our shopping?" This time it's different when she slips her hand into his as they walk.

Barns and getaways lost in the moment, as is much anything else other than the warmth of her against him, especially her hand strongly on his chest, matching his pull at her sides when he brings her closer. As she finds her words too he nods agreement about not being immune. From the girl he was sure was his exact opposite and here they are of all places. He could say more, but even to highlight her words, there is the sound of younger voices entering the prior caves, the seven dwarves. "Fair enough, lets set out what we came to do Ms. Erin." Sort of proper, sort of familiar, his hand is more attached to hers even as they walk, where she slipped hers into his.

Hearing the voices, Erin smiles up at him, a secretive smile, they had managed not to get caught, then they move along through the tunnel, selecting some girl toys this time. "I guess this is it! Ready when you are," Though as they get near the check out, she notices some big boxes. Hesitating there, she looks at Jack without saying anything about what her plans were. "Can you take these to the front, I'll be right there?"

Her smile lingers but turns a little impish as she hands over the intended purchases of hers.

"Always," ready that is, Jack responds to being so. He moves to the check out and nods to her, "Sure thing, meet you there." A nod and he casually gets to the front to start ringing things up. Not minding the price tag even if she is sneaking out on him. A clear indication of trust certainly on his part. As he thinks the last of the toys are getting there, he does turn to look at her, a raise of a brow as he notices the impish grin. A 'what'd you do now' sort of accusing look it is before he looks at the flow of toys and such to see what she grabbed extra, hopefully realizing before its bagged, cause then he might have to wait to know until they get back to Gray Harbor.

Erin can be seen with a clerk and then at the service desk briefly as the cart of Nerf and Pokemon are wheeled over towards Jack. She pays for something at the service desk then walks over to where Jack is, bringing nothing with her. "I made arrangements for it all to be brought to town. The Maserati has zero space." Explaining part of what she was doing. After everything is bagged and paid for, she smiles at him. "Othello's now? Or do you prefer to find a vehicle during our barn searching?" Leaving it completely to him.

"I was wondering if you had some rope," offers Jack, dryly but certainly a joke about tying it all to the roof of the sports car. He considers Othello's a moment, could just go now, but, "Yeah, lets save that for barn searching. You might find something that interests you, we'll go from there." Settled and done then, no need to rush back. "Anything else you needed while we're here. That meal I talked about." He offers that and shrugs, "Cause then I could kiss you proper like." More a date that way if it includes a meal, traditional in its own way.

"Oh yeah you bet, tie-downs all the way." Erin teases and walks out to the car with him. He has the keys, he's driving, she gets into the passenger seat and fastens the belt around herself. "Only if you're sure about skipping Othello's. That was your one stipulation on coming along. If you're sure, we can have lunch. Either in a restaurant or a drive thru, I'm not particular.. There's the GPS with suggestions if you like, or we can drive and see what we see between here and home."

It seems natural enough, he gets into the drivers side himself and begins to strap in. His belt only halfway across as he looks over at her, "I'm sure. The alternative is better all around, nothing like getting out for fresh air." Before he starts to drive, he brushes her hand with his. A slight look, as if he would enjoy holding her hand, but he needs to drive and shift, a two handed operation. But a half grin as the care roars to live and they're off again. "Something on the way, a little adventure, someplace we've both never been."

The thought of exploring for the truck seemed better to her as well and she nods her approval. Feeling that brush of his hand, Erin reaches over and places hers over his on the shifter. "I agree, Something on the way. Nothing high class." Crinkling her nose at that. "Surprise us both." Erin has never stopped at anything between here and home so it'll definitely be something new for her!

Jack takes to driving with her hand over his, when they are settled into a cruising gear and not much need for shifting, he can turn his hand, his thumb to brush over hers. A return of the touch she gives to him. "Too bad, I'm nothing but high class." Sarcastic and dry, much as usual for him. They get into a good clip, making it halfway, just past Olympia where suburbs and small towns give way to open road heading for Gray Harbour. Just before, one of the last inlets leading out to the Sound (Puget) near Seattle. A little dive called Shipwreck Café (http://www.theshipwreckcafe.com/), doesn't look like much but a good mix of steaks, burger and seafood. Best of both worlds.

"Here, a surprise," he offers, if she looks north along the road where they pull over, its auto yards and pull it places. Its off the road, but no surprise he might know of it, close to his 50 mile range of preference from Gray Harbour too. "So, I'm going to have to know, what music do you dance to, so I know where to take you some night." Just as they get out to start heading in, he may reach for her waist to pull her closer as they do that, making a little bit of a claim and starting the gesture but getting her to come closer versus him stepping to her and putting and arm about.

The drive is comfortable and any music that plays is either oldies or Christmas tunes. Possibly a little mixture of both. It's comfortable for Erin, riding beside him, her hand in his, a smile or a curious look towards him once in a while. His sarcasm is noted with a soft laugh though she doesn't offer return of it so much, just appreciating the moment.

Finally they come to a place that looks interesting and as he pulls in and parks she looks at the exterior. "Interesting place. I don't even think I've ever noticed this place in all the times back and forth to Seattle." Getting out of the car, she walks around it to walk inside with him before she feels that possessive tug against him with his arm around her. Huh. Bumping her hip against his, she smiles at him. "This place looks perfect."

Chistmas oldies is good with Jack, more in the spirit that way, this close to the reason for the season. Whatever topic is had, or silent enjoyment of radio, he seems to be in a new comfort level. More relaxed, if that's imaginable for the hard to read Jack. As if he has one knob, mellow, but his movement's and face read better. Less stiff.

"Just the sort of place I like, overlooked but a gem." Recalling the car and finding one in some old shed or barn if they're lucky. The hunt for such is half the enjoyment, his eyes look her way in sharing that thought. "Could be the test, seeing if you go for beef or fish," his eyes turn and the corners pinch a little, amusement, like his muscles are close to smiling, he is teasing about it being some test or deal breaker. "Its good, better with perfect company." Lunch is seat yourself, he indicates the booths near the windows, if she's so inclined, "So this family you picked, part of the group you did the thanksgiving dinner for?" This charitable side she's been letting him into does have him more curious after all.

Erin only now looks over at the salvage yard and there's speculation in her eyes. "Looks like we get to look around after all. Must be fate." Unable to help herself, she gawks a little at the rusted cars and trucks of every make and model imaginable. Only his deal breaking test has her attention drifting back to him and she answers not at all reluctantly. "We'll see!"

Once inside she follows his lead to the booth and slides into one of the seats, across from him. "It smells so good in here." The menu is there for the taking so she lifts one after seeing the weekly specials posted, then goes to reading it as a waitress arrives. "Oh.. breakfast. That's a tough call. I love breakfast foods. I think dinner though. Fish and chips basket and a lemonade. Malt vinegar." Placing her order she looks at him expectantly after, curious as to his choice.

A look to her about fate, he shakes his head a little, "I'd rather explore a few old barns and see what we come up with." Instead of digging around in a junkyard. More interested in the food it seems, nodding about her accepting the deal breaker he teased about as she responds willingly. Taking the seat across from her, he meets her look when its not on the walls or menu, "Can't beat the smell of good food."

Seems he has a thought in mind for food, so gives her time to seek the menu and specials to make her choice. "Coke," he says, for his drink when she looks his way, "And the fish and chips." That little nod, he's in for malt vinegar too, and thankful she asked for it. As the staff goes off to give the order to the kitchen, he offers over determination, "Well, that's a passing mark. You willing to try and catch it sometime?" Go fishing that is, but he amends, "I'm not much good at it, but an afternoon of throwing a hook at the water isn't a bad one."

"Me too, I was hoping you would say that." It also means more time and expeditions and Erin wasn't adverse to that at all. Putting the menu away after she had ordered, she settles her gaze on him after he orders. A quick smile curves and she laughs. "Were you really planning on ordering that or just following my lead?" After quickly considering, she shakes her head. "I don't see you as the type to change for anyone, so I'm thinking you were going to order it anyway. I like it when people know their own mind."

Of course there's another look as she ponders the rest. "A passing mark? Are you keeping a grade card?" The agreement comes easy. "Definitely willing to try and catch it. I'll be honest, I have no fishing gear and I am definitely not practiced at it, but I am very willing to give it a try.. Ice fishing maybe, while up in the mountains? Then again this spring or summer while out on the ocean?"

A curt nod of his head in agreement with the adventure idea and both of them liking that. Jack meets her quick smile and laugh with a touch of a curve at his lips as well. Even before he can respond, she deduces what she thinks about his option being the same. "They have beef, but if I go to a fish shop, its for the fish. Now, if you prefer burgers, you're going to have to recommend a good joint for meat." Then is that a bit of laugh in his voice. "Yeah, I have a grade card in my pocket. Good thing you're pretty to look at, I might smudge the score." Then again, if it was putt putt or golf, he'd keep fair score with no cheating either way, its clear he's teasing about, about the smudging part. Not about the pretty part, his eyes agree the same.

"I think I could like that, never been ice fishing. Still curious to try more of this snow stuff you have in mind there. I'll pack some poles for us though. " He chews on that, drinks dropped off most likely as the continue to talk, he reaches for his to take a drink. "That's it I think, you honest too. Good or bad, you tell it like it is. All these years I was thinking we had little in common, but there is that. Tell it how it is."

Erin watches his smile curve and discovers she likes causing those and looking at them. "I think you are right. And yes, we'll go to Portside sometime and have the surf and turf since both are good there.The steak and lobster.. and the best part? Dress how you like. It's on the lake but it's for everyday folks or high class, dress as you wish. That would be probably closer to the summer as well, so we'll have more to do when it's warmer out. Paddle boats?" Warming to the idea anyway.

Their drinks are delivered then there he is mentioning the grade card and smudging the score. That brings an honest furrow of her brows. "That means I have fallen short somewhere. I'm not one to allow looks to make up for anything I am lacking, so it seems there are things I have failed." Reaching for her lemonade, she sips it as she ponders that.

"I am sure in the mountains there will be rental gear so we can travel a little lighter. If you're certain you want to go for the weekend? I'll try and up my scoring with you." However unapologetic she is for it and rather apt to be herself despite it.

"You suggesting paddle boats, this is something I should try after I fill my belly on fish and steak?" A brow raises, but interest showing as he considers this, as if already bought in to surf and turf, but taking in the greater ambiance of the community that goes to that lake and enjoys the food. As he watches her reaction on the score card, he shakes his head, "Nah, there is no score card, I was giving you some guff. You're pretty but its more than that. You got me curious Erin, wanting to know more about you." A pause, a hint of a warm smile, as if to ease the thought. "If there was marks, you're exceeding the scores the limits. I know what I like and get set in my ways, but I'm not after judging anyone else. More the differences are what makes us what we are. "

"Oh yes, paddle boats, eating, hiking, fishing.." Erin hesitates a moment before adding, "Camping?" A brief smile. "After all we've been camping once, accidentally. I wonder if it would be even more fun planned and prepared for. At some point, there's no rush, just ideas." Apparently her adventure meter is on high.

The food and malt vinegar is delivered, she takes the ketchup also when offered and then settles into the meal as she listens, looking up no and again and catching that hint of his smile. "I like learning about you also, but I think you tend to keep things close." Her smile is warm, it wasn't criticism, just an observation. "I do like the contradictions. And the willingness to try new things, even if grudging," she teases back before going back to her meal.

"Sure, we can plan to go camping some time, stay out a few days, rough it," returns Jack, as if he might like doing that anyways, but with shared company, could be different. Tossing out more ideas himself, or adding to it as the food arrives. He meets her looks sometimes as he puts vinegar on his fish, after her and joins her in eating. Comfortable eating and talking, letting time pass more than rushing to eat. They have the afternoon and more, no need to get to the finish line. "Yeah, I do. Sometimes, I don't know, I'd rather see someone with a smile, so I keep some things just to me." He shrugs and then grins a little, "You'll get a lot of grudging from me, I think you've figured me out. I don't usually do new things, but you got a spark there in you Erin, makes me willing to give it a little go, step out of that comfort zone of mine."

The malt vinegar on the fish gives it just the right taste, but Erin dips her fries in ketchup or swabs them in a little vinegar before biting down on them. Good meal and she openly enjoys it. Once it winds down though, she doesn't seem in a hurry to leave, but all things must. The tab is paid, doesn't even matter by who, a tip is left and they get back in the car.

One the trip back, the radio continues to play Christmas tunes and they hold light conversation. Mostly plans for other outings, getting him more out of his comfort zone and her as well, exploring those barns he mentioned.

At one point the music is interrupted to warn them about record snowfall and falling temperatures. A white Christmas is in order. "Well, with my car I'm sure I will be snowed in. Don't forget Christmas baking and all." She reminds him as they pull up in his drive. A brow is arched. "Something to think about. If your shop will be closed for the holidays, you can drive over now before the snow hits, or tonight, and I have a spare room you are welcome to. We could do the baking and prep for Christmas dinner."