2024-11-29 - This is not a Lunch Date

Theo is still staring at Jett's back as he makes his escape. True to his word he does wait for Esme to come back with her things. He tells her, "Jett had something come up. So it is just you and I for lunch..." He's not sure what time it is or how long they were in the rink. "If that is an issue we don't have to go get food but if you don't mind going with me we can still do it?" He sounds a bit unsure when he says that.

It doesn't take long for Esme to return. All she really did was blot herself down with a towel and then blot her nose and cheeks down with powdered blotting paper. She doesn't even really change out of her ice skating attire either, though ice skates are precious things, so she she switches those out for a pair of similar looking bladeless boots to go with her skate dress. To complete her ensemble, she has what might be a faux white mink fur capelet draped over her shoulders, ending at her hips. All of her belongings, including her skates with the blades covered are tossed into a cute sparkling pink duffle bag which now hangs from her shoulder.

Even off the ice, she looks like an Ice Princess.

"Oh!" She says looking surprised to hear that Jett had left. "Was someone trying to cheat at the game?" She asks with a tilt of her head, before shrugging her shoulders, a perfectly shaped brow arching now when she looks all the way up at Theo. Without her skate blades, she's quite short. "And why would I mind going to lunch with you? You were the one who invited, after all!" When she speaks, she practically chirps. Offering up her arm, she gestures, "Lead the way."

Theo looks underdressed compared to the Ice Princess. He did not go and change clothes or anything. Still in his gray sweatshirt, black sweats and white runners. He does look relieved when Esme shows back up. He's still confused why Jett ran. He will just have to have a talk with Jett later about it. He does take note of the height difference when Esme is in her bladeless boots. He stands at 6'0 so he's just a smidgen taller than her.

"Wow, you look nice." Theo compliments Esme as he takes another look at her. She did catch his attention out in the rink with all that silver and she is still catching his attention if this is her normal wear. He doesn't know her so he's not going to make any assumptions of any kind.

"I actually do not know why he left." Theo answers Esme. "He had today off so I don't think that was it?" He's going to try and get answers from his roommate later. When she offers her arm he laughs but he does link his arm with her and heads out towards outside. He needs a minute to get his bearings when they first step out especially because of the whole being inside to outside sort of thing.

"I know there is a sausage place and a dessert place and I figured we could start at the sausage place first." If she is agreeable he will start stepping towards Borgi's Beer 'n' Brats. "How long have you been here?" He asks as this won't take very long to get to but they can still talk as they walk.

Oh Esme loves the compliments, though rather than draw attention to her own physical traits, she sort of flounces her dress and does a few little posing with her shoulders as if preferring to show off her clothing more than anything. "Thank you! Figure Skating is just one of those sports where with each competition, you need to figure out a new outfit to wear. A new song, a new program. A new everything. So it can be quite expensive."

As they both ponder on Jett's departure, she brings up, "The last we saw of him, he was eating. So maybe he was no longer hungry. And I don't know if I'd want to hang out and watch my friends eat. Or... is that something that people do? On their spare time?" She obviously has no idea...

If anything, she seems happy to just be going out to eat! The mention of this sausage place and a dessert place has her doing calculations in her head now. And the name of the place Borgi's Beer 'n' Brats sounded expensive... Even with their employee discounts.

"Three weeks. What about you?" She turn bright and inquisitive eyes on the storyteller now. "You must have worked here for quite a while to earn the spot you have at the Lamplight Amphitheater."

"Yes, I imagine so." Theo actually doesn't really know what figure skating all entails but he is willing to listen as Esme explains it all.

"Oh! You are probably right. I think I will still bring him home something. That seems the right thing to do." He shrugs. The two likely spend time off together. Maybe? Sometimes, they are hit and miss since Theo tends to work the evening shift since he's the one that motivates people to stay and watch the fireworks after.

"Wow. Three weeks? You are new, new." It is just a simple statement and no judgement heard in his tone when he says that. It is his turn to calculate in his head. "Uhhhh since June of 2023. July? A while." He laughs. He came with the second or third round of employees. "It was actually the first position I tried out for. I was pleasantly surprised that I got it, honestly. I must have been doing something right." He's not boastful he's just matter of fact if anything.

Soon they are reaching their destination and Theo is opening the door to let the both of them in. He gestures at the booths. "Take your pick? I'll follow you." He smiles as he says this.

"2023!" Esme sounds terribly shocked to learn this and she seems to be openly studying Theo now. "How old are you?" However, when he tells her that the job he has now was the first job he tried out for, she stops and turns towards, looking even more shocked. "Are you serious??!" She almost looks like she might shove him in that 'get out of here!' jokingly to make a point, but she refrains from doing so. Though it's not her turn ONCE MORE to do mental calculations, "So if I showed up in 2023, I could very well be the Ice Queen... but what was I doing then specifically."

She's running dates and events through her mind and rather than whimsical look that she often has on her face, her expression holds something darker.

Soon she shakes her head, "January of this year, might have been the earliest. If I had thought about it sooner." And here she lets out a siiiiiigh. And she's back to her more whimsical demeanor again, now stepping into the restaurant and practically plopping herself down into the booth, while dropping that heavy sparkling pink bundle (thanks to her skates) onto the floor beneath the table. Oh yes, she's looking at all the prices. "Everything here looks delish!"

"I am twenty. Soon to be twenty-one. Why?" Theo gives her a questioning look as Esme asks that.

"Yes, I am serious." He says that slowly as if he is not certain if he said the wrong thing or what.

A brow raises when he takes note of how her expression has changed. He doesn't know what is going on with her but his magic is empathy and he can feel something is going on with her. He doesn't call attention to it yet. He doesn't want to scare the girl off.

Once Esme is settled in her spot in the booth he moves to find his own seat. "Right? I hardly make it over here." Yes, he looks sheepish for that admittance. "But I do like it when I can make it over here. I haven't had a bad meal from this place."

She holds off answering anything until they've settled down and now with the menu laid out before her, Esme responds in order from what she remembers having asked. "Oh I don't know. You're my age and people think I should have gone to college, if I weren't going to the Olympics." Blue eyes lift from the menu to peer across the table to Theo. "So what's your story? What made you want to run off and join the circus and be a storyteller?" A question like that might sound condescending, but she was here as well, wasn't she? And Esme looked like the sort who enjoyed the whimsy of the park and perhaps the magic of storytelling. In truth, she did have this earnest look in her eyes as she awaits his response.

However, on hearing that he enjoys coming to this place, though he isn't able to come often, she decides to pick his brain. "Also!" She even dramatically raises a hand as if she needed to get his attention, despite being the only other person in his company. "What is your favorite item on this menu?" That should make it easier for her to see what's good and what his price point.

Theo had taken a moment to look at the menu as he listened to Esme answering him. "Running and joining the circus?" He laughs when he hears that. He didn't think of it that way and Esme's question challenges him. He's going to need a few minutes to find his answer. "I wanted something different. I didn't finish my schooling and honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to continue. North Carolina is nice and all." In case Esme was not aware that is where Theo is from and one can tell in the drawl of his voice. "I was doing some traveling and came through Michigan as I was trying to figure out what to do with my life and I came across some advertising for this place. I was in choir in high school figured I could use my talent here at least to make some money before I really had to make hard life choices. You are only young once and it's not like I have things to worry about like supporting a family or something." He continues, "At the camp I would go to in the summer I was often told I was a natural born storyteller so I figured I'd take my chances here and expand on them and see where it would land me. I can't complain where I work. It is a unique spot as it is. I wanted to also connect with others and not just have this 9-5 job where it was superficial and you exchanged pleasantries every time you saw each other. Do you know what I mean?"

He puts the menu down so he can fully give his attention to Esme. "There is something magical about this place and everyone has a story to tell and I can only hope that they would share it with me and with their permission maybe I could share it with others and offer hope to those that need it." His fingers now drum the table as his hazel eyes look straight at the woman he's sharing this table with.

"Skipping college and olympics? There's a story there, right? I like to think I am a good listener if you'd like to share it." There is also on his face that shows he'd not judge her for whatever it is she wishes to share with him if anything.

He leans as if he's about to share a secret but really he's going to give what he orders to her. “The bratwurst with cheese curds on the side. Classic, no-nonsense, and completely worth it. But if you’re feeling adventurous,” he gestures at the menu, “the extra hot and spicy sausage is a solid choice, assuming you can handle the heat.” He winks. "But anything you pick here? I think it will be a good choice and you can't go wrong with it."

Listening to Theo tell his story, a lot of it seemed quite typical in a sense. Though there was something missing in this telling, but he does hint at it later on, even if he doesn't go into details about it. She holds off any more inquiries for later, playing the part of an audience whose attention was captured by a carefully woven story. However, this story was of Theo's life. In parts.

"Oh, I do know what you mean. As a child, I never dreamt of working in an office or anywhere else really but on the ice. Which is why my parents paid for an ice skating instructor." She does share that much for now as it goes with a question asked of her at that time.

Then here it comes, the mention of magic. Esme had only been here for a few weeks and she's already experienced some of that, but the more that Theo spoke, the curiouser she became of just what type of magical and beneficial stories the storyteller had in mind. However, he brings up her lot in life and that her body stiffening for a moment as if caught off guard and she blinks dramatically. Twice. "Oh! Goodness, you wouldn't want to hear about that. For one thing, I am not skipping the Olympics. That has been put on hold as I hone my skills and gain more experience here." When she utters that sentence, it's almost as if she says those words like a sales pitch with her smile and a head tilt at the end there. "And because of that, there is no time for college."

Reaching for her glass of water which she brings to her lips, she considers a few things before stating, allowing her gaze to meet with his directly, "If I do decide to tell my story, you'll be the first to hear of it. How about that?" Only once those words are said she takes a sip, nodding once.

She then listens to the deliciousness of the bratwurst with cheese curds and she wonders if she could actually splurge, if only for the day... There will be other days, where she can cut back. But today was special! "Then I shall take your word for it. The bratwurst with cheese curds on the side please."

Now, here is when she brings up a question that she'd been withholding this whole time, "What do your parents think about this? Your family? Do they come to watch your shows?"

Theo goes quiet once Esme starts speaking. The only movement is his hand where sometimes he goes back to that drumming he had did earlier. But he's listening as he had told her about being a good listener. When she starts getting that sales pitch voice he puts that away to examine later. Depending on how this lunch goes? Maybe a friendship will develop and they can likely ask more probing questions. First impressions and all of that.

Raising his water glass he toasts her, "I'll hold you to that." In reference of her telling him her story one day. He's not going to push it. She said she would and he's going to take her at her word.

When Esme decides to do the sausage choice he offered to her she is granted a wink. "Solid choice, you won't regret it."

But then she asks him a serious question and his water glass goes back to the table so he can process and figure out how to answer her. Esme is a hard hitter with her questions and Theo doesn't seem to mind too much in answering. A small wince, "My kid sister is the most supportive one in the family. My dad is a practical guy and thinks I am wasting my time. Probably because I am doing things he would never have thought to do. Mom? I think she worries that I am throwing away my potential."

Shaking his head in the negative about whether or not they have come here. "I am about eleven hours from home if you were to drive it so no they haven't come here yet. I am hoping when I have my breakthrough performance they will come then and see me. But I feel like my sister would come out before they do. I really don't know." He asks gently. "What about you? Do you have a good support system? Did your family ever watch any of your performances? I know you said your mom hired an instructor for you?"

Esme will put her trust in Theo's selection of menu items. She can only hope that it is as solid a choice as he says, otherwise she'll be down several many bucks with something subpar. But anything would taste good right about now, so she can't really complain. Then there's that confident wink of his, that just brings up this wrinkle nose smile from her in response.

God, she can't wait for their orders to arrive. She was starving.

When Esme had asked her question, it was simply because he hardly spoke of his family in his original telling. Almost as if they didn't exist. But who was she to say that he didn't live a life like that? Where one's parents were truly an afterthought. That said, what Theo does begin to tell her almost makes her want to take back her question.

It starts with that wince that her piercing blue eyes catch, and it tells her that she's made a mistake. She thought maybe they were supportive and living comfortably, which is why he mentioned not having a family to take care of. What she wasn't expecting was this. "Oh Nonono." She starts quickly, almost panicked that she may have opened up a can of worms for him, "I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I didn't want to turn this lunch into something sad and..." It was too late now, and she knows it. Esme truly had this apologetic look on her face if she had stirred up bad thoughts or memories for Theo. In fact, she almost looks traumatized herself now as she's seated with her shoulders pulled close and her arms before her, drawn together with her hands resting in her lap. In all honesty, she did feel sad. She felt sad for him, because he had a family who didn't believe in him.

"I'm sorry... Maybe we could send your family some anonymous tickets. When you're ready of course! So that they can come and watch you perform. If we could manage, there might be someone who works here who can pull favors with an airline. Or... something." She realizes that she's getting way ahead of herself without him even asking or without knowing if he even needed help in any of this. She does quickly follow up with, "I mean, only if you want to... of course."

However, the tables are soon turned and that's something she's not ready for.

Or is she? The questions asked seemed manageable, the more she thought about them.

"They were always supportive of me and my interest in figure skating. It's not an easy decision to hire a coach and then pay for your daughter to be sent to live with them in California where she would be training for a good portion of the year. And nevermind the travel expenses when you did have to go to competitions." When Esme speaks of this part of her past, her gaze is lowered to the table and there is some humor heard in her voice. And she even smiles. "Oh yes, they would come out to the competitions, if they could. Sometimes it's difficult to fly out to Tokyo or Paris when you had work to do." Once all of that is said, she realizes what questions might naturally follow the ones just asked and this is when her eyes lift to look on Theo's again, almost to plead with him not to ask her if they would come here to see her.

However, rather than rely on fate and her non-existent telepathy or the idea that her expressive eyes aren't expressing what needs to be said, she takes matters into her own hands.

"So your stories, what kinds of stories have you told at your event thus far? Are they from experience? Things you've heard? Or works of pure fiction?"

When Esme starts to apologize Theo raises his hands up as if that will stop her from spiraling and he smiles, "It's all good, promise. No need to apologize. I get it. We are new to each other so there is wonderment of what is inside the shell that makes us, us, right? Besides you didn't say anything wrong. Usually people are just very uhhh flat toned?" He's not sure if that is the correct wording but it is the best he has and he gives her a small shrug after his words.

Her suggestion about sending his family tickets draws a genuine smile, though it’s tinged with amusement at her eagerness. “Anonymous tickets, huh? That’s... actually kind of brilliant.” He chuckles again, shaking his head slightly. “I don’t think we need to call in airline favors just yet, but I appreciate the thought. Really. And when I’m ready—if I’m ready—I might just take you up on that.”

He listens when she tells of her own story about her skating career so far and how much her family has sacrificed for her so far. Looking impressed when Tokyo and Paris get mentioned. He has more questions but he respects her plea and puts away any questions he might have for later. He doesn't plan to leave here any time soon so surely there will be another time when they will be in conversation again.

"My stories are a variety actually. Sometimes, about my life back in North Carolina, a spin on typical fairy tales with a spin of magic, and yes sometimes I just make things up and hope people are entertained for it." He asks what he thinks is a relatively safe question. "If you could hear any kind of story what would it be? What would catch your attention? "

It's a good thing that Theo did what he could to keep her from spiraling, because she probably could have gone on and on about how dumb of a question it was for her to ask. He does put her mind at ease when he's more smiles than frowns, though at this mention of flat toned, even she has to now wonder about that word. "I can't say that it's a word or phrase that one uses on the daily, but maybe that's the storyteller in you." This is punctuated with a firm nod.

If anything, she's elated to know that he's pleased by her anonymous ticket idea! Her eyes even light up when Theo mentions that it was kind of brilliant. "You think so? I mean... Of course it was. Kind of. Even ice skaters can have their moments of brilliance! That doesn't have anything to do with the glitter and sparkles and bedazzling done to our costuming," That part is partially murmured, "But that's besides the point."

Hearing Theo mention North Carolina again, there's a gentle tilt of her head when she asks, "Did you live in a rural setting? A small town maybe? Because I'm not sure what kind of magical fairytale one could tell about Suburbia." She says with a laugh, before correcting herself, "Unless you live in one of those Hallmark neighborhoods, where all of the houses are pretty and everyone decorates for the holidays."

When asked a question, it's almost as if she puts on her thinking cap, the way she looks so serious in the way she has ponder upon this. "Now that is a question! Hmmmmmmm." She's even tapping a crooked finger against her chin. "As a figure skater, I already live in my own fantasy world. Oh! I'm sure it's the same with ballerinas..." She says with a sigh. It's quite odd how she just ropes all figure skaters and ballerinas together, believing that they are all very similar to her. "Once the music plays, you're whisked away into a fairy's ball where it's do or die. If you falter, then you crumble and die. If you succeed, then you gain the blessing of the Fairy Court and you move on to skate another day without falling into obscurity."

She was daydreaming and going on her own tangent and this she realizes and blinks out of, "Oh! Right. Um... Something fantastical....? I mentioned the whole fairy thing because I already live that story book life." She says with a faint laugh. "But seriously, it could be about anything! Uplifting stories. Scary stories. Romantic stories. All mixed into one even! Stories where you can't tell fact from fiction, and if one decides to think long and hard about it, in the long run they will realize, it doesn't matter anyway. It was just a wonderful story."

Ah yes, likely the creative side of Theo when he used the word flat toned he's not an artist in typical fashion but maybe he is an artist with words as he does try to paint pictures for his audience.

He gestures with a hand in what she is still wearing. "I mean you do shine. Do ice skaters tend to want the spotlight?" He really does not know a lot about ice skaters and is willing to be educated in it.

"I am from Asheville." Theo explains. "It is actually one of the biggest cities in the area. I live in the western part of North Carolina and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains." He takes on a dreamy look when he says that. He does appreciate where he came from. He just has bigger goals in life and he was afraid his city would not have that for him no matter how grand it was.
"So are you saying you lived in Suburbia? You a city or small town girl?"

Nodding to show he's still interested and listening when Esme puts ice skaters and ballerinas together. Again, a world he hasn't really delved in. Theo doesn't mind if Esme daydreams. He quietly watches her and has a slight smile on his face as he does this. "I like the way you think. You should come over to the Lamplight Amphitheater one evening when you are free to watch one of my shows and then stay after for the fireworks. They are pretty spectacular."

"I don't think anyone would become a figure skater and I do mean going in with an actual coach if they did not want the pretty costumes, the bouquets and stuffed animals being tossed onto the ice just for them. And if they did not care for the spotlight." Esme says in all honesty and it's something which she truly believes. One of her hands idly extends to trace a finger down the side of her water glass, watching as she cuts through the condensation found there.

Her posture shifts and she straighten a tighten bit when he speaks of where he's from in further details now, the young woman's attention being drawn fully to focus on Theo once again. "Asheville... I've heard of the place, but I've never visited. The Blue Ridge Mountains sound spectacular, however! As for myself, I'm from Columbus, Ohio." So in a way, she's in a similar situation to Theo where they both come from one of the biggest cities, if not the capitol, of their respective states. "But I lived more in a suburban environment, further from the actual city. Still, it was beautiful, and it had it's small town charm in parts... and it's not as if I hated it. But also, it's not as if I grew up there. See..." And here she sighs, "I spent a good portion of my childhood in California. Sacremento. But oh, how I would love to live in a cute small town next to a river or stream."

Finally, their meals have arrived! Her blue eyes look all the more larger as she spies on just how huge the portions of food are. While the dishes here might be pricey, this does mean doggy bags! "You were right, this looks Amaaaazing!" And she is quick to pick up one of those cheese curds to nibble on.

"Mmhmm." She nods, "Oh, I'll set some time off from my busy schedule," Which probably isn't all that busy truth be told, "to do just that. Like I said, I want to watch you tell your stories and the fireworks are just the icing on the cake."

Theo has his work cut out! He's going to have to watch more ice skating in the near future. Or just watch Esme in her practices but not in a creepy way. He never wants to give off that vibe.

"I think going in the fall is the best time to see the Blue Ridge Mountains in all of its glory. Especially because the season is changing and it looks like a harvest picture. I also have heard of Columbus, Ohio just don't know much about it." He admits. Maybe the both of them can share with each other of their hometowns. Only to realize that isn't where she grew up. "I have heard of Sacramento. That is the capital of California right? There's rivers and the likes there. Did you live by a river then? Or were you surrounded by all the tall buildings?"

Theo was waiting to see what Esme thought of their meal order and she did not disappoint! Grinning when he takes note of how her blue eyes go large. A wink aimed her way. "Best part? Leftovers." Before the waiter leaves he does place an order for Jett. His roomie has to eat again eventually and he's not going to forget him. He uses his utensils to start cutting at the sausage. Grinning when he takes note of Esme enjoying a cheese curd. "Cheese curds are soo good. If you are ever in Wisconsin that is the place to go for them. Their cheese curds will rock your world."

His grin remains when Esme says she will come and watch him. "Oh good. If I mess up you can't make fun of me. Got it?"

By now, Esme is just eating away because she really was starving and with all of that physical exertion, she could use the calories. She might be stuffing her face with curds, but she's doing it as daintily as possible. "Oh, Columbus can be a pretty place with an old world feel, depending on where you live. Sacramento is fine too. I lived near a river, but also near buildings and really, it doesn't give you that... whimsical, fantasy vibe. It's so... corporate." She then realizes that ice skating can also feel incredibly corporate when you think about it.

Leftovers is very much one of her favorite words! Though this mention of Wisconsin has her wrinkling her nose at first. Like What's in Wisconsin?? "So you've been to Wisconsin then?"

The last of what he says, though he may have meant it as a joke, the young woman takes it quite seriously. "That would be cruel of me if I did. But I promise that I will not laugh or make fun of you if you do mess up. In fact, if it's something that I'd noticed, I will try to..." She ponders on this, "Distract the audience away from the mishap." It's like she tries to find a solution for everything.

"I spent a week there. I had a friend move there and decided I would pay an impromptu visit and they invited me to stay for a few days or so. They did the tourist thing with me and we went to a store where they sold nothing but the curds. I thought it was the coolest thing ever." Theo tells Esme.

His smile widens when Esme speaks of how she would rescue him if he flubbers in his performance. He's been eating away and enjoying the company but soon the waiter comes back with Jett's order. He tells the waiter, "Thank you, and could we please have a couple to go boxes? Thank you."