He nodded slowly, tapping his CD on the side of his leg as Penny paid, and wondering why she would buy her boyfriend (well, she hadn't mentioned any brothers, so he assumed that was who this "Oliver" was). Perhaps he'd ask later. Orsino mulled over the idea of eating ice cream on a beach in frigid conditions. She seemed to think it was great fun. "Never had the pleasure, I admit."
Having grown up in Kidlington in a family that didn't make much of beach trips, Orsino had only been to a beach three or four times in his life. When Penny had finished her purchase he stepped up to the counter and slid his single item over to the clerk. His hand went to his jacket pocket, from where he pulled out the appropriate amount to pay.
Bag in hand, he began to head toward the front door, over which the store owners had flung several sashes of fir branches, holly, and twinkling lights. The display brought a small grin to his face. "So where are we going?"