"It's nice to meet you Derek." She said with a wide smile.<br/>She furrowed her brow slightly as he explained his relation to the situation and seemed as though he intended to say good bye.<br/>"Oh, no, it's fine." she sputtered a bit, looking back at Scotch for a moment. "I was only going out to search for my wallet. Here."<br/>She handed him the fresh coffee, steam still slithering from the rim in the cool morning air. Her insistence in handing it to him would have spilled it all over him and their porch had he not taken it. She invited him in, pushing the door wide open with her boot, stalling it at the peak of its hinges before swinging back to close, granting him a second to make a decision. They really didn't have anywhere to be. The particular living situation was odd, yet convenient. She walked back over towards the island, bare-counter, peeling a piece of crust from her toast and nibbling.<br/>Upon entering, it was revealed to be a quaint little house. A few paces to the left was a sitting area, not so old fashioned but definitely with a country feel - studded couch ends and an old, but wide recliner next to the matching "love seat." The pelt of some poor animal lay between the furniture, pinned down by an antique glass table, held up by stubby, hand carved, mahogany legs. Along the wall, parallel to the door were a small array of short shelves; holding picture frames, photographs, knick-knacks of all sorts and books here and there. Walking directly ahead - about the same steps from the siting area - would plant someone right at the end of the island, perfectly to the right of an open space where a dishwasher should be. A large garbage bin sat in it's place, lid and all. The fridge was just a ways off from the other end of the island, closer to the back door that sat at an angle from the rest of the room.<br/>Tequilla tucked her wallet in her pocket, as unflattering as back pockets already were, and hopped up on the back counter in the corner. there was no need to hunch or adjust. She simply sat tall with her hands in her lap, not absent the small piece of crust left over. She looked out the door, yanking her lip over momentarily at the thought of leaving it open all morning. She nearly had the lean with the bulk of the fridge front inhibiting her view.<br/>Shaking her head from the thoughts, she looked back towards Derek with another kind smile, pulling down the loose section of her vest over the shallow creases in her stomach. It wasn't self consciousness - more just, being polite. And it was less than flattering to other's eyes most of the time. Before she could even ask their guest anything, Scotch slyly looked back at her.<br/>"Well, since you two kids are taken care of, I have some business to attend."<br/>"My ass." Tequilla scoffed, "What business?"<br/>"I've got to go make those calls, and we need more hay for the loft, and the chickens need more feed-"<br/>"No they don't." Tequilla said confused.<br/>"No? Oh, well I still have other things to do. I'll leave you two at it then." He smirked, leaving off with a quick, double tap on the counter.<br/>Her eyes followed him out the back door, swinging it closed with an exaggerated exit. He grinned at the door, eager for things to go well. He loved he in a friendly way, but he knew she needed more than him. As much as he cared for her, and was happy to help support her - in any way - it wasn't enough in life. A quick moment flashed before his eyes - the moment he saw her break in his arms, nothing but tears to be shed and said. It faded just a quick, plucking his "extra" hat from the coat hook beside the door frame. Nimble fingers closed the last three buttons on his plaid blue shirt, a brisk whistle seeping from his tongue and lips.<br/>In the distance, a head popped up. A dark figure came trotting up to him, circling around him and hopping a bit like an excited puppy. He chuckled lightly and pulled the soft bridle from the pommel horse it rested on. With ease, this steed wrapped his mouth around the bit. Standing still, Scotch heaved himself up on the muscular withers, situating himself along the bareness of the Bay's back before a light flick of the reigns send them galloping up towards the road.<br/>Back inside, Tequilla's furrowed, confused, and annoyed brow softened quickly, looking back at Derek and shaking her head.<br/>"Sorry. He gets that way sometimes."<br/>She slid from the counter and leaned forward on the island, still a little nervous about the stranger, but finding it in her to relax enough. He could be a new friend (the way Scotch always wanted her to have more), and he did save her ass from a truck load of problems. He couldn't be so bad.<br/>"So, what brings you around these parts?"