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“Ah. Well I guess ya know good points of the city that ain’t the usual tourist trap, right?” said Casey with a chuckle. “As long as we finish that tour with good spots around to have a good glass of bourbon or listen to good live music. I ain’t askin’ for much,” he said with a laugh. “Oh, a pianist. Nice. But if you go and tell me I don’t wanna hear ya sing, you bet I will want to hear ya sing now,” he said as he stopped for a second, watching the pups play around with each other. “Damn. Worldwide?” he said with a smile.

“I do know all of the good parts of the city that aren’t just tourist traps, yes. Well, alright I shouldn’t say I know all of them. I know some.” Jenny nodded. “And bourbon and live music, you’re speaking my language already. And I know just the spot that might even make you feel right at home. It’s an old favorite of mine, the crowd is great, so we’ll need to go there for sure.” Being a fan of dark liquor herself it was good to know she was in good company. “But yeah, I spent some time in London. And really, I promise I’m no singer. I can hum a tune but I’m meant to play. I leave the singing to the professionals.”

“Yep,” He chuckled and nodded slowly. “I’m the kind of, front man. I’m the lead singer, and I can play guitar. It’s a very collaborative thing though,” Jacy went on to clarify. He always hated the assumption that a lead man made the decision on everything, was in control of everything. If anything, the last thing he wanted was for it to be that way. “A piano? Wow, that’s really – really elegant,” Jacy said with a smile as he looked at her. “So, do you do tours and such? Or are you based at particular places? Like, are you a house musician?”

The smile across Jenny’s lips grew as he revealed his place in a band, as a front man, a singer. She may have had her own biases but he loved meeting other musicians. “So a front man who isn’t a complete diva.” she teased him, bringing her glass to her lips for a sip. And she listened as he asked about her own musical ventures. “I love my piano.” she said, bringing  the glass to the bar. “And I do go on tour. I’ve played world wide, I went to school in London and spent a lot of time there. Though I try to stay in the city now. I’ll occasionally travel but I also like coming home to my own bed.”

Oliver shrugged. There wasn’t much he could talk about to his aunt except school and work, since he didn’t always mention his friends. “School’s school. I’m on an internship with social services right now…” And at the mention of Georgette, he shook his head. “Not since New Year’s.” Honestly, he didn’t mind that at all. The less they talked, the better.

“Oh, an internship? That’s great, Oliver.” Jenny was truly happy for her nephew, “Do you enjoy it?” Though the corner of her lips fell the slightest bit when he mentioned not seeing Georgette since New Year’s. Of course that wasn’t totally unusual, it was just that she was hoping they’d be seeing more of each other. “I guess I’ll need to try and catch up with her soon. I’m sorry I haven’t seen you all much lately, my schedule’s just gotten so busy. Which I like it that way but I do feel like I don’t spend enough time with you all.”

Casey listened to Jenny as he walked the pups, one eye on the woman and another one on the dogs so no one else would just break out on another run in the middle of the park. “So ya know your town good, huh,” he said with a smile as he looked up at the redhead. “I sure don’t mind the explorin’ and the new places,” said Casey with a laugh. “Club performances, huh? You a singer? Just yourself or with more people?”

“I know this city quite well.” she added with a smirk as they went on. “So I’d make an excellent tour guide, even though I’ve never actually really given anyone a tour of the city.” Jenny couldn’t help but chuckle as she revealed that. “It’s crazy, I’ve met so many people here, a lot who’ve never been here but I’ve been a terrible hostess in the end. So I guess I need to make up for lost time.” She took a moment to admire the scene around them, the people passing by, the empty tree branches still swaying in the wind, the pups walking and still managing to play before them. Jenny didn’t take many moments to stop and take in the world around her, especially outside of the club, and this was her new mental note to do just that. It was quite nice. But his question brought her back. “Oh, yes, club performances,” she began to nod but when he asked if she was a singer she was quick to shake her head. “But me, a singer? Oh, god no. No I’m no singer. You don’t want to hear me sing.” Truthfully Jenny’s voice was not bad at all, she just didn’t do much singing to giver herself any credit. “I play the piano, professionally. Mostly jazz, but I play in clubs. I’ve played worldwide.” 

Jacy set a hand down firmly on the table. “Oh I absolutely insist on buying the next round. What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t?” He chuckled. “Well,” As he started, Jacy turned to face the woman a little more. A drink was sat down in front of him. He took a sip, smiled at the bartender, and then turned again to Jenny. “A band, yeah. It’s me and three other guys,” He explained with a gentle smile. Jace took another sip of his drink. “And what about you?” His eyebrows raised. “What do you do?”

Jenny would be lying if she had said she didn’t like his style. He was insistent to pay for her drinks, to be a gentleman, and she did appreciate that. She was no expert on first impressions but he seemed alright. With a nod she brought her drink to her lips for a long sip before letting the glass rest on the counter in front of her. At the sight of his smile Jenny couldn’t help but smile herself. “Ah, alright, a band man, I can appreciate that.” she added, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Me? Oh I’m definitely a solo performer. I mean I’ll occasionally perform a duet but it’s really just mostly me and my piano. And it’s usually jazz.” 

Oliver listened intently, and was smiling. He was imagining everything so…well, grand and old and impressive. Like he’d seen in movies and never even dreamed about being near. It was vivid, but probably very different in real life. “Yeah, I’m definitely in.” If anything, he could see some new streets, and bring back some stuff for the gang. They’d like that. Even if he would have to explain why he was getting so many souvenirs and eventually, why Aunt Jenny never saw them again.

Jenny couldn’t help but smile warmly at the sight of the look on Oliver’s face as she went on about a trip to London for the two of them. She could use the visit home and she couldn’t help but wonder if Oliver might be appreciative of an excuse to slip away. “Good.” she said, a bright smile across her lips. “So, Oliver, love.. Tell me, really, how are things? Are you getting along well? Have you heard from Georgette recently?”

“Ah, that sounds nice,” said Casey, the last part with a little sarcasm. Clearly, with how tight he was pulling his jacket to fight the cold. “I just want to be able to walk around and feel like I’m not freezin’,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ve been doin’ some explorin’, a bit here and there. Mostly around where I live, so I don’t get lost,” he said with a laugh. “Probably sounds lame, but this place is huge. Wouldn’t mind a tour to check it around more.”

“They said according to that groundhog we’d have an early spring but I never believe that. I can hardly believe the weather a few days out. No one can control it, but hopefully it’ll all be over before we know it.” Jenny adjusted her own jacket a bit and looked down and smiled at the pups as they made their way through the park. It wasn’t so crowded, and it was definitely less crowded than the streets so that was a plus. Jenny didn’t mind crowds so much but she was always thankful for some quiet time without the hustle and bustle. “And that doesn’t sound lame at all. When I first moved to London I wouldn’t leave the university campus, it took some getting to know people to finally venture out of my comfort zone but it’s amazing what a little bit of exploring can do for you. I can definitely show you some places. I’m known for my club performances but I love a good dive bar and local coffee shop. There is one penthouse club with an amazing night view of the city I may have to drag you to, though..”

“Well. Her,” said Casey with a nod. “People usually recognize us from her time in the band, more than from our own covers and such,” he said with a soft shrug, something that he was used to already at this point, but hoping that further along they’d be known around more for their songs. “Anythin’ to take some hot weather right now. I ain’t so sure I can take more snow or a freezin’ chill every time I go to get a cup of coffee,” said Casey with a chuckle. “Well, not much really. I go to visit my parents mostly. When they aren’t on the road. They’re Adam Turner’s band, but they don’t travel no more. At least not as much as they used to,” said Casey with a chuckle, “But yeah. We’re New Yorkers. Officially.”

“I don’t blame you, though. I could go for some warmer temps right about now. We’re unfortunately in the thick of it right now though. We’ll have a few more cold punches to the gut before things turn around.” she said. She hadn’t heard of that band either but it was nice to come from a musical family. Jenny couldn’t imagine not coming from one herself. “Well I hope the city is treating you well. Like I said I’ve been here most of my life so if you ever want someone to show you around, I know a few lesser known spots. When you’re well known in the city, and around the world really, you tend to find the hole in the wall places to hang out to avoid the masses.” 

Ever young and not a drinker, Oliver had gotten a soda, and took a sip of it once it came, grinning. He’d been limiting himself, and the bubbles were nice. “Yeah, that sounds…really cool.” After all, a lot of his favorite things took place in London, Sherlock Holmes being one of them. “My old nickname was from London,” he said with a grin. “So I might feel right at home.”

“Yes,” she nodded, “You might just feel at home indeed. I know I did, which is why I stayed so long after school to play and just take in the life all around me. It’s beautiful. Almost magic, though I think people feel that upon visiting any new place for the first time. I can take you back to my old university stomping grounds, show you where I’d go out, maybe even play in a club for old times sake. The more I think about this now the more I think this absolutely has to happen, so are you in? Of course it’ll be a bit before we can actually go, it’s never too early to begin planning.”

After the redhead woman placed her order, Jacy leant over and ordered an old fashioned. His eyebrows raised only slightly when the woman mentioned her name. “Jenny you say,” He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well it appears I’m the person you’re waiting for, and you’re the person I’ve been waiting for,” He said with a grin, then a laugh. While it was a blind date, he certainly hadn’t been expecting an older woman. His friend hadn’t given any details away obviously. All they’d said was they she was really nice, and very musically talented. She was also beautiful, of course. Neither would her age mean he’d act any different. It was just – A surprise. “I should have paid for that Manhattan now that I know you’re my date!” Jace said with a sigh, eyes scanning the bar for the bartender. “The next drinks, I am paying for.”

“It appears that you are indeed.” she said with a sweet smile. Of course it came to quite the surprise to see that this man was indeed her intended date. Jenny was surprised, she had been expecting an older man, assuming her friends would set her up with another musically talented man. They said he was, and handsome. Which wasn’t untrue, he was quite cute. And he seemed nice enough, with a charming smile. Perhaps the next hour or so wouldn’t be so bad. “Oh, please, I pay for my own drinks all of the time you know.” she chuckled softly. “But if you insist, I’ll let you take the next round, if it’ll make you feel better.” Once the drink appeared in front of her she brought it to her lips, sipping slowly. “So, Jacy. All I really know about you so far is your name, you’ve got an excellent taste in drinks, and you play music. Are you solo or in a band?”

Perhaps it was weird and rare, but Jacy had always enjoyed the game that is dating. Not only did he enjoy meeting people, he was a romantic after all. So when a friend had offered to set him up on a blind date, he hadn’t said no. In a gentlemanly fashion, Jacy had arrived early and sat himself down at the bar. It wasn’t too extravagant but a nice place nonetheless. He turned and looked as an elegant looking woman sat down next to him. “No worries. I’m waiting for someone too,” He chuckled. Jacy offered out his hand. “Perhaps we can keep each other company. My name’s Jacy.”

“Oh, perfect.” the redhead replied, slipping her coat onto the back of the bar chair and then having a seat herself. “A Manhattan, please.” Jenny ordered as the bartender approached and then turned back to the young man as he introduced himself. Jacy. If Jenny wasn’t mistaken that was the name of the man she was supposed to be meeting here but for it to be this young man? Not that Jenny was so old but he had to be in his early twenties? Regardless he wasn’t quite who she was expecting. “Jacy,” she repeated with a smile. It could be a strange coincidence, though. Perhaps he wasn’t waiting to meet her. “I’m Jennifer, it’s nice to meet you.” She almost hesitated for a moment before introducing herself, unsure of his reaction. Now she was a bit nervous. 

“Yeah. I’m gonna tell the people in charge to take them out on long walks, the longer the better,” said Casey as he looked down at the puppies. He looked back at her then, “Ah. Not many know us. Or the ones that do, they do ‘cause of Dixie. Dixie Mae Turner, superstar most likely becomin’ another Britney Spears. She used to sing in the band before she left,” he said with a shrug. “Well. It’s a lot colder,” said Casey with a chuckle. “I ain’t used to winter. Or a winter like this one. Nashville is all heat. Definitely not this cold,” he said as he pulled his jacket closer to him. “It’s alright. It’s been good so far.”

Dixie Mae Turner was certainly a name she could recall and could say she had heard sing before. “I know of Dixie, yes.” the red head nodded but couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps that was a place of bad blood or awkward conversation. Jenny had always worked alone but could imagine how it was like, working with a group and having someone walk away because of success. It wasn’t bad, of course. It was just, well.. she wasn’t sure of the word. But she laughed, “It’s definitely colder up here, sometimes the winters seem never-ending but don’t let that deceive you, of course as you’ve probably noticed the summers get rather hot too..” She loved the city but all of the concrete and asphalt seemed to be a magnet for the heat. “That’s good, though. Do you go back home much? I’m assuming the band relocated to the city? Otherwise you’ve got a pretty long commute..”

Oliver breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, I can definitely manage that.” It sounded like an outfit he might wear to impress someone he wanted to work for, and could be seen in if he ended up going to see any of the gang before or after it happened. “For real? London?” He could feel his eyes go wide at that. He’d barely been out of New York, much less to London.

“Good.” Jenny grinned, taking a sip of the glass of wine after their drinks had been delivered. She held the glass in her hands, stem between her fingers, and swirled it a little. Her eyes glanced at Oliver’s face and she could see the surprise written all over it. “Yes, for real, London.” she couldn’t help but chuckle as she nodded. “It’s different, of course. I love the older feel of the European cities. New York has history but it’s not quite as grand as London’s. There’s so much to see. I really think you’d enjoy it, Oliver.”

“Yeah. And I think these fellas right here will be all set to get back once we’re out of the park,” he said as he looked down at the other dogs, already excited as they looked back at Casey. “Come on guys,” he said as he started walking, not before he turned to look at Jenny when she talked, “I’m actually a singer. Heard of the Singin’ Strays? It’s very country, it ain’t so popular here,” he said with a chuckle. “Nah. I’m not. I’m from Nashville. Been here for just a few months.”

“They seem pretty excited just to have time for a long walk.” Once he spoke again about where he was, a singer, “The Singin’ Strays, huh?” she repeated. “I think I’ve heard of you guys, yeah.” She had. Jenny couldn’t say she had heard much of their music, mostly because she wasn’t much of a trendy music kind of girl, she preferred classical pieces. But it was nice to be in the presence of a fellow music aficionado. “Though I have to say I haven’t heard much of you all, I don’t listen to.. the usual music genres people usually do. But Nashville, I’ve never been but I’ve heard it’s pretty great. How’re you liking the city? I went to school and spent some time in London but other than that I’ve been here. It’s my home.” 

Well, it didn’t sound awful. It wasn’t like it was going to be a party…he could make himself go and hopefully not be awkward, though maybe being awkward was just a given with him at this point. It really felt like it was. Either way, he couldn’t improve without trying. “Guess I’ll have to dress up? Or at least, dress better than I normally do?” Oliver thought back to the last time he’d had to dress up…wasn’t great. “Well, that’s a relief.”

“Just some nice slacks and a presentable shirt or sweater, I won’t require you to have a tie or anything, it’s not that fancy. Fancy enough to look nice but you can at least be comfortable, you know?” She hated the thought of Oliver being uncomfortable, especially when she wanted to just get him out for a nice time, show him her side of things every now and then. “Maybe someday I could take you back to London with me, too.”