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Thread: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
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2024-04-16, 12:30 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Feb 2022
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
If it helps, John projected comfortingly, she will remember your visits as you grew up in the same way you do. I won’t be able to give the two of you back that time, but she won’t have to navigate the child having walked out of the room and the wonderful woman walking in with no bridge between.
For whatever it’s worth, I’m having to negotiate that same bridge with my parents now. Mom still wants to keep me safe despite my new job. Dad’s handling the jump a little easier than she seems to be — although her focus on you and your father is distracting her somewhat.
But whatever may be going on at this table tonight, I can’t help but think she will adore the woman you have become and be proud of you. I may be biased but we do have some externally validating data, given my mother’s response to you.
Spoiler: The Supportive Boyfriend
Kate’s eyes widened slightly in excitement at hearing Mr. Shaw’s voice in her head and she looked down at her plate quickly — but not so quickly as to be precipitous (Although, given the people at the table, she conceded that at least one of them would likely have noticed). The telekinesis she had seen Emi and her father exhibit had been exciting but there was a little extra thrill to be in telepathic contact.
She found herself internally huffing at the thought that her mother having developed a method of keeping her mind somewhat shielded — although she couldn’t be certain if it was her mother always being one step ahead or her own frustration at not having taken up meditation as well.
She’s even worse than John at that kind of thing, she admitted. At least I can get him from time to time. She’s impossible.
There was a brief pause as her mind caught up with her emotions and she processed everything Mr. Shaw had said.
Thank you, Mr. Shaw, she projected with a hint of vulnerability. It means a lot to me — to all of us, to be accepted by the two of you and for the two of you to accept John as you have. He cares so deeply for Emi and she has been nothing but wonderful to us.
There was another pause. I’m looking forward to the years to come.
“Very memeable,” Stephen added. “I especially like the ones that managed to put a Yogi Bear hat on his head.”
“We’ll talk,” Jefferey mouthed over-dramatically, holding a pretend phone up to his ear.
John mentally sighed.
I was afraid it would be something like that, he conceded. I can always ask her later and do what I can to reassure her that whatever it is she is worried about will be okay. It will probably be better to handle it traditionally anyway. Engaging her in a manner that is more mundane will probably help.
There was a part of him that sensed that Mr. Shaw’s candor was an important step forward — one that tempted him to broach the topic of a question he felt was coming over Christmas. Deep in his mind, he sensed that a speech was being prepared — the one where he would ask for his blessing rather than his permission.
But this was not the place or the time — even if that candor made him feel the answer would be more authentic than after he had brought his wife back to him. He would owe him something then.
And he wished to be accepted for who he was — not what he had done.
Is there anything I should know before we head to London — either by jet or via the Spire? I hope what happens there will be enough to win your full confidence in me but I suppose I should try and be prepared for any idiosyncrasies of your household.
Knowing less about what led to your wife’s condition will likely be better than knowing more — so I would prefer to steer clear of such knowledge for now.
Spoiler: The subtext.OOC: The implied question is What Can I Do to Gain Influence Over You?
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2024-04-17, 02:13 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 5th
No Store Left Unturned
Originally Posted by Ryker
Originally Posted by Keith and Drake
. . .
Originally Posted by Raph
Originally Posted by Raph
"Speaking of which, I need to find an old man around here so he can try to sell me on a few things we don't need and tell me a story about a fish he probably never caught. I'll be back in a few." Louis says before delving into the depths of the store.
. . .
The West Side team lead surfaces from the school of shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts about fifteen minutes later with bag and a black mesh trucker hat bearing the Salmon Ace logo.
"Bookstore?" He asks the group.
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2024-04-17, 06:04 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2016
- Location
- Earth
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
At Drake's responses, and Raph's, Keith nods along and puts his hands behind his head. Drake's mom recommending books reminded him of his uncle giving him suggestions after his mom passed. Before, she would pick out a lot to read.
"Makes sense. Honestly didn't start much until before Don decided to gather up a massive library. Lemme know whatcha think of it. Need something that ain't just literary studies as well." He chuckles and then goes silent. He was lost in thought.
Spoiler: For Raph's Senses
Emptiness, a sense of feeling hollow. There's a tinge of regret, mixed with self-loathing.
He doesn't feel like he belongs here. Anywhere. And right now he's trying to look like he's enjoying the outing.
Keith listens and reacts as he would expect someone to at the fish story. "Considerin' this place, I'd believe it. Good thing y'all made it out aight." He thought a moment. They never really fished, but more so hunted. At least, when they needed to.
As Louis runs into the store, Keith shrugs and follows as well, though making his way back to the hunting section. He had remembered his uncle complaining about his rifle strap so maybe this would be a good chance to replace it. That, and it wasn't like he needed a new scope just to hunt.
Keith emerges a moment after Louis and nods. "Glad you gave me an idea just then though. Works fine for me." He holds up the bag. "Your story actually reminded me of something my uncle complained about the other day on his last hunting trip. Thanks bud."
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2024-04-22, 11:15 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Out in The Sticks
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Doki Doki:
It was harder than he'd admit... singling out a handful of scents and threads against the press. It was harder than when he hunted... when he wanted something.
Like a cascade of ash, the tenuous grip on his allies he had with his nose dissolved. The world turned a little pink. The coeds from before were in sharper focus, looming over everything. Raphael swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.
The laceration was a waterfall in his mind.
Hunting at the mall is Forbidden.
So What? Rules are meant to be broken. My very existence is--
Hunting at the mall is a bad idea.
Does Yuki know what I am?
The Predator freezes, no longer straining against the rusty cage and grimy chains of The Face's resolve. It stares at the memory, fascinated, occupied... vorac---
"You know what guys. Breakfast is just not sticking with me today. I'm gonna swing back through the food court real fast and then I'll meet up with you at the book store, cool?"
He makes a disgusted face and squints at Louis and Drake. "I ~~promise~~ not to cause any trouble."
He makes a sound to match the face. "Not even to the deserving."
Raphael rotates smoothly on his heel and moves quickly towards the exit of Salmon Ace.
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2024-04-23, 01:53 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2015
- Location
- Albemarle, NC
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 5th
Mall Walking
Drake and Ryker watch Raphael hurry off. The former Rook shrugs and mills around with Drake at the weapons counter in Salmon Ace until Louis and Keith are ready to leave.
Once in the bookstore, Drake heads toward the fiction section. Ryker hangs around with Louis for a bit, people watching. He does a double take as he looks over a low shelf at some girls who’re well out of earshot. “Fuuuuuuuuu— Everybody’s ****in’ out today, huh?” he mutters.
If Louis follows his gaze, he spots Iris looking through a table of books with another woman that looks to be about the same age as her.
Spoiler: Louis— Notice TN 6Iris’ makeup is heavy today, much heavier than the last time Louis saw her, especially under her eyes. However, she can’t hide the slight shadow from her bruises, or the broken blood vessels in the bottom of both sclera.
Ryker drops his eyes and lets out an angry huff.
Providence, RI
Originally Posted by John
Originally Posted by Kate
Originally Posted by John
Spoiler: John’s Final QuestionOOC: Short of handling the entire demonic incursion himself, John cannot gain Influence over Mr. Shaw at this time.
As the meal continues, Mr. Shaw abruptly sets his knife and fork down before pulling out his phone from his inner jacket pocket. He glances at the Caller ID and then looks around the table. “My apologies, but I need to take this. I’ll return shortly.”
He stands and heads toward the front door in a direct line, phasing through the stairs.
It’s Mr. Maodus. A Myriad executive, Emi explains to John.Last edited by InTheMachine; 2024-04-23 at 03:34 PM.
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2024-04-23, 09:24 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2022
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
I suspect it’s normal for even so wonderful as you to have concerns about getting to meet her again soon, John conceded. But I believe in you and her feelings for you — biased though my family and I might be towards you.
John felt his mind retreat back behind his defenses as if slapped at the name of Mr. Shaw’s personal assistant.
Why? Where had he heard that name….
“Oskar,” Emi asked in the dream, “who is it?”
It was then that Grayson, his father, and a less than friendly Keith arrived.
He struggled to keep his composure, reminding himself that such dreams were seldom straightforward pre-tellings of the future and that even Harbinger was challenged at sorting through their imagery.
He would take everything.
John took a deep breath, centering himself as best he could and fighting down the hints of a panic attack.
It must be of great comfort to have a staff you can trust so completely. Given how London feels about the other me, I’m glad to know they are so discrete and can be trusted. Thank you for letting me know.
I would conclude that the fact I don’t recognize the name is an indication that your father is downplaying the importance of the call if I knew more about Myriad. Still, I hope it doesn’t disrupt his evening.
“Of course, Alastair,” Mary replied with a smile. “Joe has had to take such calls on occasion. It happens.”
She looked to Emi and smiled. “Of course, the most recent of such calls brought far more pleasant news.”
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2024-04-24, 08:53 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 5th
Mall Walking
Originally Posted by Keith
Originally Posted by Raphael
Originally Posted by Raphael
Take A Look
Once in the bookstore, Drake heads toward the fiction section. Ryker hangs around with Louis for a bit, people watching. He does a double take as he looks over a low shelf at some girls who’re well out of earshot. “Fuuuuuuuuu— Everybody’s ****in’ out today, huh?” he mutters.
Ryker drops his eyes and lets out an angry huff.
Notice: 11 + 2 (Perception) = 13
"A little heavy on the foundation today... or is it concealer? I forget which ones which if I'm being honest." Louis observes quietly. "Sooooo do you wanna go over and say somethin' to her or nah?"Last edited by PK-Leon; 2024-04-24 at 08:55 PM.
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2024-04-27, 07:39 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2016
- Location
- Earth
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Keith nods with a smirk at the tipped hat. "Yep, he'd complained that the last strap he had broke. Would've grabbed a scope but, his eyes are way better than mine." He thinks for a moment. "Actually wonder how the new blood awakening will affect that...."
He shakes his head. "Mostly just deer and boars. Easiest to find nearly anywhere, and better than most anything else we had to eat." He smiles a bit. "Honestly want to go back out again sometime. I miss it."
Keith looks at Raph as he hurries off and shrugs. Guy could use some more sun, though, Keith kinda understood. At this point, maybe everyone else knew more about his condition than he did. Who knows.
At the bookstore, Keith starts perusing the journals and fiction sections. He wanted to find something by the local author at first to have an idea of her work before trying to schedule a tour for Maeve. Though he also wanted to get her a journal since, it wasn't necessarily big, but could also be useful if things didn't go as he hoped.
He ended up finding one of the books rather quickly, but the journal selections seemed off. Nothing caught his eye here. It also seemed as though he was thinking too small. Something to write in would be the obvious thing for an English student. She probably had hundreds of them that would never be used. He sighed as he looked through and decided to walk around a bit more to see if anything else in the store caught his eye.
Sidney was probably right. I shouldn't be this concerned about a gift after only one date........ He thought to himself as he wandered around to think.
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2024-04-28, 07:40 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Out in The Sticks
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
A Manly Walk in the.... Food Court?
Raphael breathed all the way out and didn't draw a new one in. Leaving the press and the don't think about it.
The pale youth sidled through the currents of shoppers and allowed himself to be carried along until he was deposited unceremoniously at the food court.
"Let's see, let's see..."
not hearing his own voice, Raphael remembered to breathe.
Borgor Sovereign, Lights n Sirens Subs, Tengoo Nipon, Sally's Chimkin Raiders, Mia Mercedes Itlian...
"Let us pay our respects to the throne, then." He muttered quietly, on purpose this time.
Raphael bounced back and forth on his feet, antsy in the line. At length, he ordered a Double-Crown and a pipebomb. The vampire found an empty spot, parked it, and with slow, deliberate, contemplative bites, ate his intervention.
As Foretold By Ancient Prophecy, I have Returned:
The vampire sauntered into Tomes by the Trillion. He paused a moment, looking around at the stacked, vandalized corpses of trees.
I've never been a big reader.
Raphael sighed, contented in a manner he'd be hard pressed to explain.
I like how quiet it seems in here.
He blinked a few times, slipping all of his masks back on, and cast a bout for Louis and Co. Sighting his quarry, he glides through the aisles. He's brought to a halt when his eyes alight on the "Mystery/Thriller" section.
He tilts his head, thinking...
possessed of an idea, he speeds towards the team, ducking and weaving through other shoppers.
"Hey." He announces without preamble.
"Do you think Stella like's mysteries?" He jerks a thumb at the offending section of stories. "I thought it might be cool to get two copies of a mystery and, like, argue over whodunit."
He follows the combined gaze of the group to Iris and her friend.
The vampire's expression remains unchanged, firmly locked beneath layers of dissembling, disingenuity, and detachment.
Many thoughts run beneath that porcelain mask. One rings out as a single, certain, clear note.
Lady Orchid's Thrall, Lady Orchid's Problem
"Someone's been too rough with the merchandise." He mutters.
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2024-04-30, 09:05 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2015
- Location
- Albemarle, NC
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 5th
Mall Walking
Raphael and Louis
Originally Posted by Louis
He glances up as Raphael joins them and shrugs at his question about books.
Originally Posted by Raphael
Iris seems to sense their gazes upon her and looks in their direction. She says something to her friend, who glances at the three of them, but nods to Iris and heads deeper into the bookstore.
Iris makes her way around the low shelves to the three boys. She smiles at Louis. “Hey, Louis, right?” At any hint of confirmation of his name, she continues. “I thought I recognized you.”
She looks at ‘Derrick’ and Raphael. “Are you guys friends of his?”
Ryker nods, knowing that his voice would give him away if he answered.
She looks a little perplexed at ‘Derrick’s’ silence, but shrugs it off. Her right hands plays with the small silver heart pendant attached to her velvet choker necklace. “How’s Izzy?” she asks Louis.
Keith
As Keith turns a corner, he almost runs into a girl around the same age as him with chin-length black hair and deep brown eyes. She smiles at Keith and quickly apologizes before she looks up and really takes his appearance in. “Your hair is cool,” she says, eyeing the white streak in it. “Is that natural?”
Providence, RI
Emi notices John’s shift in mood as her father leaves. Is everything okay, John? she asks with some concern in her tone.
Emi gives Mary a warm smile as she mentally answers John’s question. Mr. Maodus oversees operations and the heroes stationed in Aeon City. It’s rare that Mr. Maodus himself calls my father. Usually it’s Suzanne, his assistant, so it must be something important.
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2024-05-01, 07:52 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2022
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
John felt his flicker of embarrassment at being caught by Eli.
You weren't supposed to catch that, either, he sheepishly replied — even if their growing connection simultaneously filled him with comfort. I was confirming some details about the trip to London and he mentioned Oskar. I was familiar with the name — and his role — from a dream. Well, a nightmare, actually — one that was set after your mother’s healing. It was enough to startle me. That's all.
He stared into the distance through the French doors, looking for evidence of fog.
It's the same kind of thing when your recent past impacts your dreams. Except that, sometimes, the future impacts mine. It doesn’t always happen but it happens often enough to be part of what passes for normal.
It's nothing to worry about, he said, as much for his benefit as her’s.
If we need to get him there quickly, I’ll need you to project a vivid image of the location, John observed. I could gate us into a public space easily but there’s a plus or minus in hitting the right location based on how familiar I am which here I want to go via the Spire.
Well, any time I teleport, really, he admitted. It’s the nature of the spells to require focus and awareness to anchor the arrival point. I could probably get to your side if you were on Titan without a second thought but would need to check before walking through the door onto the Apollo landing sites.
John’s eyes darted to Emi as he realized he was implying things.
You or my family, of course.
Still implying.
And a small handful of others.
Stop digging.
Like Sister Anna Marie.
Oh, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
She’s family of course.
STOP DIGGING!
…
Smooth.
That was loud enough for your father to have heard whether he wanted to or not, wasn’t it?Last edited by mmdeforrest; 2024-05-01 at 07:54 AM.
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2024-05-02, 03:43 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 5th
Mall Walking
Originally Posted by Ryker
Originally Posted by RaphaelOriginally Posted by Iris
Louis flashes a smile in return, "Yeah, that's my government alright. You've got a good-" The team lead reconsiders his choice of words in the moment but forces himself to commit rather than to draw any unwanted attention, "eye."
Originally Posted by Iris
"Izzy? She's amazing." Louis' mind is flooded by a deluge of emotions and memories of the time he'd spent together with the musician over the past few weeks. The realization of how much time had passed since he'd last saw Iris suddenly hits him as does the nature of her question. "And doing fantastic after the incident back at the safehouse. I don't think many people would've bounced back as fast as she did after something like that. I know she'd appreciate you asking too." He smiles on his girlfriends behalf.
"What about you?" Louis asks innocently. "It's been a minute."
"I take it the Christmas spirit's also compelled you to get a little holiday shopping done early or do you just happen to be in the market for a new book?"Last edited by PK-Leon; 2024-05-03 at 11:41 AM.
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2024-05-02, 03:57 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2016
- Location
- Earth
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Keith sighs as he walks around and is startled by almost running into the girl. As she starts to apologize he just smiles and shakes his head. "Nothing to apologize for! I should have watched where I was going."
He had dropped the book he was carrying too, but didn't quite realize it yet. At her question about his hair, and the comment, he blushed a bit. Keith was not used to compliments.
"T-thank you." He stutters a bit. "Your's is really cute." He had entirely forgotten about the white streak that appeared with Stolas, trying to regain his composure and nodding.
"Yep, it is! Kind of a family trait from what I’ve been told.” Come to think of it, it did never just go away after all that time.
More things I would have liked to ask Stolas about…. He thinks to himself. Maybe his uncle would know more. Wait, should I even be telling her that her hair is cute? Is… that ok when… well, guess we haven't actually said one way or another.
Sidney's advice about getting too hung up after just a short coffee date, that ended with him on the receiving end of a beatdown, rang out in the back of his head.
It should be fine. But then again, was that what Jason did following Rin’s mother? Was that what he did after he was born as well?
He had only taken a quick look at first but now he was getting a better look at her. Someone seemingly normal, at least at this moment, removed from any hero stuff.
He really hoped she was removed from it all at least. Maybe this could even be a fresh start for him to not be a terrible person as he had been to, well everyone.
I'm not my father… I can still prove this! And yet he was making the same mistakes over and over.
“And my manners escape me again. I’m Keith, nice to meet ya.” He offers a lopsided grin. Probably the realest grin he had worn in a while.
OOC: Keith marks Troubled
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Yesterday, 09:00 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2015
- Location
- Albemarle, NC
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 5th
Mall Walking
Louis and Raphael
Originally Posted by Louis
Originally Posted by Louis
Ryker keeps his own gaze down and away until Louis makes his comment. He glares into the side of Louis’ head as he continues to talk to Iris.
Originally Posted by Louis
She looks down, crossing her arms. “I’ve been better, but that’s not really something to talk about in the mall,” she says quietly.
Spoiler: Notice TN 4Ryker’s fist tightens at his side, but he stays silent.
Iris clears her throat lightly before looking back up at Louis. Her tone is noticeably brighter. “One of my roommates is super into the Paranormal series and I know she’s hasn’t read the most recent one, so I ordered her a signed copy for Christmas. I just thought I’d look around a little while I was here to pick it up. I’m really trying to get back into reading, so I thought I’d look for something that catches my eye.”
Keith
The girl smiles at Keith’s compliment and leans down to pick up the book he dropped. She glances down at the title and then offers it back to him. “Haven’t read this one yet, but Brooks is supposed to be pretty good.”
As Keith takes a look at her, he notices that she’s a few inches shorter than he is, and is wearing a cute red jacket, tight black pants with stylish rips in the thighs and knees, and black Converses. The hint of a tattoo peaks out of her collar on her right shoulder.
“I’m Hope,” she says with a smile.
Providence, RI
The night air is clear as John glances out of the doors.
I see, Emi replies. Harbinger has many dreams like that. He never knows if they are merely dreams or true visions, so I know it can be shocking to learn that what you dreamt is true.
He can tell that she wants to ask about the nature of his nightmare, but restrains her curiosity.
It isn’t that urgent, Emi assures him. He can feel a warmth radiating through their link. It’s good to know that you could find me even if I was somehow on one of Saturn’s moons.
She laughs lightly as John eventually quiets. Most likely.
After a few minutes, Mr. Shaw returns, ghosting through the door and then the stairs and wall.
“My apologies, again,” he says as he takes his seat once more.
A small request, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Shaw projects to John. Once we’re finished here, I would be grateful if you would teleport me to Aeon City instead of back to Iron Station.
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Yesterday, 09:48 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2022
- Gender
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
It….
John noticed the deep breath he took as Emi smiled at his mother’s comment.
It was a garden variety nightmare — despite the cast of extraordinary people. You were happy to be able to introduce your mother to a friend and…
…and I faced the possibility of losing you to another. Again.
Inwardly, he smiled wryly. My Amulet contains and controls my fears. But they still exist within me and can find their way into my nightmares alongside horrors from my past. It’s almost normal, if you make allowances for certain supernatural terrors.
Dr. Higgins goes over the worst of them with me and helps me make sense of them. If you ever come across An academic paper by her during your studies that talks about a patient whose fear response has been suppressed, you’ll know who she’s talking about — although I doubt AEGIS would let her publish on that topic.
Of course, Mr. Shaw. Emi and I were just discussing the assistance I would need to bring you in on target. You may have noted my somewhat noisy attempt to, um, curtail a certain set of explanations.
“Not at all, Alastair, Mary replied, noting the blush that had crept into her eldest son’s complexion and the hint of a dimple on Emi’s cheek, signaling some amusement at John’s response to something.
They seemed to grow a little closer together each visit. If next weekend were off the table….
She shifted her focus back to the here and now as best she could, seeking safer ground to begin from.
“Did you have an event in mind for either of your new dresses, dear? I know you have a birthday coming up. I didn’t know if John had yet offered some plans for the evening.”
He’ll have at least three — if not five, Kate noted to Mr. Shaw as she watched Emi carefully for the hint of a reaction, and Mom knows it. Has he given Emi any hints?
“Something special for a special dress, Boyfirend,” Jefferey teased. “No pressure.”