Dad?

Over the next hour Aria peppers Jennifer with question after question then hangs on every word of each answer. She wanted more than anything to learn everything she could about their new friend. They learn that Jennifer, previously Ted, is a barista from Montreal, Canada where she grew up poor and she grew up Catholic. They learn that this trip was her first time outside of her own country and that she'd never had a real vacation before. Direct discussion of her real parents or family is side stepped but it wasn't hard to read between the lines to the sad tale of her upbringing. She told them about how she dreamed of making it as an actor someday, though thus far she'd only gotten work in a few small plays and once even got a bit role for a local television commercial.

“A commercial! That's great!” Aria says proudly. “Everyone has to start somewhere my girl. That's really good Jennifer. I'm so proud of you. Keep at it and I just know you can make all your dreams come true.”

Jennifer looks down bashfully and positively beams with joy at the honest praise. “Thanks...Mum.”

They share a warm laugh and another long hug.

Richard listens and watches politely through it all. He liked Jennifer/Ted, he genuinely did, but his concern with Aria's sudden attachment to this stranger was growing by the minute. Just as he was about to ask Aria to step out to speak with her privately Jennifer turns her blue eyes his way.

“Dad?”

“Huh?” Being addressed this way throws Richard off for a moment. Aria's intense eyes drill into him to reply appropriately. “Oh, uhh...yes...umm...yes my dear?”

Jennifer lays her soft slender hand upon his. “Dance with me?”

“Awwww!” Aria is beside herself at her daughter's adorable gesture.

“Uhhh...I...uhhhh...” Richard stammers.

“Richard!” Aria chastises. “Dance with our daughter.”

“But...”

“If Daddy doesn't want to dance, that's okay.” Jennifer sighs. “I just thought I'd ask.”

'Daddy!?' Thinks Richard. This was getting out of hand.

“Of course your daddy wants to dance.” Aria assures her. “Come on Richard, please?” Her eyes beseeched him to say yes. “Please!”

Richard chuckles and shakes his head in disbelief. This trip was certainly not turning out like he expected it to go. “Sure. Why the hell not.” He says as he stands and leads Jennifer by the hand from their table. Aria watches them go, smiling from ear to ear. Richard couldn't remember the last time she'd looked that happy.

Jennifer loops her arm into his and hugs into him tight to his side. The pleasant familiar aroma of Aria's perfume fills his senses, though it smelled just a hint different on Jen. She lays her blonde head on his shoulder and he just hears her whisper dreamily. “Dad.” Looking down at her pretty face she had the look of someone walking on Cloud Nine.