He always liked doing this, there was something about her art that captivated him. His head leaned over her shoulder and she looked up and smiled. "Wa...cha drawin' today?" "Just another one of my characters." "She looks nice, I really like it." Thanks Reno." He walked off and set his bag over at another table, settling down and watching the Animes that were showing with everyone else. 10pm came around, and it was time to head out. Hayly looked at her phone to see if her mom was still coming to. I did see that it was 25th anniversary, so it was probably expensive as hell. I pulled the cork out with my teeth and spat it out before taking a swig. It was some kind of whiskey. Smooth. Gretchen was going to be pissed. I sat down and took a deep drink. These last few days had been so confusing. It had to be because I was out of my element. In a strange place. I shouldn’t be having all these feelings. That wasn’t me, wasn’t the hog-riding Hawk with an attitude. That thought reminded me. Even Claire.“Thank you Master. Please, all of you. Listen to me and hold your questions until I’m done?” Karen asked submissively.Claire was about to complain (or maybe challenge the form of address she’d used, maybe) and I shushed her. I didn’t have her mother’s ability to shush people with a look. That’s a woman thing, I think. I had to verbally shut her up. “Listen. That was your mother’s request but MY order. You WILL be quiet until she asks a question or you WILL stand in a corner with. She must be parked on the other side of the lot. Oh well, the least I could do is walk her to her car, right? I may not be her 'boyfriend' anymore but it was the manly thing to do."Thank you so much Paul." She said, sighing in relief. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up." She shook her head, digging through her purse for her keys. "I swear to God I'm not gonna flirt with anyone, ever again." I'd at least pick them a little more carefully." I told her as we reached her.