Re: [Lakeside Manor: Hugh & Atticus]
Dropped to one knee to greet Heart, who was now sitting politely. Rubbed her ears and laughed, and then stood again and regarded Hugh. "Warm brownies sound like just the thing. Mom used to bake them sometimes. Always thought it was strange. Had a cook for everything, but Mom would make brownies." Was a memory plucked up from thin air. Hadn't thought about it when Hugh had made the invitation. Nostalgia wasn't usually Atticus' style.
Followed when Hugh nodded toward the kitchen and started that way. Walked slowly. Was interesting to see the house from the inside. Wasn't amazed by it; had grown up wealthy. But was always interesting to see someone's personal space. Had only seen this place from the lake and the boathouse. Was different to actually be inside.
"Being off the island agrees with me," Atticus agreed. "Think it'll be nice to go back during the summer, but don't think winter and spring are made for island living," he clarified. Wasn't untrue. Was more complicated than that, sure, but wasn't false. Atticus liked simplification. Made life easier, and Atticus enjoyed having an easy life.
Leaned on the counter. "Looks like your new-old career agrees with you too," he acknowledged. "How has that been going for you? Feel like ages since you caught me up on your gossip. Me? Been opening a bookstore in the Capital. Working on getting that off the ground. B&B mostly takes care of itself. Learning my way around town."