<span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;">Irene had been eating, but not talking. Happily she saw that Emiko finally settle down to enjoy her meal. When Brian asked a question she knew the answers too, nodded yes holding up a finger to wait for her to swallow before answering him. She reached for the wine taking a few sips; afterward dabbing the corners of her mouth. Clearing her throat she politely conveyed what she had been told. </span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;">“Ashlyn said yes to both a hot tub and pool; located of course out back from the porch.”  She said this while spinning the fork around in her pasta. “Oh, there is a guy, or gal coming to attend to the facilities. I guessed swimming in the morning would allow me a few hours. It works well for me after a short five mile run. Before I hear comments…I run to think not for health reasons.” She chuckles. “Besides after this delicious pasta I better run. The added bonus will be after the run a swim will nicely help me beat this heat.” She smiled before continuing to eat. </span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;">Everyone was present except Ashlyn and the older gentleman. She noted he had not introduced himself to her on the porch; but let it be as she was not a pouty female over who likes her or not. But with them missing in action she assumed her usual conclusions. Hey, It was Ashlyn and anything was possible. Keeping a smile through dinner hid the fact she was secretly proud of herself. Her less then sociable self, had managed to speak to and break the ice with at least everyone else at the table. Ashlyn couldn’t this time say she was being anti social. With salutations done, she intended to pull back and relax enjoying what the house had to offer. </span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;">Whatever the reasons for being gathered will remain a mystery for tonight. Irene simply understood today was the meet and greet. She played along thus far, being slightly out of her own character to do so. She did whatever it took to get through this awkward period. The few beers earlier helped her achieve the effect desired. Looking about the table, pondered how the guys and Emiko were fairing. If looks could tell. </span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;">The night was young and it seemed a bit hard pressed, to her to believe a conversation was going to just suddenly erupt out the blue. She had served as the chattering butterfly since arriving and was not going to continue down that path. Irene was a guest, and was on vacation but not as a cruise director. Her nick name on campus is demoness, or fallen angel of which she favored more. </span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;">Ash just better be happy that she wasn’t acting like she would normally.</span>