One More Than 52

Late-Night Coffee And Discussion

[Time Skip To 8:45 p.m]

Rose sat down in the lobby of the hotel, getting a much deserved break away from the others. The smell of freshly brewed coffee drifted towards her from the other side of the lobby, so instinctively she looked over her shoulder to see Alistair had found his way to the lobby as well, with a cup of coffee in his hand. He seemed to have noticed her staring at him so he walked towards her until he sat in a chair next to her.

"Smells good."

"What, me or the coffee?" Alistair responded in a childish tone. Rose felt like punching him in the shoulder but realized he could spill the piping hot coffee over both of them so she didn't.

"You smell like a dumpster," she rolled her eyes, "I want coffee now." She pushed against the chair, but before she could stand up Alistair handed her the coffee he was holding.

"I don't drink coffee, remember?"

"Right, sorry. Forgot you were on a strict 'alcohol only' diet." Rose stuck out her tongue playfully. Alistair chuckled.

"Anyways, how's life away from the youngsters been treating you?" Alistair changed the subject.

"Nice, but I miss them," she looked out of a window that was on her right, watching busy traffic and crowds of people go by, "At least I know I can trust Beth to look after them."

"I miss my kid too, but hey, at least I can go back to the casino and hang out with my princess and my queen."

"You always call them that?"

"Yeah, I think Hana actually believes she's a princess, she's a funny and cute kid y'know. Maybe you could bring you're kids to Las Vegas in the future so they can play."

"I think they'd like that." Rose concluded cheerily. Silence filled the room for a while as Rose enjoyed her coffee and Alistair watched whatever played on the tv, despite it being muted so he couldn't hear it.

Alistair looked at Rose after around 10 minutes of silence.

"I worry that Tobbi's going to get himself hurt all the time, that kid is always looking for trouble. Why'd his parents want me of all people to look after him while he's here?"

"I have no clue. I do know one thing though, and that's the fact that you're warming up to him." Rose looked at Alistair with a warm look.

"I'm not going to start acting like you do with Kayo though, you're very protective of him." Though barely noticable, there was a hint of concern as Alistair spoke.

"There's a reason for my protectiveness though. Kayo needs that reassurance that everything is as it should be, because he didn't have that at home. I'm protecting him from a repeat of his past."

"What happened to him before?"

"I'd think it'd be best if I told you later."

Instead of argue with her, Alistair just sat there looking at her with an understanding look before slowly standing up.

"I think it'd be best if I went back to make sure Tobbi's not being a dumbass." He smiled before walking away. Rose however, stayed where she was and enjoyed the peace and silence that filled the lobby, drinking her coffee.