Kelvin!
 

Victoria walked up towards the coffee cart, she hoped this would help Mariel even a little. She knew her father had passed away and felt horrible for her. It had to be so hard to loose a parent. Victoria felt a little blessed to still have her parents very healthy and well. She didn't know what she would do without them. They watched Bart while she was at work. She wasn't sure if anyone could handle her son other then her parents. "I didn't know an estate took so long, if you don't mind me asking was there something wrong with the will or anything that is making it longer then usual, or is this a usual time line for it?" She really wasn't sure since she had never dealt with it. Her ex's mother had passed while they were married, but his father got everything so there really was not problems or timelines.

Looking at the cart, Victoria tried to decide what she would want, "What would you like Mariel, my treat?" She looked again at the cart what was she feeling today. Then she looked back at Mariel, "You were living with your father, correct? If you don't mind me asking, are you still living there?" She didn't want to be nosy, but she was wondering, if Mariel needed a place she was more then welcome to stay at Victoria's. Her house was big enough and with just her and Bart it was to much room.

Mariel quietly walked a bit ahead of Victoria, making a beeline for the coffee cart. Though she was always rather surprised about the lack of activity in their department, she was almost grateful for the quiet today. The brunette was just about to pour herself a cup of coffee when she turned sharply upon hearing Victoria's words. She looked at her curiously for a moment before speaking. It was almost as if the other woman had read her mind. "Well.. there is something wrong with the will, actually," she said, subconsciously lowering her voice just a bit. "There.. are two.. and they are being questioned for their authenticity." She knew exactly which one was correct, though she hadn't been able to yet prove it.

She shrugged. "Just a coffee would be fine. I'm not sure I have much appetite for anything else, but thank you." Mariel nodded, her eyes focusing on the refreshments in front of them. "I am staying there, yes, while I work things out.." And hopefully indefinitely. It was her childhood home and her right to stay there. "It's strange, you know," she said wistfully, playing distractedly with the cup of coffee stirrers. "I'm an orphan now.. I'm 25 years old, is it dumb to think of myself that way?"

Victoria poured herself a coffee and was shocked to know she had been correct. She had no clue what she was really talking about and just had thought it could be a possibility. The shock had to have shown on her face, "Oh wow, I'm really sorry Mariel. That has to be tough." Realizing she didn't know much about Mariel's family she wasn't sure why there would be two. "Would there have been a reason your father made a second will after his first?" She was dreading making one knowing she needed to as a just in case so Bart wouldn't just be lost in a custody issue between family members if something were to happen to her, but to make a second one just seemed crazy. Taking in what Mariel said Victoria looked at her, "If your saying the one isn't real, do you know who would have tried to fake it?" Whomever that family member was had to be not a very good family member to pull something like that.

So she was still in the house, Victoria wondered if that was a bit sad staying there without her father anymore, she couldn't imagine being in her parents house without them there. The as she watched Mariel, Victoria felt the need to hug her friend. She put an arm around her and comforted her. "I don't think that is a weird feeling, it's probably very normal. Twenty five is still very young to not have your parents." She thought she remembered Mariel speaking of a sibling, but wasn't sure if she had others or not. "Do you at least have other family members or was it just you and was it a sister, I'm sorry I can't remembered at the moment."

Mariel poured herself a cup of coffee and nodded solemnly to Victoria's words as she stirred in her cream and sugar. "Thanks.. it's been a little difficult without the closure, I suppose.. but I've been managing and I know it will get easier once this is all taken care of." She listened to her coworker's questions, still focusing on her coffee, then turned to look at her. "Unfortunately, I do know who would do such a thing.. the person who would stand a chance at inheriting the most." Mariel took a deep breath to try to quell her anger, then added softly, "There are two wills.. one leaving everything to my step-mother and one dividing his estate between me and my sisters and their children."

She smiled a bit as Victoria gave her a hug and she gave her a little shrug at her words."Yeah, It's just.. I guess it will take a while to get used to.." Then she nodded. "Two sisters actually.. but they're both older and have their own families. One lives in Germany and one lives in France.. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like." Funny.. she wasn't always that close to them, but it seemed that she really needed them around now.

Victoria frowned as she watched her friend being upset. She hated seeing friends upset. Pouring her own coffee she stood and listened, "I bet it has to be hard. I hope the closure comes soon for you." No one should have to drag out a parents death, especially in this sort of way. A bit of shock rushed over Victoria as she heard Mariel say about a step mother, did she even know Mariel had a step mother, and how could someone be so mean. "Oh Mariel that does sound like such a rough situation. Do you feel she is the type to force or even just make one up? How long had they been married?" She hoped she wasn't asking to many questions. Taking a sip of her coffee without paying closer attention, Victoria cringed as it burned her mouth.

"Maybe you could use some time away. You have some personal time, maybe you could go visit one of your sisters, get around family for some happy times instead of staying here. She looked at Mariel concerned. "Or I will be headed to Australia for a few days to take Bart to his father, your welcome to join me if you would like." She was only planning on staying a day, but could extend it if needed. Then a thought crossed her mind, "Are you still living in the same house as this step mother?" If this woman was mean enough to fake a will or persuade a man into making a different one leaving his own children out, she probably wasn't not the nicest to live with, which probably was making Mariel's time there even harder.

Somewhat lost in her own little world, Mariel took a sip of her coffee, her eyes focusing on a spot on the floor. She nodded a bit as she vaguely heard Victoria's condolences, then looked up at her questions. The brunette let out a short, humorless laugh. "Let's just say I wouldn't put it past her.." She thought for a moment about the next question. "Oh.. I think they got married when I was 13 or 14.. but they were estranged the last couple years.." Right before he mysteriously grew ill.. Mariel was sure that wasn't a coincidence.

The brunette shrugged at the next statement. "I took a lot of my personal time when he died.. I'm not entirely sure how much I have left." She hadn't been with the Ministry all that long and was a little concerned about taking advantage of things like that. She didn't want to lose her job. "Though a long weekend away might be nice.." She was sure she had enough time to take an extra day or two and she smiled a bit at the offer. "If you don't mind the company.. I really miss that part of the world." She knew she should still make time for her sisters though.. maybe one of the weekends Ethan didn't come to visit, she could visit them. Mariel became a bit lost in her thoughts, snapping out of them as she heard Victoria's question. "No.. she doesn't anymore.. in fact, its almost as if she's hiding. I'm not quite sure where she is." Which made her somewhat concerned now that she thought about it.. perhaps she should send an owl to Andrew..

Victoria took another sip of her coffee as she listened. Her mind wondered on how someone could do something like this to a family. It just didn’t seem right or something that should be allowed. At that moment Victoria felt grateful to have both her parents still together after all the years they were together, but sad to think her own son could end up with a step parent that mean. “13? So she helped raise you? “ Pity.. that’s what Victoria felt, she couldn’t believe someone that would have been in Mariel’s life for so long could be causing so much sorrow for her in a time she needed that mother figure. “Had she shown any signs of being like this while you were younger?” Victoria was trying to wrap her head around what was really going on, maybe she could help her friend some how.


Victoria had to admit she wasn’t sure how much vacation or personal time she even had. She never really paid that close attention, since all she really did was work. Just moving to London right before starting here, she hadn’t done much else. “Well it is very understandable that you took most of your time them. I just don’t even know if I could have come back to work even this soon after.” but then again it was probably good to be around others and have a distraction. “You know Mariel, if you ever need a place even just to get your min off of things for a few hours, Bart and I are always home. “ Chuckling a bit, “I know he would love your quidditch background, but I don’t know if he would be a good distraction or a bit of an annoyance. He can be such a handful at times.” Waving her off and chuckling a bit, “Oh company on this trip would be a blessing. I have a few friends there still that we could stay with and take a few extra days. The better question is do you mind traveling with an eight year old? “ She knew Mariel had no children of her own yet, but didn’t know her feelings towards children really. Well Victoria was at least grateful the woman causing Mariel problems at least didn’t live in the same house as her, but hiding. Victoria eyed this statement a bit, that did not sound good at all.

Charely was a lil famished. He had fancied himself a little pick-me up that didn't require him to travel too far from his office. After fixing himself a- Cup of joe, they call it? He stood by the cart, drinking steadily. There was plenty of time, left after all.

Victoria decided to leave the office, she needed a quick pick me up. She headed toward the cart. Why did it always seem to be so busy there. Watching people get their coffee and quick bites she got in line. While standing there she noticed a guy near the coffee. She felt like she had seen him before but wasn't sure, but she would have remembered that face. So she couldn't have seen him before.

Heading to the table she gave a polite smile. "Excuse me" As she reached around him to grab a cup and then pour the coffee. Getting some sugar she looked up at him. "Not the best coffee, but it works for a little pick me up." She then turned wondering if she should get a snack as well. Well they were stuck in the line, so why not try to have a small conversation. Maybe he was nice. The thirty two year old looked back over, "Having a good day?"

In all honestly, this coffee wasn't that great. Yet, Charely continued drinking the plain, bitter, and sweet-less taste. He was bored, and as far as he knew rating the assorted drinks wasn't what he worked for, so he continued drinking.. until he heard a voice.

"Mm." Swallowing whilst turning, Charely saw a lovely-looking woman before him. "Good day," He gave her a soft smile before he shifted a little so she could get her cup. Briefly chuckling at her comment, "Yes.. It definitely saves a trip down to the Food Court, however." The fourty-one year old noted how nice she was. "The day just keeps getting better, how is yours so far?" Offering his free hand, "I'm Charely, part of Gobstones Administration.. So where do you work in?" Chances are they were in the same level, but in the same department? Hm.

Wow he had an adorable smile to him, didn't he. Victoria smiled right back, but felt a bit nervous. This was something she hadn't been use to at least not at work. "Sometimes it's nice to leave the level though. Get out. I personally enjoy walking over to that little park and sitting just to get away for a moment or two." She sipped her coffee for a brief moment trying to calm her nerves a bit. "I'm glad to be back to work, so it's been nice so far." Anyone that new her had known her holiday was not very lovely so to get back with people was a comfort to her.


Taking his hand she gave a sweet smile, "Well it's nice to meet you Charley, I'm Victoria. Looks like we work in the same department, but I'm with the Quidditch side of things. Public relations to be exact." Wow how had they never met before. "How long have you been here? I mean not here here, but at the ministry with Gobstones." She chuckled and blushed a bit. She didn't know she could do that anymore. Looking to the snacks trying to focus on something to get the blush to go away she tried to figure a way to break the awkward she was feeling. "So what do you do as a Gobstones Administrator?" Not that she didn't already know some of it. Gobstones was one of her favorites and she did a lot with it in Australia, but small talk and all, plus the line wasn't moving anyway, so why not get to know this cutie a coworker better.

Continuation of Tour
 

Smile, smile, smiiiile. Following out of the lift (she was NOT a fan of those things, at all!), Haley made a few more notes regarding the look of where she was, the dislike of the lifts, and the name of the department they were in location with.

Glancing up, over at Simon, she raised her hand a little and waggled her fingers to signal she had a question. "Is there anything else here except for that? Anything that could get us in trouble in if we end up here?" That was a serious question, though. She may have gotten sent here one day with a task to do or a message to pass on, and didn't want to exactly end up in trouble if she got lost after getting out of the lift.

She was prone to getting lost without exact instruction. It was an unfortunate trait.

"Also..games? And sports? Which would you class Quidditch under?" Could you tell that note-taking was a potentially deemed hobby of hers? Haley would take down notes on almost everything, in such detail that you'd think she had taped conversations and wrote them down.

It wasn't everyday that quite an exceptional woman became acquainted with Charely. "Indeed, I've passed by that little park quite a few times on my way here." It was intriguing to find another one who enjoyed spending time outdoors. Now, to get to know her.

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Victoria. You must have an exceptional history with Quidditch to be working for it." Charely returned her sweet smile with one of his own. It was a wonder how they never crossed paths before, until now. "Well, I started here last year, I use to manage a sporting goods shop back in Norway. How about you, how long have you been working here?" Ah yes, what did he do as a Administrator. "I oversee my area's Public Relations, working with them on making sure there's plenty of advertisements for the games and maintenance of the arenas are kept in order." Charely imagined Victoria and him had very similar tasks, but obviously for different sports. "So, what got you into Public Relations on the Quidditch side?" Lucky the line was moving in a slow pace, it gave them plenty of time to conversate.

The thirty two year old smiled and pushed a blonde curl behind her ear. Nodding a bit to his words, "Well you should stop and enjoy it once instead of just going by. I forget I'm so close to work at times." Did that sound weird, Victoria felt like it might have, but it was true when she needed to get away for a few moments. It was a quiet place that she could find. "My a nice place for your lunch break some day." She casually added and fidgeted with her coffee. Was she sounding dumb, because she felt like she was. Maybe it was best she stuck to her desk and not interacting.

She shrugged, "I don't know if I would say exceptional. I played at school and worked a little for the Australian ministry, but I am good at communication and planning which helps with the PR side of things." She chuckled a bit, "I actually worked more on the Gobstone side in Australia." It wasn't much since she was more at home, but it was at least some. Oh just a year, well that might be why she hadn't seen him until now, pity really. "Oh I've been here for two years now. I moved back to London with my son right before taking this job." Well maybe she should have left that little fact out of this discussion. He didn't ask personal in her life just how long, Victoria had a way with to many words it seemed. She chuckled at his question, "Well I enjoy planning, designing things and I love sports. So it seemed the perfect spot when I applied, but honestly it was more the ministry than me who decided I guess. " She thought of the new template she had been working on and ruined over the holiday break. Darn tea spilling all over it and it didn't seem even magic could get that type of stain out.

*shifty posts*
 

Merlin, another smile played on to Charely's face. Did this run in his family? It didn't seem to matter, as after enough deliberating, Victoria's advice on where to spend lunch time had given him enough to say, "Then, perhaps you'll care to join me on our next lunch, since it's too good of a place to spend alone."His head tilted slightly, in wonder. "Unless you have others wanting to hear more from you?" From his charming woman, he hoped not. Charely wanted to hear more from Victoria.

Charely continually sipped his coffee, drinking in her words along with the way she presented herself. Victoria's words were better than the coffee. She was reminding him of certain things, that he hadn't thought of in quite some time. Interesting wasn't a strong enough word as he considered how some of their work history mirrored each other. "That's very qualified.. I myself actually have a little more history in Quidditch than Gobstones, though I did dabble in Gobstones during schooling and some other muggle sporting afterwards." Though, Charely wasn't one to brag about all of his talents.. unless she asked, of course. Heh, heh.

The business talk was lovely and all, though he was more than welcome to shifting it to a more personal one. So he did. "I take it you didn't just move here to escape the heat there. Was there something else that drove you here?" Since, Charely quite knew the wages earned here weren't that different, especially for the same position. Hopefully, it wasn't too personal enough to make her uncomfortable. His eyes softened at the mention of her son, as he then thought of his son, Wade. His greatest living pride of joy. "How about that.. my son and I also relocated from Norway to here after I took this job. I use to live in Devon during my school years at Hogwarts, so I have my son, Wade, currently enrolled there in his sixth year.."The last two words that escaped felt strange to his tongue, my how time flew. "How about your son?"

Was she blushing, she had to be to old to blush this was just crazy. Her brown eyes tried to read him a bit with his suggestion. She felt nervous, why was she nervous, it was just lunch with a coworker, he wasn't meaning anything else by it. Then she chuckled and shook her head. "Hear more from me?? Oh goodness no." She really didn't even know that many people around the ministry, but she was very happy with this little meeting. The coffee cart was beginning to be possibly her favorite place. "But you must have someone more interesting than me to have lunch with." Of course he did look at him, he had to.


Smiling towards him, she couldn't believe how much she was smiling, not that she wasn't a happy person usually, but it was this type of smile she wasn't use to. "Well you must be good at what you do though. Do you like it?" She became very interested in his quidditch background. "What experience do you have may I ask?" She had been so removed from the British quidditch world in Australia, even her son was more into the Australian league, but she was working on that. Oh another with muggle sports experience. Honestly had she lived in a closet her entire life. "What muggle sports, if you don't mind me asking. I feel like I am so behind the times when it comes to these things. I just recently learned the ones in the game room." She sighed feeling like a horrible person not getting to know more muggle things.


What drove her back, that was a good question. "My parents are here. That was the biggest reason. I married right out of school, way to young." She chuckled at the dumbness of her actions now. "We moved there because of his work. After our divorce two and half years ago, I decided I needed to come back to be closer to family." Was that more information than he was asking. Oh well it was her reasons. Oh he had a child as well, that was nice. Her mind quickly went to he was married than. See just a friendly coworker conversation nothing more. Browns eyes looking a bit surprised at his sons age. "You don't seem old enough to have a son in his sixth year." She didn't mean that he was old or anything, no way.. He wasn't to cute to be old . But there was no way he was that much older than her. She gave a motherly type smile at the mention of her son. "Well Bart is ten. He's a bit on the hyper side at times." She chuckled knowing that was an understatement.

Hmm, Victoria seemed a little flustered by his asking. Perhaps she wasn't asked, often? Well, that didn't appear to phase Charely. He remained his calm composure before saying, "Well, I don't see any other captivating women standing beside me." Smiling softly, "So, what do you say?"

Did he like his work? "It's quite calm, and I like coming to work when the least expected seems to happen." Both work.. and non-work related. Heh. "I was a chaser for Karasjok Kites until Wade was born then I retired early to stay close with my family and starting working at a shop. They sold wizarding equipment for Quidditch, and also for muggles surfboards, skates, and the like. " Hmm. "Better late than never.. I felt the same when the other guys there were teaching me how to surf and play hockey, something they've already done as kids." He hoped Victoria didn't feel too discouraged from finding out the other activities muggles do. "I had been lately helping teach some of Wade's friends that he brings over from his school how to surf." Jokingly adding, "My summer appointments are free of charge regarding that if you want to book one in."

Charely listened as Victoria told her reasoning, taking a few moments to sip more of his coffee. So.. she was divorced. "Feels refreshing doesn't it, relocating and starting anew." His smile went a little goofy at her comment. You don't seem old.. He chuckled slightly. "You think so? I was twenty-four when my then wife-to-be and I had him.. It's hard to believe seventeen years has passed." He pushed the image of baby Wade running around from his mind at the mention of her own son. Ten years old.. Charely casually responded, "Interesting.. I was expecting him to be no older than five from how you look." That along with Victoria mentioning she married too early and was divorced not too long ago. Either way, he smiled at how hyper he apparently was. "Sounds like my nephew, Luc, he turned thirteen not too long ago and still likes to act three occasionally." Then asking, "So is your son starting Hogwarts next year?"

Did her heart just stop by his look.. Yes it felt like it, Victoria tried to pick herself up and act smooth, but it was obvious she wasn't use to smooth anymore. Hell she wasn't use to any of this anymore. Did he just say captivating? Her? She glanced around the cart, well there were other women.. younger even, but he was looking at her. Merlin get it together Victoria. "Well you seem to know how to get someone to say yes easily with that flattery." She smiled feeling her cheeks pink a tad. "I don't see any reason to say no, so sure lunch at the park sounds like a wonderful idea." Wait.. was that some sort of date? No.. no..just a friendly coworker lunch, that's all. Nothing more, honestly she hadn't been on a date since she was 19, no this wasn't a date.. no reason to think so at least.

She liked seeing that he enjoyed his work, it was always good to enjoy what you did. Vic thought about her own work and how much she loved being here. Best decision she had in awhile and to see how this day was turning out, a trip to the coffee cart was a great choice as well. A bit of shock went over her. He played professionally, wow, how did she not know this. She had been really only following the Australian league for a while though, so this could be the reason. Retiring to be near his family. A thought crossed his mind. He was married, she was flirting with a married man. This was not good. She couldn't be flirting with a married man. A pinch of sadness over went over her on this knowledge. Well he was just being a nice coworker than.. A little flirting, but only friendly it seemed. Sigh... She then smiled as he talked about muggle sports, she knew nothing of those, but it was interesting to listen. She nodded as he talked about what was it surfing? "Well I might have to make an appointment then. I'm trying to learn some new things lately." It was time for her to have some fun, wasn't it.


...and there it was again. "Does your wife like living here?" because he was obviously married and Victoria needed to stop her thoughts, because it wasn't nice to think that way.. not about a married man. Oh twenty four.. "Twenty four.. Still doesn't seem like you should have a seventeen year old." She did the math in her head for his age. Still smiling they didn't have that much of an age difference, pity it didn't matter. Well his flattering was getting him everywhere today with Victoria. "Well I was twenty two when Bart was born and you are being very sweet." The way she looked, goodness if anything else she was glad to have met Charley, he was making her feel very good about herself. She chuckled about his nephew, "Well Bart keeps me on my toes, his biggest things are quidditch and frogs. " Shaking her head, she loved the quidditch part, but Merlin the frogs could go away. Victoria had to sigh at his last question. This was coming up a lot and she was struggling with the decision. "I'm not sure actually. I was planning on him going, but with everything that's been in the prophet I'm just not sure. Plus, Bart wants to be back with his father in Australia, so right now we are trying to decide if he goes there or Hogwarts." A frown hit her face thinking about that. She sipped her coffee trying to push it out of her mind.

Charely inwardly held his breath as he saw Victoria look around at the people surrounding. Was she looking for a reason to say no? Well, then he better apologize on making her- oh.. no.. She said yes.. Victoria said yes. Charely beamed at that, "Great, it's a date then." Victoria was nice, extremely easy on the eyes, and Charely wanted to get to know her better whilst doing something fun with her. His late father always insisted there be a good reason for everything you do. Heh.

As observant as Charely usually was, he failed to notice any sadness within her. Her mentioning his late 'wife' seemed to stop his track of thinking. Only for a moment. "Oh.." He didn't mention his current marital status. Whoopsie, and here he was looking like an unfaithful partner asking her out. He had to let Victoria know then. "She did.. when we were together at Hogwarts. We had been living in Norway when she passed away thirteen years ago." That was the best subtle way he could describe her deadly disappearance. It was still saddening remembering that faithful day, but given the time and his family history, Charely had learned to endure and move on from such tragedies.

"Right back at you." He chuckled, happy to not be bothered by their little age difference. Along with being called sweet. "Those are my honest words." One of the reasons he had been sorted into Hufflepuff many years ago.

"Quidditch.. frogs.." Did anyone ever mention how much alike these two were? "Are you sure we don't have the same kid?" He began laughing at this. "If Bart's anything like mine was, you might have to keep an eye out for any letters from his school on frog incidents in the future." Yes Wade, your father remembers you taking and freeing them from Durmstrang Institute. Charely nodded with her regarding some recent issues with Hogwarts. "Yes, those recent.. issues going on. I was reconsidering letting Wade stay with my sister to get away from that." Another sip. "But, his apparent happiness there is the only thing that stops me from taking him away." After her frown though, Charely felt somewhat sad, since he didn't like seeing anyone look down. "Perhaps we could all get together then?"

A date.. Did he just say a date? Like in date..date. Victoria shook the thoughts out of her head. No again he was just being nice, like a date meaning they were meeting up not a date date. She hadn’t been on a date in years, she couldn’t even remember the last date she was on. No she was thinking too much into this. Just a friendly lunch with another coworker, a very cute coworker . “Then it’s a date.” She smiled at him feeling a bit nervous, honestly she should not feel this nervous around someone.


What was the look she was getting. Victoria felt a like she had said something wrong by the odd look Charley had given her. She tried to go back in her head when her thoughts were answered. School sweethearts how adorable was that, but oh.. frown.. Now she felt awful for bringing it up at all. Passed away thirteen years ago, that was just so sad. She wanted to reach out and hug him, but thought she better not since she really didn’t know him that well. Then her thoughts went to his son, that poor child growing up without his mother. “I am so sorry.. How tragic.” Without thinking her hand that wasn’t holding her coffee was placed lightly on his arm. When she realized that it was there she awkwardly and nervously removed it.

Honest words, Victoria was so not use to this kind of attention. She felt like she was fidgeting a lot and she really didn’t mean to be. Not the strongest in flirting 101 she gave a small smile. He seemed to be so sweet and she was excited to get to know him a little better. She chuckled at his questioning of frogs. “Yes, if I find another one in my house, I found one in my bed once. I thought I was going to jump out of my skin the darn thing scared me so bad.” She chuckled more before continuing. “We have a pond not too far from our home that he likes to venture to.” Looking curious, “Your son likes those things? Maybe it’s just a boy thing.” Frog incidents at school, oh my she already had problems with him taking those slimy things to stores and getting into trouble she didn’t even think about school. She was very curious of what kind of issues he was talking about though. “So I take it your son was in trouble with frogs once?” Oh and he was thinking about taking his child out of Hogwarts. That was interesting to know. She half wondered if he would know more than what was being written, but she wouldn’t ask not at the moment at least. “Happiness.. well that’s good that he’s happy and if he is as charming as is father seems to be, I bet he wouldn’t want to leave all the attention he probably gets from the girls.” Did she just say that, her cheeks turned a bit. Where did that come from, Victoria was starting to feel like she couldn’t keep her own thoughts in her head. Trying to shut up and thinking about what he had said, “Well maybe we could, Bart could learn to surf, he would love that.” She didn’t really bring him around adult friends because one she was afraid of him scaring people away and two she was very protective of his feelings, so she wasn’t completely sure about a meeting at this point.

Well, Charely knew the topic on his deceased wife would come eventually, it usually did with any personal conversation with him. Yes, it was tragic. Whether her touch to his arm was intentional or not, Charely definitely didn't dislike it, as he returned her a small smile before placing his hand over hers, "Thank you." before letting go. He appreciated her sympathy, very much.

Victoria was sweet, he liked how easy it was to speak with her, along with talking about their kids. "That's terrible!" Charely had a hard time keeping a straight face, since it was kind of funny. It made him chuckle along with her as he nodded. "It's no wonder he's growing fond of them." With their own pond, of course. A boys thing. "It must be.." For Charely too, had some affection towards them back then. Not so much now, but as a boy.. yes.

Oh? Wade's trouble at school. "The list has just about stopped, thankfully. He had a spell of activism for a time." Charely chuckled, "In his second year, he took the frogs from his Frog Choir class and released them.. So, the school informed me, that he stole school property and had to do quite a bit of payback work for them." While he agreed with the school on the way he went about it. Charely was very proud on his son's good-hearted intentions. Very proud, as he then smiled wickedly at what Victoria suggested. "Now you're being sweet. Thank you." His son's happiness did matter, very much. "I have in fact noticed quite a few more of his friends' names appearing in his letters. One of them actually joined us to try surfing during vacation." What can he say? That's his boy.

As he earlier suggestion came through, he too briefly wondered on if that would be wise. Well, they were becoming friends, and wanted to get to know each other. "Sounds great, then." For him, at least. Charely wasn't too sure on how she felt, being fairly recently divorced and all, so he smiled a little. "Whenever is fine for you." Hmm, his coffee was nearly done. Pity.. Well, it's not like that's stopping him from conversing.

Her smile brightened as he touched her hand. A bit of sparks maybe... maybe.. or maybe not, but this was beginning to be fun to figure out. Rolling her eyes jokingly she laughed, "That's it laugh it up. You aren't the one that walks up to frogs on your bed. Almost stepping on them is the best at 7 a.m." It did sound funnier than she felt it was when it had happened. Shaking her head Bart was a handful, but she wouldn't have him any other way. "Yes I should have taken the pond into consideration before I bought the house, but at the time it seemed like a good idea. Oh well maybe he'll grow up to work with animals or something because of it." Now that was a thought, but if Bart just made it through school without being expelled for his impulsive ways would be a miracle.

"Wade sounds like a very sweet young man he must get that from his father." Brown eyes scanning his face wondering if she was even succeeding at whatever was going on here. Was she flirting? She wasn't even sure if she was or not. Hmmm but she was having fun and she was enjoying this little meetings. See her coffee issue had paid off. "Well I'm glad that he has made such great friends. It's good to know that Hogwarts can still do that. It's a struggle for me to figure out what to do with Bart next school year." She knew what he wanted, but she didn't know if she could let him go that far.

She thought about if Bart was making any friends, was he.. Hmmm She knew of at least one a Brynn he talked about. "Maybe summer sometime as long as it would be alright with your son." Bart went with the flow usually and wouldn't think much of their little meeting. His father just recently dating again he was getting use to them with others, but she wasn't sure about Wade. Had Charley had other woman around. Well of course he probably did. Look at him.. She figured he most likely had many woman wanting his attention, but with his son being older he might not be as comfortable with it. She chuckled, "I am probably keeping you from your work. I hope I'm not talking to much for you." She most likely should be getting back to her own desk, but her interest was definitely not going to be on schedules and pr the rest of the day.

MLE invasion! Haha!
 

“It’s cut throat,” she agreed, so yeah, being the knocker and not the knockee was a good thing. Definitely. Though, that wasn’t to say she didn’t get knocked around, she did, she had. Broken bones, gashes and all. Nasty stuff really.

Yeah. No. Emily did not approve. There was a fine line between having an ego and flirting, to being a complete suck up. “Thanks for the tip... I’ll be sure to keep a holding cell free for just that reason.” She wasn’t going to put up with crap like that. Call it harassment or insubordination, it didn’t matter, she didn’t want to hear those soppy words repeated to her. “Before asking questions?” Emily echoed, “…what? Was he interrogating you?” Real smooth.

Emily had followed in step with Victoria, she could even SMELL the coffee now, and it was GOOD. Flavours? They had the fancy pants stuff too? Unbelievable!
“So that makes you an expert, which would you recommend?” she asked as they neared the cart.