<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 8pt;"><strong><em>"And I hope you're still planning to go out on a dinner with me..."</em></strong><br/><br/>What a pleasant voice he had--superbly succulent, as if such his accent was derived from the most delicious of maple syrups. Yet...the mild hesitation, especially the subtle quiver behind a few, choice words, made Galen all the more charming.<br/><br/>"Why, <span class="bbc_u">yes</span>, I remember you, silly!" Sleekly did the exclamation roll out, skirting its lightheartedness a mild chuckle. Although lacking a substantial dossier of past romance, Blaire adored, no, relished analyzing the opposite sex: how males' internal gears turned; what made them tick; why the masculine beings reacted to stimulation. <br/><br/>Contemplating the next stratagem, she hummed, idly thrusting a flimsy napkin upon a spot of whip cream dripping from the hot chocolate's rim."Well, I'm sorry to say that I'm booked this evening." A brief interlude … simply to appreciate another gulp from the sugary confection and provide a little suspense for the listener. "<em>However</em>, I am at the local bistro, plus it's lunchtime."<br/><br/>The final offer grew nearer and nearer. "Why don't you come down here? I'd rather just have an impromptu meeting…it makes things…more interesting."<br/><br/>Indeed, the secluded booth, Blaire its sole occupant, seemed utterly forlorn. An additional body was needed as the empty space became almost ominous."I do understand if you can't make it…" Hopefully, her desire, if obscured well enough, eluded Galen; though, indeed, she wanted him to come. Now.<br/><br/></span>