Hamburger with a Side of Drama (open)

[brettdawson]

It was a lazy Sunday, the only day Brett had to himself. He worked all the others, trying to crack piles of cases. The current one, a skeleton thief, was next to impossible to get a lead. With a sigh, the thought was shoved away. The door swung open with a little ding, announcing his arrival. He always headed to Dylan's on Sundays. Especially after working out. He was fresh from the gym, literally since he showered right after, and the soreness in his muscles had not arrived. With one step he scaled the door and walked right in. He pulled off his aviators and hung them on his navy cut off. He was wearing simple, cleaner, workout clothes. He was planning to jog home after this.

He gave a nod and his usual flirtatious smirk to the waitress, who knew him so well. Actually, Brett thought she took the Sunday shift just to see him. It was possible, he was flawless of course. He swaggered to the diner bar and took a seat on the gaudy plastic, yet rather comfortable, red and silver stool. One fist hit the bar, smacking the wood as he shouted, "Danny! The usual!" He always got the same thing on Sundays, a hamburger and a Dr Pepper. "You got it Brett!" The owner shouted from the back.

Brett played with the sugars and jelly packets that were kept in a little ceramic holder as he waited. In some ways, Brett was still a boy. A child at heart. He stacked the containers of jelly like he did when his mother would bring him here. Of course he was immature too. That was how he had fun. Flirting and partying. Smirking was the expression you'd see most on him. He liked to think he was still a college boy at heart. When it came to his job, though, there was nothing but seriousness. He took his job to heart. Every case was personal. Maybe when he was working, the animal inside came out.

Being a Therian, he could turn into a German Shepherd. Kinda ironic that he wanted to become a Police Officer. Now, being a Detective, he could use not only his brains, but his nose as well. His powers helped him out in more ways than one. Saved his ass a couple times as well. Dogs can certainly run faster. Plus, he was probably even cockier while naked, after shifting anyways.

He could smell the food coming, another perk of his powers, before it arrived. He watched the man walk from the back of the diner all the way to his spot. His mouth watering the whole time. "Thanks, man. You know me, gotta keep this bulk up." Brett flexed, smiling with such confidence. Dylan only laughed and walked back to his duties. That's when Brett caved. He almost began inhaling the burger. But he kept his manners in place, eating the burger with as much class as one can with finger food.

[CHEYENNE MCLEESTER]

Sunday was, usually, the second best day of the week. First, naturally, was reserved for Saturday, followed closely by Sunday and of course Friday was the third best. Any day Cheyenne could sleep in or stay out late was a good day, hence Saturday being the best. After being up all night, though, Sundays were there to catch up on the lost sleep. They were often spent in sweats, a tank top and her bar hair pulled up into a messy, yet surprisingly sexy ponytail. Chey had no problem waltzing out of the house in this get up. In fact she liked it. she got just as much attention as she did when she dressed up, though she usually noticed plenty of eye rolls from women old enough to be her grandmother. She didn't care, she just smirked back. They were just hating anyway, wishing they had looked so good in sweats during their pathetic excuse of a youth.

This Sunday, however, wasn't a typical Sunday for Cheyenne. Carter had asked her to work to get some things done, but she had the distinct feeling that he was using his office time to get away from his wife and child. He had been talking about Cassidy a lot lately, mentioning how the woman was upset one of her workers had just disappeared. Literally. Apparently no one had heard from the girl, and the more he spoke of it the more weary she grew of hearing it which meant he was probably going nuts having to listen to it if he was discussing it with her.

Chey did her best to get his mind off of it when she was in the office, but today he could soak in his own damn misery for all she cared. She despised working on the weekends, but the occasional weekend was required. Sure, she got a little bonus from him, but it didn't make up for the fact that he was screwing up her second favorite day of the week! She wasn't even in her usual garb, having to wear something at least semi suitable. She wore jeans and a sleeveless dress shirt made of soft cotton that clung tightly to her body.

When Carter mentioned he was getting hungry and that he wanted her to run and grab them lunch she snatched the money from his hand and practically ran from the office. She hoped he wouldn't expect any change because he sure as hell wasn't getting any!

The girl made her way to Dylan's and put her order in, noticing the workout junky a seat over at the bar. He seemed far to into himself to notice her, but she didn't care. She was in a cruddy mood anyway.

"Thanks, man. You know me, gotta keep this bulk up." The girl snorted and rolled her eyes. Was he serious? "Oh, please." Cheyenne scoffed at the boy, running her eyes up and down his body and checking him out before looking away. He looked to be about her age. True, he was definitely toned, but he was full of himself in a way that wasn't even a little attractive. At least not to Cheyenne on that particular Sunday. "Get over yourself, Tyson."

[brettdawson]

"Get over yourself, Tyson."

The words came from a blonde chick in the stool next to him. He didn't even notice her arrive. His food and his biceps too much of a distraction.

His smirk grew ten times that day. He loved those kind of comments, "You're gonna have to come up with a better line than that, babe." He only called strange girls "babe" when he thought they looked at least slightly hot. His cockiness allowed him to say whatever he wanted anyways, though. He was already psychoanalyzing her words. Tyson, like Mike Tyson. One of the strongest and bad-assed boxers out there. He knew she thought he looked buff just from that word. Simply because she put him with Mike made it at least half true in Brett's mind. But of course, in Brett's mind, he was stacked. "I've heard that before, doesn't phase me in the least." He brushed his shoulder, as if her words were stuck on his shirt. He winked at her afterwards.

He took another bite of his hamburger, taking his time in eating for her to have her own comeback. And by the look of this chick, she would. She had some guts by trying to shoot Brett down. (Which would never happen, his ego is the size of Jupiter.) And he welcomed a challenge. That was always his thing though. Through college, and even as a Police Officer. He tended to make things more difficult for him to achieve. It made him feel stronger, cockier of course. Plus it was way more fun. He could see this girl taking a swing at him if he pushed too far. But he didn't mind, he'd probably laugh!

As he looked at her, he noticed her apparel. Obviously just coming from some sort of work or meeting. Sucks to suck, he thought. Sundays were holy in a whole different way. Of course he wasn't religious, being he wasn't even human, but Sundays were his day. Brett's time to work out and possibly nap. Even read a book if he was feeling really ambitious. A lazy day. "Just got out of Jury Duty? Or is your boss being an ass today?" His words weren't supposed to be harsh, just nonchalant and almost uncaring. He was actually slightly interested in this girl-with-guts. He always liked a feisty one. "You'd never catch me wearing anything remotely fancy on a Sunday."

He could totally tell she was annoyed with him. That made him that much more arrogant. He loved pushing people to their limits. And if she was working today, she'd probably be in a bad mood already. More fun for him! That's Brett for you, an ass. He may be a jerk, arrogant, and annoying but he had one good trait. He is respectful. He gave her his best smile, almost boyish. Which would probably make her even more annoyed with her, but hey, he tried. "I'm Brett, by the way." He offered his hand with a smirk, but it was still a legit offer for a meeting. He even resisted checking her out, for now.

[CHEYENNE MCLEESTER]

Babe? Really? She had to keep herself from gagging at his idiot nickname. It wasn't even clever. He obviously had the whole jock stereotype going for him; all brawn no brains. Cheyenne typically liked idiots. It meant they were easy to manipulate, but sh had to be in the right mood to hang around those who were infested with stupidity. She liked to give off the impression that she was a blond idiot, and played the part well, but she was sharp as a tack, and had a brain inside her head. She knew when someone was trying to sucker her, and in the end they paid for their transgressions dearly.

But it was Sunday, the day of rest in her book and there she was, sitting at the counter, waiting for lunch for her and her boss. She made sure to order the most expensive sandwich on the menu. Chey didn't even bother looking to see if she would like it, wanting the highest price tag. Carter could afford it. If he could afford to pay her extra for dragging her ass to work on Sunday, then he could spring an extra $4 for a sandwich with fries. And she was getting a milkshake too, damnit!

"Just got out of Jury Duty? Or is your boss being an ass today?" Was he still talking to her? She made a face like she'd smelled something foul as she turned to watch him. He was hot. There really was no sense denying it, but it was obvious he knew it. She was hot, she knew it, but she didn't walk around with a massive ego. It was simple fact. She had gotten over it and there was no sense trying to show off. Her features did that for her. "You'd never catch me wearing anything remotely fancy on a Sunday." She forced a fake smile, making sure he could tell it was far from genuine. "Not even for Jury duty?" She mocked in a sickeningly sweet voice, teasing him since jury duty never ended up on a weekend. "Well aren't you just special." She added, rolling her eyes away.

"I'm Brett, by the way." Cheyenne sighed and turned to look at him again. He was either too stupid to get the hint or he was fucking with her. Her smile returned and this time she reached for one of his french fries. "I don't need to know your name." She told him in a kind, bubbly voice. "I will never.. need to know your name, because I will probably never see yo after I leave here. It will never be in my phone. And I will never scream it out in bed, so why don't you go take your steroids and mind your own business, k?" The more she talked, the less kind her tone was and the darker it became.

Today was not the day to be messing with her.

[brettdawson]

"so why don't you go take your steroids and mind your own business, k?"

The more she talked and the darker her voice became, the more Brett smiled. He looked as if he just heard the funniest joke in the world. He could barely contain himself and just started laughing. She was great! Feisty for sure. He almost fell off the stool from laughing so hard, he had to brace himself against the bar. He got a couple amused looks, but didn't notice. His eyes were almost watering from his hysterics. He finally got a hold on himself, because he had a feeling this girl would throw him the hand and walk out of there as soon as her food was set. But he didn't want that. She was a riot, and he liked that. Even if she hated him.

Instantly he had some made up speech for her. He looked all muscle and cocky on the exterior. But he had his share of smarts. He just chose to keep it on the field. He kept his wit hidden until needed. No need to show off more than needed. He already had that Adonis Complex. There wasn't any reason to go all Dexter on people. He spoke before he lost her.

"Okay, okay, just wait now." He said, his smile still wide and bright on his face. "Lets not get carried away here. We started out wrong. I know I'm an ass," he said placing a hand on his chest, "and you know I'm an ass," he then gestured to her in the same way, "that's just fact. But I can be fun. And by the looks of you, not judging or anything don't explode on me again, you like fun." He grabbed a fry and popped it into his mouth. He chewed it quickly and swallowed before continuing. "So why don't you give me a chance?" He let her think about his offer for a minute. But before too long, he had another input. He didn't give her enough time to put in a comment, just in case she said no, "Just friends, having fun. Plus, you know you want to get the chance to slap me if I make some asshole move again." He shrugged, smirking this time. His plan was to at least get her name by the end of this.

And then he allowed his eyes to wander a bit. He wasn't too noticeable, and even if she did see him, it wouldn't be obvious. He made sure to always go back to her face after a quick check out, just in case. He was thankful for that tight dress shirt now, he was able to study almost every curve. And now he was hoping he'd give him a chance. He'd like to test these waters.

[CHEYENNE MCLEESTER]

There were plenty of things Cheyenne hated, and being mocked was definitely one of them. Her jaw was clenched shut tightly as he laughed. She wasn't there for his amusement. She wasn't even there because she really wanted to be. Where she wanted to be was home, in bed, asleep. Preferably next to some really hot, naked boy she had drug home, but that just simply wasn't the case.

Worst. Sunday. Ever.

She planned on being a bitch to her boss when she got back, and he better not plan on keeping her late. As it was he was lucky she was coming in at all. Granted, despite any ulterior motives, she knew there actually was some work to be done, but damnit it was the weekend! Work could wait until tomorrow. It was hard not to pout, but she was too angry to pout, not just at Carter but at this piece of shit beside her.

"Okay, okay, just wait now." Cheyenne folded her arms on the counter, lips pursed, eyes narrowed. One eyebrow was cocked, allowing him the opportunity to state his stupid case. "We started out wrong. I know I'm an ass, and you know I'm an ass. That's just fact. But I can be fun. And by the looks of you, not judging or anything don't explode on me again, you like fun." She was peeved that he assumed this about her, even though it was true. Fun or not, she didn't like him. She liked fun, and maybe he was fun, but that didn't mean she liked him or his idea of fun.

She listened to the rest of his little spiel contemplating what he said. He wanted to be friends, and she knew exactly why. Boys didn't want to be her friend because she was into cool things, even though she really was into cool things. He didn't know that. All he knew was what she looked like, and who the hell would want to be friends with a girl who had told you off? He obviously wanted one thing from her, and she had a feeling she could have more fun holding that thing over his head, just out of arms reach.

"Plus, you know you want to get the chance to slap me if I make some asshole move again." She scoffed again, knowing it wasn't the case at all. "Oh, I don't bother slapping, Brett. I will strike you where it hurts, and I have no problem bringing a man to his knees if I have to." It wasn't an empty threat, even if he cared to view it that way. She had damaged her fair share of testicles over the years.

"So what makes you think I would have any fun with you? You look like an idiot meat head, and act like one, too. You've given me no reason to believe otherwise. Give me one good reason why I need a friend like you, and I will cave." She offered, her tone more calm now. "Name, phone number, hell, even drinks on me sometime if you want. One answer, Brett...make it count."

[brettdawson]

"Oh, I don't bother slapping, Brett. I will strike you where it hurts, and I have no problem bringing a man to his knees if I have to."

He winced at that comment, but he still had that smirk. That even amused him. Even if he was a bit wary of her now."I don't doubt you on that one, yikes." And he didn't. Though he was too cocky to allow his ego to falter even a little. Of course he wouldn't like to give her a reason to do that, though. So he pulled back on some of his cockiness.

"Give me one good reason why I need a friend like you, and I will cave. Name, phone number, hell, even drinks on me sometime if you want. One answer, Brett...make it count."

The pressure was on. He was actually trying to come up with something she couldn't resist. He was up for a challenge, and she gave him one he absolutely couldn't say no to. This is what he craved. His brows furrowed as he thought, studying a crack in the plate in front of him. But he had an answer in no time.

"Alright. I'm holding all of that to you," he smirked widely. He knew exactly what she wanted, needed, and yes, craved. With another quick look at her nice clothes, he went with his gut. This girl was pissed when she started talking to him. She had to be. Why else would she be so offended by his cockiness right away? She was in a bad mood. He concluded that she did, indeed, have an asshole of a boss this morning. Either that or she was a total bitch. And if she was, then this wouldn't work and he wouldn't keep bugging her. He would bang bitches, but wouldn't drool over them. He'd just find another equally hot, nicer girl. "What if I could get you out of whatever you're in right now. Job, meeting, you name it and I got the perfect excuse for you." He dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Inside held his Detective's badge. Brett opened it and laid it on the counter for her to examine herself.

"Now if you take up my offer you wont get in trouble, I'm not going to say you've robbed a bank and you're a suspect. If you think I'm a dumbass, I'm really not so stupid." He winked at her with a small laugh. He took the final bite of his burger, chewed and swallowed before continuing. "I'll say you witnessed a tagging. Or saw some guy running around in the nude. And bam, you can go home right now if you wanted." He wiped his hands on a napkin and mimicked her crossed arms on the bar. He raised his brow at her, giving her a chance to accept or deny.

[CHEYENNE MCLEESTER]

"Alright. I'm holding all of that to you," This was priceless. Cheyenne couldn't think of a single thing he could possibly think up that might persuade her to give him the time of day. But, surprisingly, he proved her wrong. "What if I could get you out of whatever you're in right now. Job, meeting, you name it and I got the perfect excuse for you." Her eyes narrowed and she lifted her chin a little. "Go on.." She said, watching him suspiciously.

She watched his hand as it moved through his pocket and pulled out something. She eyed him up as he opened his wallet, noticing the badge in there. Figured with an ego like that he was a cop. Cheyenne wasn't fond of those who pushed the law, enjoying breaking it herself from time to time, but even she had to admit it was a decent alibi. Carter could call the station and check on him. Chances are he might have even worked with this kid if he'd been around long enough.

Cheyenne waited patiently as he explained the plan, internally hating that his idea was a good one and would not only work, but get her out of work. She had a stoic look on her face as he watched him mimic her folded arms and raised brow from a moment before. Cheyenne let out a long breath and tried to think quickly. She had two options here; one, she could take his damn offer, which was a good one and be done for the day or two, be rid of him forever and go back to work. Decisions decisions...

"Here you go, sweetheart." Cheyenne looked up at the server who dropped the paper bag off in front of her. It was now or never... She bit her lower lip; Carter would be pissed if she didn't come back, especially with lunch, but he did call her in on a Sunday. Still, he was a good boss all things considering. She didn't need to screw him over like this.

But God did she want to!

She looked back at the beautiful, smug face not sure what to do. She didn't want to like his plan! She hated admitting defeat! With a final sigh and eye roll Cheyenne caved. "Fine." She said, reaching for a pen that was left on the counter and tearing a piece of the paper from her to go bag off. She scribbled down her boss's name and hers along with the office number so he could call from his phone. "I work for Carter Merryweather, he's an attorney. My name is Cheyenne McLeester." She licked her lips and slid the paper to him. "You make good on your bargain, and I'll make good on the rest of mine." There was a spark in her eye, a glimmer of hope even. She could tolerate him for a few more minutes, and then when she felt more up to it she could go out for drinks with him. She had the feeling he would be easier to handle after a shot or nine.

[brettdawson]

He could tell she was struggling to admit how right he was. He was already celebrating in his head. If his plan hadn't hit some kind of mark, she wouldn't have been debating it at all. Brett could just tell she hated him for his cleverness. But something in him knew this was taking too long to decide. He took a drink of his Dr. Pepper as he waited for her answer. If she had to put this much thought into his flawless plan... something was wrong. He must've come on too strong, he decided. He knew his arrogance sometimes turned people away, not that he was concerned any other time. But he decided to lighten up next time he was around her. If he could remember that.

He saw the waiter come with her food and leave it in front of her. He had trouble hiding his smirk, but hey, he was trying! "Fine." Yes! He nodded as she told him her information. He was overflowing with confidence and a winning smile was showing. He grabbed the numbers just after she wrote them down, he wouldn't let her go back now. His eyes grew as she mentioned her boss, he didn't mention anything. If they ever met up, it'd make for an interesting surprise. Carter and him weren't on the best terms, but they dealt with eachother. It was like a needed tolerance if they both wanted to get shit done. Nonetheless, he'd have no problem getting her alibi in. "You make good on your bargain, and I'll make good on the rest of mine." He saw that spark, that slight twinkle in her eye. He didn't doubt her for a second.

And he didn't doubt himself. "Hey, don't worry. I got it all under control." He resisted calling her 'babe' knowing she'd get a little heated about that. Though his smirk came through. His cockiness just couldn't be tamed! He wasn't trying that hard, either... Why should he stop being himself? He was having fun and that's all he lived for! (Other than his job). "I'll make the call right when I get home." He stood from his stool and glanced at her, "You wanna come home with me?" He had a mocked curious face, but his sly smirk pulled over his lips soon enough. He laughed, not at her, but mostly at himself. Which was a first. "I'm kidding." For now, He slid his aviators on as he was getting ready to go. He tilted them down to get a good look at her. "Unless you really want to, of course." He flashed his smile at her then.

[CHEYENNE MCLEESTER]

She narrowed her eyes when he said he had it under control. She didn't exactly believe him yet. For all she knew he was full of shit and carting around a fake badge to get laid, which was shockingly an awesome idea.

"I'll make the call right when I get home." He was standing now and she watched him skeptically, feeling even more like he was pulling her chain. Did she make a mistake? Carter would kill her if she didn't come back to work without a good excuse. He might even fire her. A ghost of a smile hinted on her lips. He wouldn't fire her. She knew he wouldn't. She was the best damn thing to happen to him, at least in his professional career. Shame about that bitch wife of his, though. She'd like to do some nasty things to him on that big old mahogany desk of his. "You wanna come home with me?"

With each word he said she despised him a little more. In reality, he wasn't even that bad. He was her. With testicles. "Make the call now." She told him firmly, folding her arms as she stood up. "Make the call, convince my boss you are who you say you are, and maybe I'll just take you up on that joking little offer of yours."

She smirked at him. If he was lying, she had an escape route, though he did know where she worked now, or at least he could easily look it up. Small price to pay she decided. At least he didn't have her number, and she could always put a restraining order on him.

She cocked a brow and waited for his next move.

---

OOC: If you wanted to do the phone call, you don't need to actually play with carter. just go ahead and fake what he says, ill go along with it XD But only if Brett actually does call...

[brettdawson]

"Alright," his eyebrows raised, interested in her suggestion. He accepted her possible offer and pulled out his phone. He didn't even look at the number she wrote down, he had Merryweather's number already. He had it all under control. She seemed to be underestimating him.

It didn't take long for him to pick up. His smirk pulled across his face as he got a forced-friendly hello. "Merryweather. Yeah, it seems I have a employee of yours with me." He laughed at the small hint of anxiety in the man's voice. "No, no, Miss McLeester hasn't done anything wrong. She was a witness to a crime and we need her to come in for some questions et cetera." He glanced over at the girl, confidence was showing through his winning smile. He knew she wouldn't admit a single positive thing about him. He pissed her off too much, and she just had that attitude, he concluded. "Yes some drunk man was running around in the nude."

He leaned back against the bar next to her, a little closer than just sitting at the bar would supply, and swiped up his wallet with his free hand. He held the phone between his ear and his shoulder as he pulled out enough money to cover his meal and a tip. He left it by his plate before pocketing the wallet. "Alright, thanks Carter. See you." He hung up right after and glanced at her. He crossed his arms and waited for any response. He did what she wanted. He expected to get a little slack now. "Happy? So... about that offer." He was never one to pressure a girl. But then again he never had a reason to. Most were pretty eager to hop in bed with him. "Actually, I'd be happy with just your number." He nodded almost seriously. But that hint of a sly smile played at his lips.

He had her pretty trapped now. Sure she could ditch him now. Neither sleep with him or give out her number. But he'd definitely run into her at Carter's office. It was a wonder he hasn't met her yet, due to his job. He was in there once in awhile to discuss legal matters with certain cases. But Brett had to believe she had some sort of interest in him. A spark, even the smallest. Otherwise she wouldn't have given him the time of day to begin with. He liked this chick, definitely for the thrill of the hunt. He always liked a challenge. and damn was Chey putting up a fight so far.

[CHEYENNE MCLEESTER]

She was so skeptical of him. She watched as he picked up his phone and called without even looking at the paper. Did he think she was an idiot? That he could pretend to make the call?

She listened to him speak and then second guessed herself. She could hear a voice on the other end, but nothing distinguishing the voice as Carter. Could he know Carter? He's a cop, and Carter's an attorney! of COURSE he could know him!

She felt ill.

"Ooof course you know my boss." She grumbles at him, though in reality she should be grateful. Maybe being friends with him wasn't so bad. Maybe he could get her out of other stuff, too. How many things could she be witness to? How many speeding tickets could she get out of?

Hmm...

That lifted her spirits. "Happy? So... about that offer." She pursed her lips despite her recent epiphany. For some reason she wasn't intent on taking him to bed. Yet. She knew deep down it had everything to do with his cocky attitude. "Actually, I'd be happy with just your number." That seemed a little more manageable.

"Gimme." She said, grabbing his phone without his consent. She first hit the recent calls button to make sure he had, actually, called the office. He did. She tried not to purse her lips too much as he went into the contacts and typed in her name followed by her number. When she was finished she slid his phone back on the counter, standing now with her own bag in hand. Two lunches.. that meant dinner was on Carter Merryweather as well.

"Looks like I owe you, Brett." She said smoothly, poking his chest. "I'm a girl of my word. I owe you drinks...and maybe a trip back to your place." She said coolly. "But as for now I need to figure out what to do with my now free Sunday, and you need to get yourself cleaned up...officer."

[brettdawson]

He didn't resist as she snatched up his phone. He was loving this. He had her cornered. His cockiness was overwhelming, but surprisingly, he kept it controlled. His smirk was the only dead giveaway. He watched her stone expression as she searched his phone. She was clearly entering her number. Fuck yes. He picked up the phone casually after she was finished. He crossed his arms and watched her over the brim of his sunglasses.

"Looks like I owe you, Brett."

He liked the tone of her voice. He nodded in reply. His head and eyes followed her finger to his chest where his smirk pretty much grew as she poked him. He glanced up at her when she mentioned 'his place'. He had a feeling she was just teasing him. At least for the moment. He almost knew she would make him work harder to get her in bed. Challenge accepted. He thought every "harder" challenge was just a test of his skill. Which he obviously had. No matter what skill that was being tested... he was arrogant enough to say he had it all. Maybe he'd lose a humility battle. But who'd want to win that!?

The way she said officer got him excited. He took that tone as suggestive as possible. He liked to believe she really did want him. He chuckled lightly and replied, "I don't know babe, I kinda like getting dirty." He didn't care if she got pissed at his use of 'babe'. Brett decided he liked pissing her off. She was more feisty that way apparently.

"I'll call you." He ended it with that and allowed her to exit before him. Holding the door open like the 'gentleman' he was. He exchanged goodbyes with her before jogging towards his condo.