<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">“Yeah, I know.” Jaxon admitted in regards to people in this town not caring for people of <i>that</i> lifestyle. <br/>
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“I try not be so close-minded. You'll have to forgive me if I say something insulting. I've never.. had a gay friend before.” His parents wouldn't care for it, and some of his friends probably wouldn't like it, but being gay didn't define who Gabriel was as a person. He didn't feel it was any of his business really. Unfortunately if had been made known in the worst way, given the episode with Slate Conway. <br/>
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“Maybe some new friends will do you some good,” he offered with a smile. Running in the same circles as his ex certainly couldn't be healthy. Jaxon doubted his sexual orientation would even be brought up among his friends. They were all adults, and there was no reason they couldn't have a good time together at a friendly barbecue. They even had some things in common. <br/>
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“My brother is a carpenter. He taught me some things that definitely come in handy. Better to be self-sufficient in my opinion.” Gabriel was turning out to be just another average guy to Jaxon, someone who was easy to talk to. Despite their differences, he imagined that they'd get along just fine. <br/>
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“I've heard of them, but I grew up more with country music. I don't do concerts anymore though.” Too loud, and too much going on. It was the exact sort of environment that had the potential to set Jaxon off. His anxiety and hyper-vigilance was too much of an issue. The band that was playing now was exactly the right level Jaxon enjoyed, low-key, absent of the screaming drunks that usually went along with the concert scenario. <br/>
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“Any place that employs live music like this is okay in my book. Adds that much more to your restaurant. I really should have stopped by sooner. I'm just a creature of habit, I suppose. I don't much care for venturing out of my usual. Some change would suit me though.” <br/>
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Jaxon listened as he translated the music, laughing and agreeing that it probably did sound better in spanish. <br/>
“We probably grew up with different sort of dancing. I'd be surprised if you could line dance,” Jaxon admitted, knowing that he didn't know the first thing about any sort of Latin dances. <br/>
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When the pretty Hispanic woman came over to the table, apparently Gabriel's mom, Jaxon stood up from the table out of respect. He offered her his hand, clasping both of his over hers in way of greeting. Jaxon was ever respectful of women, especially those that were mothers. It was the sort of way he was raised. <br/>
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“The food is wonderful, and I've been more than accommodated. Please, don't worry yourself,” answered, smiling at the affection she showed towards her son. “Nice to meet you, ma'am.” Jaxon tipped his head in her direction, even though he towered over her when standing. “I'll let you get back to running your restaurant.” Once she was gone, he sat back down. <br/>
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Jaxon laughed at the light teasing Gabriel offered. <br/>
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“I get on just fine. I think it's obvious I'm not starving,” he spoke, patting his abdomen. Seasoned or not, Jaxon ate whatever was put in front of him. This meal was no different, though with the easy conversation, it slowed him down some. He was used to fast and efficient eating in the military. Home now, he was always being told to slow down. <br/>
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“Starts at 4 in the afternoon,” Jaxon answered, not realizing the sort of concerns the situation brought to Gabriel. Being as American as apple pie, Jaxon wasn't used to racial inequality. It wasn't a topic that he'd ever even considered, at least not until witnessing the way the police handled Gabriel, so quick to write him off as a criminal.</span></span>