Christian made his way into the kitchen and waited for Penny. He didn’t feel comfortable wandering the house without her. He was looking forward to their conversation at the hotel later. Christian wanted to get to know Penny better, but was also concerned. It seemed her past hadn’t been the most pleasant.

Christian smiled and stood beside her when she returned to the kitchen. At her suggestion, Christian looked around the kitchen. [color=#B0E0E6]”Um, sure…Where are those exactly, and what do I do?”[/color] He followed Penny’s example, though, and washed his hands. 

After brief instruction, Christian sprinkled the appropriate spices onto the prepared patties. He remained focused on his task even when Luke joined them, and finished just before Luke picked up the tray. Christian turned to put the spices away when Luke asked for help.

Christian turned, looking at Luke and then Penny. He smiled gently at her, knowing what this conversation was going to be about. It would be a first for Christian, but he had heard stories from human souls about the art of backyard grilling and the community it evoked.

[color=#B0E0E6]”It’s okay,”[/color] he assured Penny before he joined Luke outside. 

Christian walked around the deck, taking in the backyard and the setup before he joined Luke near the grill. He watched the man turn on the BBQ, committing everything to memory. It seemed like an important task to learn. Christian turned his focus to Luke when he addressed him. He smiled at Luke’s attempt to intimidate and put Christian through the paces.

[color=#B0E0E6]”I was honest with her. I don’t see much point in lying or playing games. If she asks me questions, I answer her. If she needs me, I’m there for her. I confess I wasn’t expecting much more than your sister’s friendship, but…”[/color] Christian looked back toward the house, his smile shifting into something softer. [color=#B0E0E6]”There definitely seems to be something developing, but I am in no position to rush it,”[/color] he said, looking Luke in the eyes for further assessment.