He nodded when she answered, conversationally about the quality of the food. When she mentioned his skill at finding the place he allowed himself a small smile. Sometimes he could be arrogant about certain things. Well who couldn't? Grayson was somewhat warming up to the idea of having his meal paid for now. Mentally rationing off that now he could afford dinner. Finishing first, he glanced away down the street watching cars pass as she stuffed her petite face further. And was distracted for just a moment.
That was when she popped the questioned he dreaded. The origin question. "Huh, UH, W-w-what?..", he paused in response. Ok, act cool, Jack. He quickly mentally organized his thoughts. Short and sweet reply, with just a hint of truth. He had found that the less fibs in a statement the easier people believed it. After all it was hard to decipher fact with a lie of shaded gray truth.
"No no. I'm solo. Just your average starving artist. I saved up and made the plunge. Thought Europe would be more suited for it.", Hmm. He could have done better. But she had caught him off guard. Well hopefully she would just take his age for what he was trying to push. Mid twenties. There were lots of boy faced guys in their twenties, right? He had an idea. Redirect the question. From his experience women could talk an eternity about themselves. Good way to get'em in the sack. "You? Vacation from the farm?"