Pippin was late. This was not a surprise. With the exception of reporting to work, she would get lost in her notes, research, photos and print-outs before the alarm on her phone would alert her that she was supposed to be somewhere. RIGHT NOW! So needless to say she was a bit breathless when she came bursting into the pizza place.
Aleksi didn't need to wave to her. Pippin could pick them out, but the hostess pointed in their direction anyway. She wove her way through tables and people with a growing smile on her face until by the time she got to the table and flopped down across from them it was a full on grin.
"Hi!" she chirped. "Sorry I'm late. Did you order yet? I mean I'll eat whatever you ordered, but I'm glad you didn't wait for me." Her attention zeroed on the big guy she didn't know. "You must be Aleksi. Is that Russian? There were a bunch of Tzars with variations of that name. It's old as fuck." Did Dietre warn you about how much Pippin blathers, Aleksi?