Alak shook her hand, hoping she didn't comment on the scar marring his flesh. It wasn't the kind of conversation he imagined would win him any points with the cousin of the girl he wanted to keep seeing. He reached over to wrap an arm around Jill's shoulders as she stood awkwardly at the table; pulling her into a side-hug, he lightly kissed the top of her head. It made him smile to realize how nice her hair smelled must mean she'd taken at least some time to get ready to meet him.
"Jill, you didn't mention your cousin was polite. I was expecting the Spanish Inquisition. You aren't the kind to secretly be plotting my death while smiling at me, are you? If so, I'm not sure if I'm comforted -since it's familiar- or scared. How about we sit down and talk about my odds so far?"
He held out the chair for Jill as he waited for the women to sit before sitting himself.