EPISODE 4: DATE WITH REN
James was brought to the location for the date that David had set them up with. Poor David was missing and the production team was trying to figure out how to survive without their favourite celebrity... and yes they also wished for his safe return but as they say... the show must go in... and it did. James exited the limo in style, cane in hand as she fixed his tie and looked at the rather artistic looking building, impressed that something with so much character actually had a home in a place like Hathian. He quite approved. Standing at the gate like a gentleman, both hands planting the cane down in front of him, he waited for the second limo to pull up with his date.
Ren is luxuriating in the back seat of the limo as it drives toward the restaurant, " I am so excited this could be my destiny ! You know most people only have one chance at love , like Ana and Em and Max , but me I have chances everyday I am just extra choosy ", the limo slowed to a stop and members of the camera crew jumped out to film Ren's awkward getting out of a car in a fishtail gown and heels no less. Pausing to re-gloss her lips she stares directly into the camera , a light breeze fanning blonde whisps back like she is in a shoot for Vogue. Shoulders back tits out she made her way to meet James ,her voice soft ,as she extended her hand toward him " Hello Colonel " bending in a little curtsy she hoped he would find the antique gesture charming.
James was happy with the camera crew standing a good distance from him as he had instructed before. How is a man expected to act naturally with all these people crowding him. Ren on the other hand was born with the skill to do so, clearly. He smiled lightly as he watched his date exit the limo and bringing her garment and style along with her. He waited as she prepared herself, in plain view. Indeed the camera loved her and she it.. it seemed. He watched with amusement and only moved when her hand was extended, immediately extending his own to take hers, only to lift it to press a light kiss upon the back. Charming she was "Ren. Its nice to see you again. And may I say you look lovely." paying special attention to her outfit as he bowed his head to her curtsy. Looking back to the building he asked "I have never actually been here before.. have you?"
Ren is luxuriating in the back seat of the limo as it drives toward the restaurant, " I am so excited this could be my destiny ! You know most people only have one chance at love , like Ana and Em and Max , but me I have chances everyday I am just extra choosy ", the limo slowed to a stop and members of the camera crew jumped out to film Ren's awkward getting out of a car in a fishtail gown and heels no less. Pausing to re-gloss her lips she stares directly into the camera , a light breeze fanning blonde whisps back like she is in a shoot for Vogue. Shoulders back tits out she made her way to meet James ,her voice soft ,as she extended her hand toward him " Hello Colonel " bending in a little curtsy she hoped he would find the antique gesture charming.
James was happy with the camera crew standing a good distance from him as he had instructed before. How is a man expected to act naturally with all these people crowding him. Ren on the other hand was born with the skill to do so, clearly. He smiled lightly as he watched his date exit the limo and bringing her garment and style along with her. He waited as she prepared herself, in plain view. Indeed the camera loved her and she it.. it seemed. He watched with amusement and only moved when her hand was extended, immediately extending his own to take hers, only to lift it to press a light kiss upon the back. Charming she was "Ren. Its nice to see you again. And may I say you look lovely." paying special attention to her outfit as he bowed his head to her curtsy. Looking back to the building he asked "I have never actually been here before.. have you?"
Ren smiled watching as he took her hand and drew it to his lips, as he complimented her she nodded up at him speaking sweetly "I know" her eyes roaming his form, " you are super tall and very good looking too, I like that your tie matches my dress " looping her arm through his, Ren was ready to stroll down the aisle , to the doors of The Heretic at least . " I have never been here before , it's really beautiful " batting long lashes she gazed up at him , " This is going to be nice , our first chance to really be alone " alone with a crew of 10 people that is.
James gave way to his arm to allow her to slink her own through it. A quick glance down to his tie to confirm that she was right "Oh.. yes! So it does!" in a somewhat impressed manner, at least sounding that way for Ren's benefit. Personally he didn't care much about these things. He led them both inside and as instructed by the production team to fake chat with the Maitre'D about their reservations. Not like the whole restaurant didn't already know who they were when they entered with their entourage. Once they were escorted to their table, James paid close attention to ensure that their host pulled the chair for Ren, he would himself but it may appear clumsy with a cane in his hand. As they settled at their table "Well I guess this is as intimate as an intimate dinner would get right?" referring to the people from the show that buzzed around them as well as various patrons who were oohing and awing having recognized them both from the show.
Ren took her seat and immediately eyes were full on locked on James , " Hi , I'm Ren , I know we've met already , but this just feels like the first time , do you remember the first time Colonel ? You know that we met ?" laughing a little she looked up as wine was brought to the table , the blondes nose crinkling up a bit , " I'm sorry I don't drink wine it tastes like alcohol.... Can I have a strawberry milk please , or chocolate if you dont have strawberry , and I would like a swirly straw if you have them ..." her head tilting back to the Colonel , " so can you tell me ,, what are you hoping for in all this "
James' attention was already on Ren once they were settled but it was pulled in further as she re-introduced herself. A smile upon his face as she spoke. A ball of energy that one... and David would be talking her up ever chance he got.. well he did.. before he disappeared... poor kid. "Of course I remember Ren. You are not one easily forgotten." his booming voice now also exhibiting his charming ways. That is until she returned the wine in exchange for flavoured milk and a swirly straw. The waiter then looked to James and they looked at each other in silence until James understood why "Oh no no... I'll stick with the wine thank you." obviously the waiter was making sure that the lady wasn't ordering for them both. "Well... I suppose its no different then you lovely ladies..." oh but it was so so different "As I'm growing older in life I want to settle down, have a peaceful existence with my family and have someone to share it with. What about you?" He'd stay slightly leaned forward as he sipped on his wine.
Ren folded her hands in her lap and leaned in , ample cleavage spilling from the top of her gown , " I would just like to be with someone , someone that can sort of nurture and guide me , to buy me shoes and clothes , that is if I quit my job , would you want me to quit dancing at the Burlesque Club if you chose me ? What about children ? I don't have any , not that I want to get fat and pregnant , I just like kids , and puppies " Thinking about his words she prodded a little , " you have a large family ? I met your daughter in law on twitter , she called me a gold digger , I am not into mining I promise "
James listened to the girl with interest, having just a little trouble keeping in a chuckle. One thing he would say was that Ren was not boring in the least. Her energy was infectious and he found himself enjoying her company. Of course he still controlled his amusement as he wasn't quite sure if she was ever joking. The volley of question had him stunned but he let her finish before answering what he could recall back "Well, I think it would depend what you do exactly at the club, what the dancing is like. I have never seen it. I wouldn't ask you to quit something that you enjoy, but at the same time, I do want the woman I'm with to understand the responsibility that comes with the Weaver name. I am not sure about children to be honest, I do have a large family and but I also wouldn't deprive a young woman like yourself of the joys of motherhood." As she mentioned Harlow he nodded sagely "Oh did she? Well no you look nothing like a miner so I think you're okay." Understanding fully what Harlow meant but not probing on it further. First impressions could be false sometimes. "I'm much more interested to know more about you Ren. As we get to know each other, what is it that would tell you that I am the man to make you happy?"
Ren eyes went wide as the food was brought to the table , the blonde laughed , " Is this food for the entire crew or just us ?" elbows placed on the table chin perched on her hands as she gazed at him dreamily , " well ...I have lead quite a life , I owned a coffee house for a while , and a theater , and a bar , I then opened a self help sort of place where I told people how to direct their lives , and stop being losers. Then I joined the police force and worked my way up to Lieutenant , and then I decided to leave Michigan , for Hathian , and here I am "... she tried to think of anything she could say about herself , " Most people love me , I don't know what it is , but every time I meet someone they are all ' nice to meet you' and I am like I know right! I love people "
James would wait the waters to clear out, one in particular that seemed to want some camera time. Thankfully the manager pulled him away. "It seems its for us." he said with a chuckle. Listening to Ren he nodded along, with an impressed expression at times, and other times a more restrained expression holding back a chuckle "Wow. You've lived quite a life Ren, and still so young. I'm sure you still have ambitions... what would you ultimately like to do with your life?" Forking some salad he figured he couldn't go wrong with eating as she answered... and besides... he was hungry.
Ren picked at her salad , and sipped her chocolate milk , minus the swirly straw but she wasn't going to judge , "I do have ambitions , goals , I have so much potential the sky is the limit for me ! I can do anything ..." pausing she gazed at him earnestly , " I jus want to be happy , and to make the people around me happy too ", letting out a dreamy little sigh , " you know Colonel it is hard to find good men , and this is not something I would ordinarily do , I mean I am basically a little shy .. until i really get to know someone " she slid her hand across the table inching toward his . " I think even if you don't choose me , we will remain friends , and you can still see me almost naked at work " she then flashed that million dollar smile gazing past James and into the lens of the camera , she then raised her straw to her lips and sucked until it made a squelching sound at the bottom ," ahhh"
James's gaze that remained on her as she spoke softened toward her as she seemed to open up even more. Slight and polite but increasingly sincere nods as she spoke of the struggles and challenges with men. He noticed the inching hand and he was inclined to take it. It would be rude not to, but he really did begin sympathizing with her and the gesture back was sincere. But a common theme with Ren seemed to be that just when you thought you had made progress with her, things went sideways, and certainly that wasn't a bad thing. The winning smile caught as he could tell her eyes were connected to something other than him. James couldn't help but chuckle out loud and ended it with a smile as she finished her milk. "I hope the milk was good." after a pause "I understand though that..." the PA started to signal to James and Ren that they needed to wrap up. A nod of acknowledgement as he changed his sentence. "Well Ren I do have to say I learned a lot more about you today. Thank you for opening up and sharing what makes you you."
Ren blinked as if coming out of a daze , " I forgot to tell you the most important thing about myself , I am also a lawyer , I got every single one of my clients off. I have a pornographic memory. I remember every single thing i have seen heard read .....It's nearly a super power" her gaze drawn to the motion to wrap up and since she hadnt eaten anything yet she stuffed bread in her mouth and chewed , swallowing hard she smiled , " I know Colonel , thank you for dinner , it's been magical "licking her lips she gave his hand a gentle squeeze , bringing it up to her lips if he allowed she kissed his hand , " always a pleasure Colonel ... always "
James' expression turned to attention as she listed some more of her many many skills. "Oh how fantastic." and then she mentioned her pornographic memory and he had to laugh while nodding, trying to recover from that to bring his expression back to normal. She was indeed an entertaining woman and in a very endearing way. James was not exactly a fun loving man, but she managed to get him to laugh more than once. He would squeeze back and absolutely allowed her to perform that sweet gesture which was reciprocated with his following words "You know Ren... You're right. No matter what happens, I would very much like to retain a friendship with you." punctuating it with a nod. Looking up as he was gestured to wrap up again he motioned to get up from their table and extended his hand, inviting her to step out of the restaurant with him. Once outside he stopped to turn to her and if allowed, took her by both forearms, leaning down to offer her a kiss on the cheek. "I had a lovely time Ren. I hope you did too and for now I suppose I will bid you good night."
Ren followed as he lead her out to the waiting limo's she smiled up at him arm in arm , " I had the loveliest time , thank you again Colonel" she looked up at him as she knew they were expecting a hug at least , and he was pretty tall, so Ren went in for a hug wrapping her arms around the mans waist, and releasing quickly, "good night Colonel, sweet dreams"
Once in the limo James would be nodding thoughtfully, "Yes I don't remember the last time I laughed this much. She is certainly a delight." Cutting out and back on to James "Yes I know my daughter-in-law does have an opinion on Ren. But... I think I want to give her a chance. I think there were some genuine moments where she opened up. So we will see."
The cameras show the limo driving away.
James gave way to his arm to allow her to slink her own through it. A quick glance down to his tie to confirm that she was right "Oh.. yes! So it does!" in a somewhat impressed manner, at least sounding that way for Ren's benefit. Personally he didn't care much about these things. He led them both inside and as instructed by the production team to fake chat with the Maitre'D about their reservations. Not like the whole restaurant didn't already know who they were when they entered with their entourage. Once they were escorted to their table, James paid close attention to ensure that their host pulled the chair for Ren, he would himself but it may appear clumsy with a cane in his hand. As they settled at their table "Well I guess this is as intimate as an intimate dinner would get right?" referring to the people from the show that buzzed around them as well as various patrons who were oohing and awing having recognized them both from the show.
Ren took her seat and immediately eyes were full on locked on James , " Hi , I'm Ren , I know we've met already , but this just feels like the first time , do you remember the first time Colonel ? You know that we met ?" laughing a little she looked up as wine was brought to the table , the blondes nose crinkling up a bit , " I'm sorry I don't drink wine it tastes like alcohol.... Can I have a strawberry milk please , or chocolate if you dont have strawberry , and I would like a swirly straw if you have them ..." her head tilting back to the Colonel , " so can you tell me ,, what are you hoping for in all this "
James' attention was already on Ren once they were settled but it was pulled in further as she re-introduced herself. A smile upon his face as she spoke. A ball of energy that one... and David would be talking her up ever chance he got.. well he did.. before he disappeared... poor kid. "Of course I remember Ren. You are not one easily forgotten." his booming voice now also exhibiting his charming ways. That is until she returned the wine in exchange for flavoured milk and a swirly straw. The waiter then looked to James and they looked at each other in silence until James understood why "Oh no no... I'll stick with the wine thank you." obviously the waiter was making sure that the lady wasn't ordering for them both. "Well... I suppose its no different then you lovely ladies..." oh but it was so so different "As I'm growing older in life I want to settle down, have a peaceful existence with my family and have someone to share it with. What about you?" He'd stay slightly leaned forward as he sipped on his wine.
Ren folded her hands in her lap and leaned in , ample cleavage spilling from the top of her gown , " I would just like to be with someone , someone that can sort of nurture and guide me , to buy me shoes and clothes , that is if I quit my job , would you want me to quit dancing at the Burlesque Club if you chose me ? What about children ? I don't have any , not that I want to get fat and pregnant , I just like kids , and puppies " Thinking about his words she prodded a little , " you have a large family ? I met your daughter in law on twitter , she called me a gold digger , I am not into mining I promise "
James listened to the girl with interest, having just a little trouble keeping in a chuckle. One thing he would say was that Ren was not boring in the least. Her energy was infectious and he found himself enjoying her company. Of course he still controlled his amusement as he wasn't quite sure if she was ever joking. The volley of question had him stunned but he let her finish before answering what he could recall back "Well, I think it would depend what you do exactly at the club, what the dancing is like. I have never seen it. I wouldn't ask you to quit something that you enjoy, but at the same time, I do want the woman I'm with to understand the responsibility that comes with the Weaver name. I am not sure about children to be honest, I do have a large family and but I also wouldn't deprive a young woman like yourself of the joys of motherhood." As she mentioned Harlow he nodded sagely "Oh did she? Well no you look nothing like a miner so I think you're okay." Understanding fully what Harlow meant but not probing on it further. First impressions could be false sometimes. "I'm much more interested to know more about you Ren. As we get to know each other, what is it that would tell you that I am the man to make you happy?"
Ren eyes went wide as the food was brought to the table , the blonde laughed , " Is this food for the entire crew or just us ?" elbows placed on the table chin perched on her hands as she gazed at him dreamily , " well ...I have lead quite a life , I owned a coffee house for a while , and a theater , and a bar , I then opened a self help sort of place where I told people how to direct their lives , and stop being losers. Then I joined the police force and worked my way up to Lieutenant , and then I decided to leave Michigan , for Hathian , and here I am "... she tried to think of anything she could say about herself , " Most people love me , I don't know what it is , but every time I meet someone they are all ' nice to meet you' and I am like I know right! I love people "
James would wait the waters to clear out, one in particular that seemed to want some camera time. Thankfully the manager pulled him away. "It seems its for us." he said with a chuckle. Listening to Ren he nodded along, with an impressed expression at times, and other times a more restrained expression holding back a chuckle "Wow. You've lived quite a life Ren, and still so young. I'm sure you still have ambitions... what would you ultimately like to do with your life?" Forking some salad he figured he couldn't go wrong with eating as she answered... and besides... he was hungry.
Ren picked at her salad , and sipped her chocolate milk , minus the swirly straw but she wasn't going to judge , "I do have ambitions , goals , I have so much potential the sky is the limit for me ! I can do anything ..." pausing she gazed at him earnestly , " I jus want to be happy , and to make the people around me happy too ", letting out a dreamy little sigh , " you know Colonel it is hard to find good men , and this is not something I would ordinarily do , I mean I am basically a little shy .. until i really get to know someone " she slid her hand across the table inching toward his . " I think even if you don't choose me , we will remain friends , and you can still see me almost naked at work " she then flashed that million dollar smile gazing past James and into the lens of the camera , she then raised her straw to her lips and sucked until it made a squelching sound at the bottom ," ahhh"
James's gaze that remained on her as she spoke softened toward her as she seemed to open up even more. Slight and polite but increasingly sincere nods as she spoke of the struggles and challenges with men. He noticed the inching hand and he was inclined to take it. It would be rude not to, but he really did begin sympathizing with her and the gesture back was sincere. But a common theme with Ren seemed to be that just when you thought you had made progress with her, things went sideways, and certainly that wasn't a bad thing. The winning smile caught as he could tell her eyes were connected to something other than him. James couldn't help but chuckle out loud and ended it with a smile as she finished her milk. "I hope the milk was good." after a pause "I understand though that..." the PA started to signal to James and Ren that they needed to wrap up. A nod of acknowledgement as he changed his sentence. "Well Ren I do have to say I learned a lot more about you today. Thank you for opening up and sharing what makes you you."
Ren blinked as if coming out of a daze , " I forgot to tell you the most important thing about myself , I am also a lawyer , I got every single one of my clients off. I have a pornographic memory. I remember every single thing i have seen heard read .....It's nearly a super power" her gaze drawn to the motion to wrap up and since she hadnt eaten anything yet she stuffed bread in her mouth and chewed , swallowing hard she smiled , " I know Colonel , thank you for dinner , it's been magical "licking her lips she gave his hand a gentle squeeze , bringing it up to her lips if he allowed she kissed his hand , " always a pleasure Colonel ... always "
James' expression turned to attention as she listed some more of her many many skills. "Oh how fantastic." and then she mentioned her pornographic memory and he had to laugh while nodding, trying to recover from that to bring his expression back to normal. She was indeed an entertaining woman and in a very endearing way. James was not exactly a fun loving man, but she managed to get him to laugh more than once. He would squeeze back and absolutely allowed her to perform that sweet gesture which was reciprocated with his following words "You know Ren... You're right. No matter what happens, I would very much like to retain a friendship with you." punctuating it with a nod. Looking up as he was gestured to wrap up again he motioned to get up from their table and extended his hand, inviting her to step out of the restaurant with him. Once outside he stopped to turn to her and if allowed, took her by both forearms, leaning down to offer her a kiss on the cheek. "I had a lovely time Ren. I hope you did too and for now I suppose I will bid you good night."
Ren followed as he lead her out to the waiting limo's she smiled up at him arm in arm , " I had the loveliest time , thank you again Colonel" she looked up at him as she knew they were expecting a hug at least , and he was pretty tall, so Ren went in for a hug wrapping her arms around the mans waist, and releasing quickly, "good night Colonel, sweet dreams"
Once in the limo James would be nodding thoughtfully, "Yes I don't remember the last time I laughed this much. She is certainly a delight." Cutting out and back on to James "Yes I know my daughter-in-law does have an opinion on Ren. But... I think I want to give her a chance. I think there were some genuine moments where she opened up. So we will see."
The cameras show the limo driving away.