2nd case.

[dorkwonder]

Hey, we need to talk. Can we meet at your room in a few?

Comments

[secondchances]

It's the Stephanie Brown method of support.

[dorkwonder]

I thought the Stephanie Brown method involved waffles and pep talks?

[secondchances]

And a little bit of violence when certain people are being butts.

[dorkwonder]

Noted. [Peeks out the window again. ] We should finish up soon. Ace has been out there for awhile.

[secondchances]

Sure. [She starts seriously working on her salad, but has to comment.]

Such a protective mama.

[dorkwonder]

What do you mean? I just want to make sure he doesn't get cold.

[secondchances]

I mean it doesn't look like I'm going to have to ask any favors of you when it comes to helping out with Ace.

[dorkwonder]

He's not just our dog; he's been the family dog. It's our turn to make sure he's being taken care of the way Bruce would want him to be looked after.

[secondchances]

[Ouch, her heart.]

Don't worry, he's been thoroughly spoiled. Sleep on the bed and everything, gets all the treats and games of fetch from one of the kids... he's living the life.

[dorkwonder]

Sounds like it. How old is he? [Begins to polish off his salad. ]

[secondchances]

No idea. I just know "not a puppy" and "young enough to run around" still.

[dorkwonder]

That's helpful.

[secondchances]

Hey, I'm not a dog expert.

[dorkwonder]

I'm not either, but I am sure we can figure it out somehow. [Finishes off his salad and sets his utensils down. ]

[secondchances]

[She finishes, too.

And fishes out her wallet as she waves down the waitress.]

If we can't figure that out, our chances of getting out of here just diminished completely.

[dorkwonder]

The sad thing is you are probably right. [The waitress returns to their table seconds later. She eyes Steph taking out her wallet, then looks at Tim, and shakes her head in disapproval as she hands the bill to Steph. ]

[secondchances]

[Steph takes the bill, and at least waits until the waitress is out of earshot before laughing.]

[dorkwonder]

I don't know what you find so funny. [No sulking here, nope. ]

[secondchances]

[She puts down the money (as well as a good tip!) before making to stand.]

Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.

[dorkwonder]

Uh huh. [Leaves it at that because his silly man pride might need a second or two to recover. ]

[secondchances]

[She grins.]

You can get it next time.

[dorkwonder]

I will. [Responds matter-of-factly. ]

[secondchances]

[Though it is kinda fun footing the bill for him, if it gets that sort of reaction. She tries not to look smug as she steps out to get Ace.]

[dorkwonder]

[Smiles at Ace as the two of them approach him, and kneels down to brush off some lingering snowflakes on his fur. ] Where should we go to next?

[secondchances]

I don't know... [She trails off as she looks around.]

I guess we could always head back, unless you want to stroll around a sleepy city.