[color=lightgray][right][sub][b][u]TIMESTAMP:[/u][/b] Tuesday Morning || July 20th 2021
Featuring [color=19C8AC]Niles Sinclair[/color] & Introducing [color=FFE76F]Kianna Johnson[/color]
Small FT: [color=47bed1]Miriam “Mandy” Darling[/color][/sub][/right]

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[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/venus][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/230301/c679b33eaad63df95ce10ccdd8744a1b.png[/img][/url]  [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/230301/d5cbeff29dada5a8104e72f6dfece1d8.png[/img] [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/lovelycomplex][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/230301/572901a417bcceb31a5ff31879b7e8d6.png[/img][/url]
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[indent][indent]For the better part of nearly four years, Kianna Johnson’s days had consisted of the same old routine. The melodic sound of her phone’s alarm would echo through the thin walls of her one-bedroom apartment at the Lost Souls complex, signaling the arrival of a new day. The young woman’s hazel eyes opened slowly, acclimating themselves to the brightness radiating from the window. Once she mustered up the will to get up, she trudged to the apartment’s small bathroom for the shower that would revive her, the dental hygiene that kept her teeth nice even though she didn't smile very often and the skincare routine that kept her face radiant and blemish-free. Her curly hair was quickly styled into a lazy bun decorated by a sunflower-patterned headband and some loose strands framing her freshly made-up face-- her eyes emphasized by mascara and her arched eyebrows groomed with some eyebrow gel. The return visit to her bedroom would provide her with the clothing items and accessories she needed for the day: her underwear, her short-sleeved navy jumpsuit, yellow socks, stud earrings and the golden locket she was never seen without. Spritzes of the sweet and fruity Ariana Grande perfume her Uncle Randall and Aunt Raven had gotten her last Christmas brought the look together before she gave herself one last glance-over and departed for the kitchen.

Breakfast consisted of whatever she felt like eating each morning, with a freshly-brewed pot of coffee being the constant no matter the day or the season. One cup was consumed during breakfast, while the remaining portion was put in one of her personalized, insulated tumblers to satisfy the caffeine cravings throughout the day. She indulged in watching an episode of whatever Netflix show she was hooked on at the time during her meal, taking one last moment for herself before leaving for work. Once the food was finished, it was time to put her worn leather work boots on, verify that all her items were inside her purse, and make the drive to Phil’s, where she’d spend her hours working in what she loved until it was time to return home and do it all over again. 

When she’d woken up that summer morning, nothing about this day pointed to it being any different than the rest. Even with the effects of the raging storm from the night before still hanging about, the 22 year-old went through her daily routine and made it to work without any incident. But fate had a funny way of surprising people with curveballs when they least expected it… And unbeknownst to Kianna, a chance encounter with a stranger at the shop was about to change her life as she knew it.

The car ride from Scott Street to the southwest part of town, by Main and Grove, where Phil's Garage sat was filled with idle chatter. Neither Lexie nor Niles wanted to talk about the current hot topic in Edenridge because neither wanted to waste their already exasperated energy. They talked about school mostly, their friends and how things were just different outside of town. Niles shared to her how college helped him get out of his bubble, and as angry, bitter, and frustrated as he did come across last night and today, he was actually doing better than others realized. He wasn’t slipping back into the dark place that he was so eager to run off to, time and time again, when he was younger because he knew deep down that wasn’t the solution. He knew deep down that Beau was right and that he did have potential, he just needed to start believing in it. 

Thinking back on that conversation where Beau said he was no saint, no one was, Niles could see the many avenues he could take when it came to his future. Whether what he saw was what he wanted was another issue altogether. Even when there is darkness creeping up at every corner in town, potential exists to counter the bad. This dreadfully long, empty life was not about doing good, to be good, it was all about living well and believing in your infinite potential. The only person you are fated to become is the person you choose to be. 

Who did he want to be? 

Once he left Lexie’s car, offering gas money but her refusing and telling him to not be a stranger, Niles looked up at Phil’s Garage sign and tiredly sighed. Almost there. Almost time to go home and take a goddamn nap. Strolling to the door, he swung it open. Taking his phone out to see if Caitlin texted him and still noticing there was nothing from her, he rolled his eyes and strode to the counter. No one was there. Noticing the bell, he was quick to tap it, announcing his arrival. Pocketing his phone once more, he waited a minute or two and still no one. They were likely in the back fixing up cars but he was [i]tired[/i] and wanted to go home. He impatiently tapped the bell a couple more times. [color=19C8AC]“Hello?”[/color] he called out with his modulated voice, which was caught between being crisp and mellifluous depending on his tone. Right now, he was direct and forward, not wasting any time to get someone’s attention. 

What was taking them so long?

[color=19C8AC]“I’m just here to pick up my bike,”[/color] he commented to the air, scanning the desk behind the counter. A black file organizer could be seen in the corner filled; beige folders lining each empty space with the initials and last names of each customer neatly written on the tabs. A set of keys rested beside the keyboard, accompanied by a purple [url=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0597/8957/4318/products/IMG_9841_1_2048x2048.jpg?v=1651272565]self-defense safety keychain[/url] that included a wrist wrap, a bottle opener, pepper spray, a window breaker, a whistle, an alarm, a heart-shaped pompom and a bejeweled teddy bear lip gloss holder. Beside the mouse sat a [url=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0582/3492/9357/products/Photo_1664151435260_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1668080152]personalized tumbler[/url] full of coffee, the name [i]Kianna[/i] stenciled into the design in iridescent rose gold cursive lettering, while a [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b7/e1/35/b7e135f0de78348394288241bf8f5d62.jpg]matching stainless steel bottle[/url] stood next to the tumbler. 

The curly-haired girl had been occupied in the inventory room locating a particular part to fulfill a customer’s order when she thought she heard the faint ringing of the bell from the front desk. Frowning, the woman paused the Sabrina Claudio song playing on her earbud to listen closely and find out whether she was imagining things or they actually had a customer. The confirmation of the latter came in the form of the bell being rung a few more times, followed by a slightly impatient masculine voice she didn’t recognize and whose words she couldn’t quite make out. Cursing under her breath, Kianna exited the room and hurried to the front desk, her heavy boots announcing her upcoming presence with every step.

[color=FFE76F]“Hey, sorry for the wait. I was checking some stock in the back, so I didn’t hear the bell go off the first time,”[/color] Kianna apologized as she entered the room, not really paying attention to who she was speaking to until she occupied the rolling office chair by the desk. When the young woman finally looked up, her eyes locked with the small brown orbs of the man standing on the opposite side of the counter.

There was no denying that the customer gazing down at her was anything other than handsome. He had wavy brown hair with locks that fell on his forehead, thick eyebrows, and the cutest dimple in the middle of his stubbled chin. He looked to be a few inches taller than her, with a build that vouched for generous amounts of hours spent working out and brand clothing that identified him as a resident of Eastbrook or maybe even the elusive Scott Street. Something about this man tugged at Kianna’s subconscious: an invisible thread tying their lives together in a tight, timeless knot. It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced since--

A crashing tide almost knocked Niles off his feet. Everything, everywhere, all at once. The moment their eyes met, time collapsed and it was in seconds he knew he lost his entire world. There was something in those beautiful hazel eyes that made him feel like he found his compass that would lead him to the safety and warmth of a loving embrace. An embrace that would pull him inside, where everything was [i]real[/i], silly, and free. A place he could call his, where he could begin and end his day with, every corner laced with heartfelt memories and everlasting stories, all which led to a symphony of stars and dreams. One look and he was held captive. 

Flawless caramel skin that reminded him of English Oak in spring rains. Her hair was full of body and attitude. Curly and kinky ringlets framing her sweet hearted face, cascading in a messy bun. Her beauty was bold enough to stun him in place but what elevated all of this was how she held herself. With curves of softness and a form that showed she was a hardworking girl, Niles could see caution. Even if he could swear in this moment their souls were touching, that he could feel her and she could feel him, there was something under the surface. She had fear, uneasiness, and so much pain buried deep within her, wanting to be found and cared for. She had thorns. Her heart was locked. He wondered what it would take to win her over. 

An electrifying silence permeated the air as Kianna and Niles stared at each other, neither of them making a sound as their eyes remained connected.  Eventually, it was her who broke the ice by discreetly clearing her throat. [color=FFE76F]“So… My name is Kianna. How can we help you today?”[/color] she inquired, shifting her gaze away from the man’s to focus it on the desktop screen in front of her.

[color=19C8AC]“Kianna is it?”[/color] Niles hid his desire of undressing her, both body and soul, to be in the present. To be here, with her, to get the thing he came for which was… [color=19C8AC]“That’s a lovely name.”[/color] He found himself rubbing his hands together and looking around, wondering if he was making this weird by complimenting her. He was so lost in thought that he forgot to tell her his purpose of coming to Phil’s Garage. There was no need to rush this transaction, was there? He had time. [color=19C8AC]“Kianna,”[/color] he repeated. [color=19C8AC]“Very pretty.”[/color] 

Heat immediately rose to Kiki's face. Despite not being a stranger to receiving attention from the opposite sex, it didn't make her feel any less self-conscious. Being the only female mechanic at Phil's shop meant that she sometimes received compliments from certain customers-- sometimes genuine, kind, and appreciated; sometimes revolting, uncomfortable and unwarranted. With his polite, educated behavior, the young man at the counter fell under the first category; unlike the majority of his vulgar, pushy peers that visited her place of work. It was a nice, welcome change of pace, and she couldn't help the way her heart gave a little flutter at his words.

[color=FFE76F]“Thank you,"[/color] she replied in her most gentle, quiet voice. [color=FFE76F]“My mother chose it for me. It means 'enduring one' in Irish, and 'queen' in Persian."[/color]

[color=19C8AC]“It suits you,”[/color] Niles replied instantaneously, turning his gaze back at her and watching her with a gentle softness. [color=19C8AC]“Not that I know your personality or anything. I mean I’m sure you’re a queen in whatever you do… eh hem,”[/color] he backtracked, only realizing he was making things worse and putting his foot in his mouth. [color=19C8AC]“My name doesn’t have a cool backstory like yours. My mom chose it because she liked it and it was an ‘N’ name, like hers. Niles. Son of Neil. My father isn’t a Neil,”[/color] he humored, chuckling to himself.

His attempt at a compliment and comedy earned him a half-smile from the young woman, who decided to return the pleasantries in earnest. [color=FFE76F]“Niles.”[/color] she repeated softly, allowing the name to roll off her tongue and delicately fall from her lips. [color=FFE76F]“I like it. It suits you too.”[/color] 

[color=19C8AC]“But yeah, that’s not why I’m here…”[/color] He tried to get the conversation back on track, not wanting to waste her time (but also wanting to waste her time so he could keep staring). Why was he here again? He had gotten so lost in her beauty that he’d forgotten his reason for being at Phil’s in the first place. [color=19C8AC]“My bike.”[/color] he remembered, his mind barely able to process anything around him. [color=19C8AC]“I had to leave it on Lyon. I called earlier to see if it got towed, and it did.”[/color] Dread washed over him when he realized she was likely the woman he had spoken to earlier about his motorcycle. [color=19C8AC]“I’m sorry if I came across as rude. Really I had no reason to be an ass. I didn’t sleep but that doesn’t excuse my behavior so, sorry.”[/color] He didn’t remember what he said but he knew his shortness likely made Kianna feel some type of way. If he was the receiver of his own bullshit, he knew he’d be annoyed as hell, especially if it was the start of his work day and immediately, there was a rude customer. 

Kianna Joy raised her eyebrows, feeling some of the magic of the moment they’d been sharing evaporate on the spot. [color=FFE76F]“So that was you…”[/color] she drawled, crossing her arms in front of her chest and tilting her head to one side. So [i]this[/i] was the man she’d snapped against and told to get some manners when she’d answered the phone first thing that morning. She should’ve known that there was no way a guy could be this charming without having some damage underneath the surface. [color=FFE76F][i]So much for being polite and educated…[/i][/color]

Luckily for Niles, Kianna wasn’t a rancorous type of girl. She had a kind heart, and she believed in second chances. She had heard his apology, deemed it genuine and she would be accepting it. That didn’t mean she was going to let his previous behavior go unaddressed in person, though. She would never allow a customer to speak to her in any disrespectful way-- handsome or not. [color=FFE76F]“You really thought you could talk to me that way over the phone and then expect me to help you with a smile whenever you came in here?"[/color] 

Should he say yeah and joke about it? Or should he say no and be humble about it? Niles decided to go the in-between route, leaning his arms on the counter, and giving a tantalizing smolder, [color=19C8AC]“Maybe.”[/color] He obviously didn’t know if she’d take the joke but it was worth a shot. Walking his pointer and middle finger around the table, like a little person, he flirtatiously offered, [color=19C8AC]“I could make it up to you. Take you out for some coffee.”[/color] Coffee seemed to be the gentle date that didn’t forcibly say he wanted to date her. He totally did want to date her but he had a girlfriend so he shouldn’t get too ahead of himself. [color=19C8AC]“You, me, some Beau lecture, and caffeine. Could be fun.”[/color] His little man fingers found a pen and hopped on it. The pen rolled from under his two fingers, as if the little person was walking on a log. He didn’t know how long she’d be mad at him but he would try his damndest to get her to forget about it. As long as she gave him a second chance, that’s all that mattered. A clean slate with a pretty girl. Niles would love that. 

The finger person trick got a little laugh out of her, but the invitation caught Kianna completely off guard. ‘Take you out’? This Niles guy wanted to take her out… Like on a date or something? [i]That[/i] was unexpected. She could understand that maybe he felt guilty for the way he had spoken to her over the phone, but that didn’t mean he owed her anything other than the apology he’d already given her. If he really wanted to, he could always just pick up the coffee himself and bring it over to the shop for her one of these days as a truce. That would be enough. The only other possibility that Kiki could come up with that could explain why Niles wanted to ‘take her out’ was that… maybe he wanted to get to know her.

Because the idea of a guy making a move on her was scary and she didn’t want to make a fool of herself in case she was wrong (which she probably was), Kianna opted to give a non-committal response. [color=FFE76F]“Maybe. But if you ever talk to me like that again, I will personally dismantle your bike myself and ship you the parts in boxes for you to put it back together again from scratch… If you can.”[/color] She warned him, arching one of her brows even higher as if to prove her point before allowing herself to break character and give Niles a closed-lipped smile. [color=FFE76F]"I mean it, though! I’m dead serious. Don't be rude to me again. That wasn't cute."[/color]

[color=19C8AC]“I won’t, I won’t,”[/color] Niles tried to assure her, even going the extra mile to trace his pointer finger on his chest, making a cross, [color=19C8AC]“Cross my heart and hope to die. If I do say something dumb, you have permission to give me a nice hard spank.”[/color] He goofily grinned, finding it incredibly endearing in an adorable sort of way how her hazel eyes widened, her cheeks blushed and how she giggled at his last comment. Her threat wasn’t scary though because he could easily pay someone to fix his bike or buy a new bike. With that being said, he wasn’t going to ruin the vibes by saying a smartass or jackass remark. 

He processed her words again and contemplated if her saying [i]maybe[/i] meant yes for a coffee date. He needed to confirm. For all he knew, he was getting ahead of himself, hearing what he wanted to hear. [color=19C8AC]“So!”[/color] He straightened his posture, running his hand through his hair with an eager glint in his stare and smug look on his face. [color=19C8AC]“Was that a yes? For Coffee? You, me, Beau?”[/color] He persistently asked, hoping he wasn’t assuming and that she did want to get to know him like he wanted to get to know her. He was forward but you had to be when you were shooting for the stars and in this case the stars were a girl way out of his league. His bad day (or two) was already taking a turn for the better because he got to see Kianna’s beautiful face. [color=19C8AC]“I’ll make it worth your while,”[/color] he insisted, dragging the syllables out for added drama. He mischievously wiggled his eyebrows while trying to read her expression. She just had to say the word and he would sweeten the pot. Whatever she wanted, he would grant, all she needed to do was give him a chance. [color=19C8AC]“Pwease, pwetty pwease.”[/color]

The curly haired girl giggled and pursed her lips together at Niles’ antics, but hesitated to answer right away. She [i]wanted[/i] to say yes. She wanted to be bold like her Aunt Raven, and seize this opportunity to take a leap of fate and experience a taste of what life had to offer someone as young as her. But there were so many reasons to be cautious. Among the many qualities the caramel-skinned girl possessed, recklessness wasn’t one of them. Early on, Kianna had watched her mother work hard to make sure she never knew what struggling or lacking necessities meant. In return, the girl had made a promise to herself to never give her mother any additional stresses or worries. And overall, she had been successful. For all accounts, Kianna was a model child: always followed the rules, always behaved, always worked hard for everything she had, never being ungrateful or taking anything for granted, and never, [i]ever[/i] taking any careless chances that could hurt them. The one time she’d followed her heart instead of her head for anything other than her career had ended with tragic consequences and an ocean of heartbreak and grief… And Kianna wasn’t sure she would ever be ready to take a risk like that again.

But she would be lying if she said she wasn’t at least curious about where this invitation could lead. 

[color=FFE76F]"How about this: give me a few days to think about it, and I promise I’ll get back to you once I’ve made up my mind. That sound like a deal?”[/color] she asked him with a soft smile. There. A diplomatic, polite response that she hoped would buy her time to evaluate his proposal and decide whether to accept or decline it.

Business minded and far from impulsive. He liked that. He liked that a lot. She was playing hard to get and he loved a good challenge. Since she didn’t downright say no, Niles knew he already had his foot in the door. A taste of what was to come if he played his cards right. [color=19C8AC]“Perfect,”[/color] he smiled with his eyes, keeping his lips still and composed. Charming with restraint. A man who knew how to hold back when needed. Pulling his phone out and opening his contacts, he casually inquired, [color=19C8AC]“And your number?”[/color] Smoothly and nonchalantly, he glanced back up at her, waiting for her next move.

Kianna offered Niles a knowing smile of her own and shrugged her shoulders. [color=FFE76F]"Don't worry about it. I can get yours from riiiiight here,"[/color] she replied, lightly tapping the desktop screen. Can never be too careful these days. [color=FFE76F]"If you give me your last name I can look you up in our system, check that the phone number is updated and on file, and make sure your bike is in our inventory."[/color]

[color=19C8AC]“Sinclair,”[/color] Niles answered at the drop of a hat, his motives laid out on his sleeves. He wanted this. He wanted her to give him a chance. [color=19C8AC]“And can I get your last name, [i]Kianna?[/i]”[/color] God, her name was gorgeous. He could keep saying her name and never grow tired of it. Her name was like music to his ears and he wanted to hit replay, over and over again, like a new song he discovered and couldn’t get enough of. [color=19C8AC]“Or do I have to wait for that too?”[/color] He slyly grinned, pocketing his phone and eagerly waiting to hear her soothing, yet firm voice. To hear her say hello was enough for him to forget his worries. Damn, he had it bad and he only just met her.

The young woman smiled timidly and looked away for a moment, trying to hide her demure demeanor. [color=FFE76F]"It's Johnson. Kianna Johnson,"[/color] she answered, shifting her eyes back to his again and feeling her heart do a cartwheel inside her chest again.

Score.

His foot was indeed in the door. Niles returned the smile, giving Kianna Johnson his undivided attention. He knew he was keeping her from doing her work but he enjoyed this too much. He enjoyed her company. He could stare at her all day and die happy because the last thing he saw was her. There was a light voice behind him clearing her voice. He didn’t even hear someone come in or was this person here this whole time? When he turned around to see who was behind him, he saw one of the Darlings. Miriam? She worked at the grocer and ran the Farmer’s market. She was holding a bottle of full synthetic oil for her car. 

[color=47bed1]“Sorry, I hope I’m not interrupting something,”[/color] Mandy gleamed at the younger boy, happy to see her friend, practically a niece to her, make a friend outside of all the old people that surround her. [color=47bed1]“I have to go back to work but I need to buy this first.”[/color] Looking past Niles, Mandy’s emphatic gaze met with the girl behind the desk, her eyebrows raising curiously. This was a side of Kianna she hadn’t seen since the honeymoon stage with Landon James nearly six years ago. 

As soon as Kianna heard the voice behind Niles, her smile faded away as heat rose to her cheeks, and she immediately darted her eyes in the opposite direction of her two clients. She knew what Mandy was thinking. She could see it all over the look she was giving her from behind the man. All Kianna could hope for was that the older woman hadn’t gotten the wrong idea about what she had just walked into (or had she been there all this time?), but the interaction that followed made it clear that was exactly where her mind had wandered to.

[color=47bed1]“That girl over there,”[/color] Miriam gestured to Kianna before bringing her stare back to Niles, keeping her smile coy and polite, but her tone sharp and flat, [color=47bed1]“Is a good girl. She has a lot of family so I want you to understand she has a whole team of people who would fight for her.”[/color]

Hearing Mandy speak about what a good girl she was and how she had an army of people willing to fight for her made Kiki want to hide under the counter in front of her-- and it took every bit of self-restraint to not facepalm herself. While she appreciated Miriam sticking up for her, the comment did make her nervous. The guys from the shop and Phil’s group of lifelong friends were like a second family to her. They took care of her, looked out for her, and always had her best interests at heart. But as much as she loved them, Ki did [i]not[/i] want them to hear about this little scene when it was probably nothing.

[color=19C8AC]“Got it. Good girl, don’t fuck up,”[/color] Niles was giddy on the inside. He was already meeting someone in Kianna’s circle. He took a mental note of Miriam and started to think of routes of winning her favor. If she had a big family, that must mean a long list of people to win over but that didn’t scare him in the slightest. If anything, he liked a good challenge and Kianna was worth climbing mountains for. [color=19C8AC]“Won’t forget. Scouts honor.”[/color] 

Mandy chuckled at his lighthearted nature. She hoped this meant well for Kianna but just in case, perhaps she needed to call an emergency family meeting. [color=47bed1]“As long as you understand.”[/color] She was sure Kianna had no idea how to move forward from Landon. This could be good for her. Maybe the crew could give her a gentle push in the right direction. A gentle push to romance. Something she still was waiting for herself.

[color=FFE76F]"I'll be with you in a sec, Mandy,"[/color] she apologized to the woman in hopes of culminating [i]that[/i] conversation, nodding at her in acknowledgement before taking a seat in her desk chair. Her nimble fingers slid the mouse atop its pad and tapped away at the keyboard keys for a few seconds before Kianna found what she was looking for. Only then did she turn her eyes to Niles again, and her tone was now strictly polite and professional. [color=FFE76F]“It looks like the towing company dropped your bike at our garage a few hours ago. If you go through this door right here--”[/color] she pointed at the door on her right. [color=FFE76F]“--walk down the hallway and through the metal door at the end of it, you’ll be at the entrance gate of the chain link fence to the junkyard. Phil’s actually down there right now, so if you yell out his name once or twice I’m sure he’ll hear you and come get your bike out.”[/color] The brunette explained, sitting up straight in her chair and nervously tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. [color=FFE76F]“Is there anything else I can help you with today?”[/color]

Damn. 

This moment was coming to a close already? 

[color=19C8AC]“Well, [i]Kianna[/i], your service has been refreshing. A delight. Phil’s got a [i]good girl[/i] working here. Definitely will consider coming back,”[/color] Niles humored, amiably gleaming at his acquaintance, while slowly making his way toward the hallway. Before disappearing, he subconsciously ran his hand through his hair and casually turned to her, [color=19C8AC]“Just think about it. Coffee. Me and you.”[/color] He gently reminded her of his proposal prior to Mandy coming in. [color=19C8AC]“I’d like to get to know you better… but take as much time as you need.”[/color] He could totally be patient. If it was for her, he could wait. Right? [color=19C8AC]“Other than that? Thanks…”[/color] okay, now it was time to leave before he put his foot deeper in his mouth. Niles nodded in an awkward goodbye, clearly not wanting to leave. He watched Kianna shoot another nervous glance at Mandy before nodding back at him, offering him a parting half-smile before he followed her directions to where his bike would be. 

Mandy simply stared at Kianna smiling, a hint of mischief gleamed in her eyes. She could see how much color this boy brought to her niece’s cheeks. They had an aunty-niece friendship not by blood but by bond. Most of the Bristol crew practically adopted Kianna as one of their own. Mandy was one out of many who loved this girl dearly. She kept quiet waiting patiently for the young girl to regain herself in no rush whatsoever. The main reason she interrupted in the first place was because she knew Kianna would be embarrassed if she realized someone was in the room during the whole flirt session with the doctor’s son. More one sided from the boy but still. So, it made most sense to make her presence known before they got too… playful. 

Once the young man had departed the room, the curly-haired girl wasted no time in performing damage control. [color=FFE76F]"That's--- Uh-- It's nothing,"[/color] she muttered to Mandy while ringing her up for her items, making it clear she didn’t want to talk about it. But even as she downplayed what had transpired and carried on with her tasks, Kianna could still feel the special magic of her little moment with Niles Sinclair lingering around the shop for the rest of her day.[/indent][/indent][/color]