[@Mister Thirteen]
[center]The awkward silence lingered in the air, only emphasized by Blake’s stiffness. Unmoving... Unspeaking. His expression monotonous- apathetic, even. His eyes gave nothing away, just as stifled as the rest of him. Like a robot. 

Maddison let her gaze shift, drifting away from him. Down at her denim jeans, canvas sneakers amd the polished wood floors. She shifted her weight from one foot too the other. Then there was the abrupt, sharply pronounced stamp. Maddison jumped slightly, looked towards the cause. Beatrice stood, purposely keeping her eyes to the floor. Then, as if on cue, Blake cleared his throat before finally speaking. 

Blake Colvin. Maddison couldn’t help but to find a bit of dry humor in his words. So formal and precisely articulated, he really did remind her of a robot. “Thank you,” She quietly replied. “Everything is great.” She assured. She looked towards Beatrice again, offering a small smile and a nod of her head. There was that warmth.

“Alright.” She replied to Blake’s suggestions. 

[hr]

Dinner was served. Still warm, emitting a delicious smelling steam. At the center of the table, a basket of warm garlic bread. The slice baguettes browned to perfection sprinkled with parmesan and parsley flakes. 

It was expectedly quiet, the occasional sound of silverware touching their plates. Maddison quietly poked at her food, taking a small bite here and there. Every now and then, glancing in Blake’s direction. What was he thinking? She wondered. 
[/center]