Feeling the little squeeze from Scarlet, a grin emerges on Eli's face. Dismounting his bike, he locks their helmets to it and pockets his keys.
"Mmm... if you have the urge to kiss me, you're right, we better not call this a date since it couldn't have been a date the other night, due to that kiss, so today would still be the first date. And you know my rule." Eli's eyes glint with coyness as he looks at Scarlet. There was something about her that didn't allow him to walk away. She'd made him feel a little uncomfortable the other night, but there was still something in those eyes of hers... something that drew him in. There was a whole lot more to this woman than the tough exterior she proudly wore. Something that said she would be herself only around those with whom she really felt comfortable, and he was catching sight of it. It was intriguing... almost an accidental seductiveness.
"Maybe." Eli has a hard time bringing himself back around to Scarlet's question and he knows he'd been caught staring at her. "I have a lot of favorites," he admits. "Today it was Chinese."
Going to the door, he holds it open for her, letting her go in first. It really was a tiny place, and it was obvious that much of their business was done through takeout rather than those dining in. Eli finds a table near the front window though so they can sit and eat. A short while later, he's enjoying some shrimp, and chatting about his work at the body shop. It wasn't very deep - just some smalltalk to pass the time as they eat.
"I don't think you've told me yet what you do," he mentions, taking a sip of his coke. "What occupies your time and brings home the money?"
Carson grins at Jason and Katie's interaction, knowing there was a whole lot more between them than outsiders would guess. "Special?" He thumbs to the little sign on the counter. "Chicken parmesan. Though what you smell is the supreme pizza I got in the oven."
"Hey," Jason interrupts. "Speaking of pizza. Could you handle a party next week? Got a JetStream gig and we'd like to hang out here afterward if you'll stay open."
"Sure." Carson doesn't even hesitate. He liked it when the bands hung out at Mom and Pop's, more than he'd ever said. He almost felt like they were his friends too, though he wasn't really a part of their groups. Both JetStream and Cryptic liked to spend time here and Carson enjoyed it. "Just name the night, I'll keep 'er open for you guys. Big group?"
"Nah... just the band and maybe a couple others."
"Alright. I'll get Misty to come in and help me so I don't leave her hanging alone at home."
Leo cringes a little at the mention of the phone. "Aw, sorry... I think I dropped the phone and didn't figure it was important enough to bother you with another call."
Accepting the bowl of soup, he sits up a little straighter, overcoming his dizziness for now. Taking a slow spoonful, he chews a tender piece of chicken, then lets the soup slide down his throat. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath. "Mmm... I shoulda known this would be good." He takes another bite. Even though he was clearly sick, it was also obvious that the soup really did hit the spot.
"Don't apologize," he counters quietly. "I'm... glad you barged in." He offers a little smile. He hadn't changed his mind about being just friends, but Cassy was a good friend... a true friend.
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