<div class="floatright">(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.theboot.com/media/2011/07/chris-guitar-down456.jpg)</div><br/>He gave an easy smile and took the coffee from Amanda. "Yes ma'am, first time here in person. I've watched some YouTube videos on the subject, but it seems like Dr. Wade has some deeper knowledge he wants to share. I do want to know more." He took a polite sip of the coffee, making a face. "Mm, thanks."<br/><br/>He did his best to hide the hot flash running up his neck, a combination of having been put on the spot and the pain returning. He did not expect to have to justify his existence here, but at least Amanda seemed friendly enough. It was all very similar to his experience in his old church. The elders who handed out programs for each week's service got to know everyone's name, but it always had a sense of protectionism too.<em>If we're going to open our doors to anyone, we have to know who you are, you see?</em>Only recently had Jim thought that it was because he had always felt a bit separated from the church, but at the time, he imagined the elders were wary of him. Amanda had the same feel about her. He had at least learned to recognize what people wanted to hear; he had not gone so far as to dress like everyone else, but he would try not to be further off-putting with his behavior.<br/><br/>Jim gave a cautious smile, giving Amanda a soft shake of his hand. "Jim Eoff. Nice to meet you. Are you an associate of the doc up there?" He glanced over at him, and the two women sitting next to him, as Amanda asked about them. "Ah, heh, no, no friends of mine, though if this seminar turns into a retreat of sorts, maybe I'll get to know them - and everyone! - well enough. I take it there's much more to this than a one hour lecture. I'm here to hear it all."<br/><br/>