( he sighs and lets the rest of his drink sit, turning the glass in a circle against the bar. making a nice ring his bartender will have to clean at close.
looking up, he sees the face of a woman who's getting impatient. not with the job, but with the man behind it. )
Aunt Claire has her eye on another property in Battle Creek, Michigan. ( And because of that, his face already tells the story. To Malina, he and eccentric but exacting aunt Claire share an assistant. It's "easier" and he's tried time and again to find her other candidates. But, she insists what she needs done is paltry compared to what he needs.
Every now and again, she's his excuse because it's her money backing him. ) She wants me to go ahead next week. Get eyes on it. It's going to be "slow" here next month, so she's turning her eyes to what's next. Didn't even call me personally.
( it's at the end of the day and he'd just gotten back earlier this month so he hopes it lands how it needs. but as he gets advantages on deception he drops a (nat 20) )
[Maybe Cancun. Maybe just to Florida or California. She will browse their options and make sure she can find somewhere for them to tuck away for a little while.
( He closes his eyes, letting himself feel her embrace. Smiling. If it could be like this always and he wasn't beholden to a legacy he can't remember, things would be so different. )
[Malina pauses, just enjoying the moment of being here with him, and given that it is a brand new start to a brand new year, she tips forward, leaning in to kiss him softly.
She's doing her best to not do what she usually does. Not mistrust and suspect but just enjoy being present in the moment. She'll start here and hope that things can only go up.
( Something about 'Happy New Year," feels disingenuous. Like he's lying to her. And he doesn't like omitting the truth to not lie. He kisses her again, sinking into it. )
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Malina takes a breath, before making her way over, and leaning over the bar.]
Everything okay with Toby?
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looking up, he sees the face of a woman who's getting impatient. not with the job, but with the man behind it. )
Aunt Claire has her eye on another property in Battle Creek, Michigan. ( And because of that, his face already tells the story. To Malina, he and eccentric but exacting aunt Claire share an assistant. It's "easier" and he's tried time and again to find her other candidates. But, she insists what she needs done is paltry compared to what he needs.
Every now and again, she's his excuse because it's her money backing him. ) She wants me to go ahead next week. Get eyes on it. It's going to be "slow" here next month, so she's turning her eyes to what's next. Didn't even call me personally.
( it's at the end of the day and he'd just gotten back earlier this month so he hopes it lands how it needs. but as he gets advantages on deception he drops a (nat 20) )
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You would think that would be easier. Unless they're screwing over Toby by not paying her for all this travel she's doing.
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Toby is on a salary and her travel is taken care of. Aunt Claire is as old world as they come. Very, I beckon from on high, you come.
( She's why Malina also has an enviable salary. )
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[But she can't argue with the way the old money folks like to do business.]
When do you have to go?
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( He leans in close, intimate. He steals the time he can, because he only has so much. )
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[She'll match that lean, reaching out to play with the collar of his shirt.]
Guess we better make the most of the start of the year, then.
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( He leans forward, pressing a kiss to her lips. The regulars know who she is to him. It's close to after hours. )
Sorry my time's so unpredictable.
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Not like I didn't know what I was getting into. I just wish you could tell me more sometimes.
[It feels like it doesn't feel she can be trusted. Then again, she's keeping her own secrets, for better or worse.]
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( Except when he is away and Toby fields his calls, often rolling them, but usually picking up for Malina. )
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Maybe we should take a trip together. Maybe a vacation?
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( Maybe there's a clause, some kind of, he can have uninterrupted time, exception. )
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Okay. Any preferences on locations?
[She can start doing some research.]
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( He can use sunscreen. And also redden. )
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[Maybe Cancun. Maybe just to Florida or California. She will browse their options and make sure she can find somewhere for them to tuck away for a little while.
Hopefully Toby will let them.]
Unless you want me to surprise you?
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( Gives him a taste of his own medicine. Feels more equal. And, he's curious what she will pull together. )
I can answer vague questions, but it's ultimately up to you.
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[She winds her arms around his neck, as she moves in closer.]
Just let me know what dates are good.
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( He closes his eyes, letting himself feel her embrace. Smiling. If it could be like this always and he wasn't beholden to a legacy he can't remember, things would be so different. )
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[Malina pauses, just enjoying the moment of being here with him, and given that it is a brand new start to a brand new year, she tips forward, leaning in to kiss him softly.
She's doing her best to not do what she usually does. Not mistrust and suspect but just enjoy being present in the moment. She'll start here and hope that things can only go up.
Maybe make it her New Year's resolution.]
Happy New Year, Ford.
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( Something about 'Happy New Year," feels disingenuous. Like he's lying to her. And he doesn't like omitting the truth to not lie. He kisses her again, sinking into it. )
You coming up after close?
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I think I have just a few more things to tie up in the back, but other than that it shouldn't be too crazy.
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( One more nice, long kiss. He steps off the stool, signals the bartender a goodbye and heads out. )