“You had me at milkshake, hot lips.” Gavin was in the process of rearranging his silverware when he caught Sydney’s movement and then felt her body push into his side. “Oof,” he exhaled jokingly. “Second thought maybe you should lay off the milkshakes. Don’t worry though, I’ll have yours for you.” His arm was stretched out a little, his finger rubbing under the tiny pup’s chin. “That’s because he’s much more dignified than most. He eats like a boss and dresses like a boss because the tiny king is a boss.” Gavin enjoyed her laughter and ordered a couple milkshakes when the waitress swung by. “If you want I could feed and dress you too. Then you can be just as hot a number as the great Gator. It’s stiff competition but you’re pretty, you might have a chance of pulling it off.” Gavin had to wonder if Sydney was from New York because of how fast and how much she talked in one go. She didn’t even leave room for him to respond most of the time. So he took a small chunk of her hair and tugged on the blonde locks a little. “Oh hey there, chuckles. I already ordered the shakes so we’re good there. The fact that you even made the mistake of putting up shy in regards to me is—ridiculous. Well aside from those fits of laughter you don’t smile all that much and I’m not sure what competitions your personality has been in so it’s hard to say with that winning stuff.” He teased. “I have to say that it’s the way you stole something of mine and turned it around on me like it was yours. That’s a gift not many people possess. But really, why can’t it be all of you?” Gavin had no idea what to make of her just yet but he liked the good mood she was in today. “So now, back to me, where this originated…”

If nothing else, she enjoyed the banter with Gavin. His personality was fresh and he definitely kept her on her toes. “I’m ten pounds lighter than my ideal weight according to American health standards, I’ll have you know,” she said with a chuckle, jabbing him with a fake punch on the arm. She paused, sure that he would come back with another smart aleck remark. Meanwhile, the waitress returned with the milkshakes and wanted to collect their orders. She asked for a steak cooked well done and extra fries, then waited while Gavin ordered for himself and Gator, picking up the conversation when he was finished with the waitress. “I love that you treat him well, I can’t even hate right now.” She couldn’t help but laugh at his response. “I mean, I won’t say no, I could use some help, especially when it comes to feeding me. I wouldn't mind a home cooked meal every now and then,” she said, being truthful as she eyeballed Gator in his cute little outfit.

She looked across the room towards the clock checking the time, “I think they open in about twenty minutes. Which gives you plenty of time to eat and wake yourself up more. You’re more than welcome to use my shower and borrow some clothes, I don’t mind.”

“You’ve been absolutely life saver. I don’t know how I’m going to pay you back,” she said, pausing to take a bite. “Wait, I know exactly how. Let me take you out to dinner tonight. Dinner and drinks. Do you have anything else going on?”

“He sort of is.” Elizabeth said with a sigh. “He works in a different department but we’re all government officials and I feel like he continuously finds reasons to ‘need to speak with the governor on matter concerning his statements to the public and or press’ because then he gets to talk to me.” She rolled her eyes. “And they say women are crazy.” 

“Yeah, well the lines between admiration, desperation, and harassment are super thin. Just don’t let things get out of hand. If it were me I’d be documenting each of the occurrences, no matter how frivolous; in case you need an out at some point,” she said with a smile. “Anyway, I’m glad I could help. I’m Sydney, Sydney Stark. Don’t think I caught your name.” 

When Liz saw the blonde walk in the door she was wondering what was going on there hadn’t been any other meetings scheduled. When she spoke up a sigh of relief washed over Elizabeth. Bless this beautiful woman for overhearing the conversation and coming to her rescue. “There you are!” She said with a smile and a small laugh. “I was just talking to Brian here about this awesome new movie he said was playing. I know we’re doing dinner but I think we should see it.” Elizabeth spoke as she linked arms with the woman. “It was nice talking to you.” She said to the man leading the girl out of the room. “Thank you so much.” She said when they were safely out of earshot. 

“Sounds like a plan, babe...what are we seeing?” She chuckled lightly, casting her gaze on the male, letting it linger a bit as the woman went on to wrap up the conversation with ease. Syd couldn’t help but laugh as they sauntered down the hall, arm linked together. “Oh, that was nothing. Glad to help. I’m Sydney by the way. Who was the guy? Not a co-worker, I hope? How awful to have to deal with that every day.” She let go of the woman’s arm as soon as they rounded the corner and were out of view.

“Oh sure.” Logan said with a small shrug as she offered him a cup of coffee. “That sounds like just what I need right now.” 

“Coming right up,” she said with a smile. “I’m Syd by the way. Don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” She looked up at him, handing him the cup. “So what’s got you in need of caffeine?”