Hey Bartender! [Gilbert and Feli]

[Feliciano Vargas]

Words: 731

Tags: Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt

Notes: Couldn't Wait to try this puppy out

There he was again. Feliciano looked up to see the man enter The Bunker, saw that mop of silvery hair and those startling red eyes. He grinned to himself and went back to pouring his latest cocktail. It was always a good night when this man arrived.

Feliciano had plenty of interesting patrons—indeed London seemed to be full of eclectic personalities—but none quite stood out like this man. Feliciano had seen him around The Bunker a few times before, but he was always flirting with the patrons, chatting up Feli’s fellow bartender, Beck, or else writing furiously in his notepad. He was a complete mystery to the Italian, and Feliciano was eager to learn more. Part of what he loved about his job was the stories—each patron came in with a story all their own and Felicano collected them like one might collect baseball cards. He was certain this man’s story would be fascinating and he was determined to add it to his collection. But, so far, all he’d gleaned from Beck was his name—Gilbert Rothstein. It was such an old fashioned name and Feliciano thought it seemed far too stuffy to go with the vibrant young man with brilliant red eyes and a shock of platinum hair. But then again with a name like Feliciano, he supposed he couldn’t talk.

At first, Feli was content with just guessing about the man’s life, where he was from, what does he do… but as the time went on, Feliciano got tired of the suppositions. He wanted to know more about this man with the strange features, but Gilbert always seemed to come in when the bar was most busy and so Feli only had the chance to observe him from afar. And so observe he did. If he didn’t know better, he would swear Gilbert’s startling features were artificial (plenty of people walked in with contacts and hair that had been died every color imaginable) but the more he studied Gilbert, the more he decided those characteristics had been with him since the day he was born. There was just something about the way he walked, the way he gestured, the very way he carried himself that suggested he was used to standing out in a crowd. And it was clear that Gilbert enjoyed the attention. He was always in the middle of a crowd and Feliciano could hear the bursts of laughter periodically over the music and the other conversations taking place around him. He seemed to be the life of the party wherever he went and the bar always seemed to feel more…exciting on the nights Gilbert was there. It was as if his energy was infectious, and his fellow patrons were all too eager to catch the bug. Yes, Feliciano loved watching him. But with each night of observation, Feliciano’s desire to finally meet this energetic enigma of a man increased.

And finally, finally, it seemed his chance had come. Felicano turned from his station to see the man plop down onto the barstool directly in front of him. Che fortuna! After all this time of watching, of guessing, here was his chance to get to know the object of his observation. Feliciano beamed at the man, feeling the excitement build in his chest as he slid a drink to another patron. The bar was actually relatively slow for a change, which meant he might actually have a chance to learn more about the man he had watched from afar for so long. It was time to turn on the charm.

“Hello!” He all but sang, directing his full attention on Gilbert, his amber eyes dancing in his excitement. “It’s always nice to have a new face at my bar!” He held out a hand to the man, eager to start up a conversation. “My name’s Feliciano, and it’s my pleasure to serve you!” He clapped his hands together and rocked back onto his heels excitedly, rearing to win over this man. “What’ll it be? We have a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Anything you want, I can make it!” He thumbed his chest with obvious pride—he wasn’t the star bartender for nothing and he was going to use every talent in his arsenal to learn everything he can about Gilbert Rothstein. “So, what can I start you off with?”

made by MISSO for KAT

[Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt]

The dance floor was always one place Gilbert knew he could loose himself and not worry about the consequences. He didn’t have to watch his words, only his steps and not step on someone's toes. He would not be the cause of a bar fight tonight.

The pulsing music thrumming through his body, the blood pounding in his ears and rising to the skin to give his face a reddish tint, even the sweat drippings down his back as his hips moved in time to the underlying bass help prove that he was still free. The pounding music was his escape, his thoughts focused only on the pitch and the timbre of the tune that flooded his system. Though tonight, not all of his attention was on his movements and the music. There was a guy that he had checking him out every time he was here, and he was about ready to go see who this guy was and if there was anything he could help the bartender find out. Disengaging from the woman who had plastered herself against him, he slowly walked to the bar and leaned on it, head resting on his hand.

“What’ll it be? We have a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Anything you want, I can make it! So, what can I start you off with?”

“Better question is how could I help you? See something you like?”

Gilbert knew he was flirting, and he really didn’t care. A little harmless flirting wouldn’t do any harm, and it might just get him some information as to why there. Besides, this kid was cute and seemed so innocent. He knew he couldn’t be that innocent being a bartender, but hey, if he looks it, which would get a lot of tips he knew. Looking the man up and down, he could only grin. If the man wanted to help him out, he’d let him.

“I’ll take a German Beer if you have one. If not, a Belgian would be fine. And you’re name if I could get that.”

Sitting down at the bar, he rand his hand through his hair, messing it up a bit more than it was before. The hair came out of his face and back to the original crazy hairstyle he always had. People always thought he dyed his hair that platinum blond/white color, but it was natural. Like his red eyes. No contacts would ever give the exact shade he had, a mostly red mixed with some blue, a heterochromatic affect he had heard it called. But it was something that made him uniquely him. He was proud of who he was and attributes. That’s one thing he was taught by Fredrick and his parents. Those that would tease him and bully him just wanted him to conform to the perceived group normality, and he didn’t have to stick to it. More that’s what let Gilbert do what he did and be happy with who he was. If they didn’t like him because of something he couldn’t control, then he didn’t need them anyway.

[Feliciano Vargas]

Words: 602

Tags: Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt 

Notes: 

Oh, oops.
Feliciano blinked and blushed slightly at the man's words. He hadn’t realized he’d been so obvious during his observation of the man until he’d been approached and called out by that very same man. Feliciano was normally better about shrouding his curiosity about patrons, but Gilbert always seemed so focused on the people and activities, Feliciano didn’t think he’d notice anything in the periphery.

Luckily, Gilbert hardly seemed to take offense by the attention, indeed he seemed to feed on it. Indeed, judging by the flirtatious words and roguish grin he wore as he eyed Feliciano over the bar, he even seemed to welcome it. Flirting was all too common in Feli’s line of work and he certainly felt no qualms about playing along. It was nice to treated with such interest. However he was a bit confused by the first question. What could he possibly want from his patron? Doesn’t it usually work the other way around? Feliciano’s confusion must have shown openly his face because Gilbert thankfully moved on towards more familiar territory and making his drink request. This Feliciano could handle.

“You’re in luck!” He replied with a beaming smile as he reached for a glass. “We just got an order of Oettinger. I hope that will do. If not, we certainly have some Belgian options.” How strange, the man spoke with a bit of an accent, one that Feliciano immediately alerted to. Though Gilbert’s voice was far more exuberant and expressive than his more reserved Luddi, it was still very similar. German certainly, perhaps even from Berlin... Feliciano had always prided himself on his ear and it was the vowels that really gave the man away. Another German, huh… Now that was interesting. Unlike some of the glitzier bars that could be found in London, the Bunker rarely attracted anyone from out of town. To have two Berliners frequenting his bar… and one who clearly loved the lime light…It certainly made Feli all the more interested in the man before him.

“Ve… my name?” Feliciano frowned slightly, realizing that Gilbert had asked for it. He wondered if the man had misheard him when he introduced himself. Not that he could blame the man. Feliciano wasn’t a common name, and it was entirely possible that Gilbert had missed it over the din of music and people. He leaned forward slightly, eyes sparkling cheerfully as he met the vibrant gaze of the man before him. “My name is Feliciano. I know, it’s a mouthful, si? It’s okay if you want to call me Feli—most people do.” Gilbert was certainly an intriguing person and Feliciano certainly wanted to learn more about him. In order to do that, he had to keep him talking. Given his personality, Feliciano guessed it shouldn’t be all too difficult to keep the man talking.

“I’m so glad I finally got to talk to you!” He said rocking on the balls of his feet and clapping his hands together. “You always seemed so interesting, but I never got to speak with you in person… I was beginning to think I’d never get the chance…” He brought his hands to his lips and his smile widened. “And to find out you’re from Germany… How interesting!” He bit his lip worriedly. “I’d like to talk more, but if you need to get back to your date…” he nodded to the girl he’d seen Gilbert dancing with earlier. He might be playing up the innocent act a bit, but if it kept the silver-haired man anchored at his bar, well…

Feliciano wasn’t about to lose his chance.

made by MISSO for KAT

[Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt]

Gilbert could read people well when he wanted to… when he wanted to was the key word there. He usually didn’t bother, but right now, he knew it would be in his best interest to. He could tell the bartender was slightly embarrassed for being caught looking, that blush was a good giveaway, but what he didn’t realize is that Gilbert was always paying attention when he first got in the place or when he got bored with dancing and decided to use his dancing as a distracting to observe other people. It was during this type of bored moment a few weeks ago he had first noticed he was being watched. Though this blush on his face made him glad he waited this long to stay something, he was cute when he blushed. Not that he would really do anything, not when he was technically married. Ok, it was officially married, but it was just for mutual benefit and there were no real feelings between the two. In truth, it partially left a bad taste in his mouth, but a deal was a deal and he never backed out before.

“You’re in luck! We just got an order of Oettinger. I hope that will do. If not, we certainly have some Belgian options.”

“Oettinger is perfect, Danke~.”
    
Having almost purred out his thanks, his hand wrapped around the glass and he brought it to his lips, taking a small initial drink to get the flavor of it. Throat constricting and relaxing as he swallowed, a satisfied expression crossed his face. It was a pretty good brand, and this one seems to be a good batch too. The German beer’s, in his opinion, were the best ones there were. His people really knew how to brew the best. It had been a while since he had been home, to Berlin, and it would be a while yet before he could go back. Yes, his family lived here now, but he always felt a special connection to the city and the land; like a part of it would always hold his heart.

“Ve… my name?”

Watching the smile turn to a frown on his companions face, he frowned himself. What did he say? Did he miss the others name over the din of the crowd around him? That had to be it. He found he did not like it when this man frowned, it didn’t seem to suit his nature. From the little he had seen of this man, he was much more alive and seemed to enjoy things more when he was happy. So that’s what Gilbert knew he had to do, he had to make Feliciano smile somehow again, even if he had to crack a few jokes against himself to do it.

“My name is Feliciano. I know, it’s a mouthful, si? It’s okay if you want to call me Feli—most people do.”

Ah, there was that smile again, and in response to it, Gilbert could feel his own smile again. He hated to see people upset and sad, he liked them to be happy and joyful. Although he was glad he didn’t have to make a fool of himself to do it…he’d done it before, and no doubt he’d do it again.

“Feliciano huh? But everyone else calls you Feli, that’s a shame, I like that nickname, but I’ll have to think something that just I could call you. But for now, I’ll stick to Feliciano and Feli. You can call me Gil if you prefer, nickname for nickname.”

“I’m so glad I finally got to talk to you! You always seemed so interesting, but I never got to speak with you in person… I was beginning to think I’d never get the chance. And to find out you’re from Germany… How interesting! I’d like to talk more, but if you need to get back to your date…”

Startling with that, he stood up straighter and blinked at him. His heart rate had picked up some and a mall sweat had broken out on the back of his neck. “Nein… she’s not my date, I just come here to dance…how did you know I’m from Germany? I never said anything about that.”

[Feliciano Vargas]

Words: 517

Tags:Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt 

Notes: Gil, you flatterer, you...

Blinking slowly, Feli ruminated on this “Gil’s” reaction to his observations. He really seemed startled by the German comment which surprised Feli; did so few people really pick up on that intriguing accent? Still, he’d made his client uncomfortable and that was unforgivable as a bartender. He had to make up for it somehow.

“Oh, I’m sorry if I went too far,” he said, his eyes widening as he bowed slightly. “I’ve always had a bit of an ear for accents. I just thought you sounded a lot like a friend of mine who is from Berlin and I was curious to know if you were from there as well. If I offended you, I am sorry, forgive me?” He fixed the man before him with his best puppy dog eyes before pushing another Oettinger towards the man. “On the house!” He had to keep this intriguing man interested in him, if only so he could keep him around to learn more about. Luckily, it seemed he had a good chance to keep Gil around. He’d been working long enough to recognize the look in those rubied eyes, and he loved that look. Clients with that look quickly became regulars, people Feli depended on for tips and info, people Feli grew to count as his favorite customers. These were the people who were attracted to his warmth, to his showmanship, to his innocence. Gil clearly couldn’t help but be intrigued by him and seemed to light up when Feli did as though his happiness was intrinsically tied to the Italian’s. Perfect.

He leaned in and propped his head on his hands as he met Gil’s eyes, thinking about the strange man before him. He came to the Bunker to dance? Of all the places in London to dance, the Bunker is not one that makes many lists. But perhaps Gil knew someone who came here often? Feli frowned and mentally ran through his memories of Gil—he never seemed to arrive with the same people twice. So what kept bringing him here? He frowned thoughtfully, this man more of a mystery than he could have ever realized just from observing.

“So… Gil… if you don’t have a date to get back to… would you stay and chat with me?” He shot Gil a hopeful smile, hoping the man would skip the dancing in favor to chat with him. Something about the man just drew Feliciano towards him like a magnet. He didn’t understand why he was so fascinated by this strange young man with silver hair, and the logical part of him warned him away. The man was unpredictable and the last thing a man living a double life needs is something he can’t understand. And yet, sitting across the bar, Feli knew full well that he couldn’t ignore him, couldn’t leave this mystery man alone.

“If you don’t mind… I’d like to hear more about you. What you do, where you came from, how did you come to live in London! Tell me everything!!” Feli felt an excitement building in his chest. It felt like Christmas.

made by MISSO for KAT

[Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt]

"Oh, I'm sorry if I went to far, I've always had a bit of an ear for accents. I just thought you sounded a lot like a friend of mine who is from Berlin and i was curious to know if you were from there as well. If i offended you, i am sorry, forgive me?"

Gilbert could only blink at him as the man explained, though Gilbert could only feel, well, likes he had just been a few pennies short of a dollar. He had forgotten he had an accent, though to most people, you don't think you do; everyone else does. Chuckling, he was about to speak, with a rather embarrassed look on his face that he was trying to play off as something else when the drink was thrust in front of him.

"On the house!"

Grinning at the man, he winked before lifting the glass to his lips and letting the smooth taste roll over his taste buds and down his throat. It was a good brand and well worth the few pounds he didn't have to pay for it. Sitting it down gently, he nodded his thanks. A small part of his mind had to remember to recommend this place if any of his friends wanted a place for dancing and an excellent bartender. And it was a plus the bartender was cute too. Feliciano had a certain amount of innocence about him that shined like a beacon, but Gilbert wasn't sure how much of it was real innocence and how much was a facade. Working in a bar couldn't leave one very innocent for very long, of that he was sure. After all, there were many different types of drunks, and Feli had to have experience them all... including the ones that would try to get into those tight pants. Gilbert wasn't one hundred percent positive that the man's pants were tight, but if Gilbert were in those shoes...er, pants, the tighter the pants, the better for making more tips.

“Danke~ it’s not every day I get a free beer, but I always appreciate them all the more. I was going to forgive you for the oversight anyway, but this just makes it easier, Kesese~”

Winking with that to show he was teasing the man, he settled down in his seat and took another swallow. Of course he would forgive Feli, after all, it was Gilbert's own mistake for forgetting that his words and accent would give him away, he’d have to remember that in the future. He really would have to introduce this man to Mari, she’d like how sweet he was, how interested in people he was. Besides, he was just so cute that he knew she wouldn’t be able to resist his charms either.

“So…Gil… if you don’t have a date to get back too…would you stay and chat with me? If you don’t mind… I’d like to hear more about you do, where you come from, how did you come to live in London! Tell me everything!”

Gilbert couldn’t help but grin with the man’s enthusiasm. It wasn’t very often that he got to respond to this kind of excitement. Lately he had been leaning how to read a more subdued face, more quite emotions. He was used to the louder ones, the obvious ones. He enjoyed Mari’s, but sometimes he needed to relax, away from their home, but he knew those days would be over soon, they would have to be in order to protect her. He didn’t really think of what he would give up till now, what he wouldn’t be able to do anymore, and what was he trading it for? Money and financial security. While those were important… he couldn’t help but start feeling it all closing in around him. Taking another drink, he used it to shove those thoughts out of his head. It was too late now and nothing he could do to change it. It was best to focus on the here and now and let tomorrow take care of itself.

“I’m a journalist by trade, though lately I’ve been learning more about business. As for where I come from, you were right with Berlin. Was born around there an lived on the edge of the city for a while with the folks. I had a bit of a wild side in high school but got put on the right track and here I am. Came for university and stayed to make a living. Now, how about you? Why a bar tender? Why here? You don’t seem the normal bar tending type. You seem more the….mhm. What does it seem like you should do.”

Pressing a finger to his own cheek as he thought, he looked the other up and down and even turned his head sideways to look at him from a different angle. Nothing had really changed, but he could only shrug. He usually wasn’t that great at figuring out people’s jobs.

“I don’t know, but something other than bar tending. Perhaps teaching children…or a musician since you have such a good ear. But bar tending seems like a waste. You are good at this, don’t get me wrong, it just seems like there’s something else you’re meant to do.”

[Feliciano Vargas]

Words: 689

Tags:Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt

Notes: 

His hard work had paid off! Feliciano felt his chest fill with excitement as Gilbert settled more comfortably in his chair. He didn’t fail to notice the appraising look the silver-haired man gave him; Gilbert was not a secretive man in his emotions. The question was… what was he after? Feli couldn’t begin to guess. He had seen lust before—more times than he could count really—but that’s not what was in Gil’s eyes… not exactly. But if it wasn’t lust, what would he possibly want with a lowly bartender? Whatever it was, Feli had to be careful—anyone, asking the right questions, could unravel his entire world. No one, not even intriguing young men with striking eyes, was going to throw the little Italian off of his game. He turned back to the man with a winning smile, even as he eyed the rest of the bar. It was still slow, with most of their patrons still engrossed in the music or his beautiful fellow bartender, Beck. Feli was content with the situation; it meant he had more time with this enigma of a man before him.

He smiled and poured his own small drink, eager to listen as Gil glossed over his personal history. He was very vague, clearly used to being on the other side of the interview, but Feli didn’t exactly come away empty handed. So he was a reformed troublemaker? Feli couldn’t help but smile, thinking back to his own former troublemaker brother, wondering what Lovino might have to say about being compared to this flamboyantly charismatic man. And someone had loved him enough to intervene and set him straight… Gilbert was very lucky in that respect. Feli felt a sense of understanding welling up for his silvered hair patron—he was clearly trying to be a good person, but underneath his personality yearned for freedom, rattling at the bars constructed by society and searching for an escape. Feliciano certainly sympathized.

But a journalist? That was especially concerning. Those were the ones who were especially adept at sniffing out stories, and Feliciano reconsidered his previous opinion of Gil. While the German might seem like a straightforward man, he was still a journalist and so Feli had to assume that there was more to Gilbert Rothstein than he had noted.

He had been so focused on analyzing Gilbert that he hadn’t even noticed the conversation had switched over to him. He blinked as he heard the German tell him that he didn’t seem right as a bartender and Feli had to work hard not to show the panic that gripped him. There was a pause in the conversation and Feli gripped the counter, out of silver-haired man’s sight, trying to figure out what brought on that comment. Had he slipped in some way? Did Gil get a glimpse at the cold hearted assassin that lurked beneath his smiling amber eyes? He couldn’t help the sigh of relief when Gilbert continued—telling him that he should be a teacher. Ha! Now that was a good one! Feli laughed at the very idea of being responsible for a classroom of little children.

“Do you often give career advice to strangers?” He giggled as he gestured to the bar room. “Why would I want to be a bar tender? Why not?! I love it here! I love my customers and I love getting to think up new combinations to wow them! My job is to erase all the my clients worries and to make them happy! Why would I want to do anything else?” He leaned forward, feeling a bit mischievous. The man clearly wasn’t above flirting, hopefully he could take it as easily as he dished it out. Feli gave him a secretive smile and he stopped just a few inches away from the German’s face. His voice was soft, barely audible over the background music and conversations and he spoke slowly to make sure Gil understood every word.

“Besides… If I wasn’t a bartender, I never would have met you.” He pulled back, his eyes dancing merrily. This man was more fun than he thought.

made by MISSO for KAT

[Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt]

"Besides, if I weren't a bartender, I never would have met you"

The way this Feli was flirting could almost be considered truth. He could almost take it at face value and he had almost wanted those few inches that separated them to vanish. This was when he knew that it was going too far. Oh he knew the man wasn’t serious, but Gil was so close to the future he had agreed up in that he was having problems. While he was already having reservations about being tied down in the throes of matrimony. But he already agreed and he had to help her.

Sighing he pulled away with a light dusting across his cheeks and shrugged while taking a drink. No harm in flirting really, but no more than that. He was sure the man was just doing his job, get him to talk and drink, forget how much he was drinking.

"You're such a flatterer. I'm nobody special or anyone that you should concern yourself with, even though I am awesome."

Gilbert knew he gave off confusing signals; sometimes on purpose, but most of the time on accident. Just like this. Here he was trying to pull this cheery man closer, yet he was also pushing him away. The bartender was really just one more complication that he didn’t need at this point when everything was about to be tossed in the air and shaken around. It wouldn’t be smart to get the kind man involved; one more person that could potentially figure out that everything wasn’t as it seemed.

"Would..." he hesitated, this wasn’t how he should act. Shaking his head and putting on a grin, he winked and leaned closer to him, fingers wrapping around his glass. "How'd you like to be the first one to meet my fiance? I really think you too would get along once she.... let’s herself relax."

She really did need to learn how to relax. Frankly Gilbert wouldn’t have been surprised if she had an ulcer in the past or if she had one currently.

"Perhaps you could charm her into relaxing a bit, you seem to be good at getting people to drop there guard."

[Feliciano Vargas]

Words: 454

Tags:Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt

Notes: 

Feli listened to Gil, a smile gracing his expression as the German spoke. There was only a brief pause after Gil finished speaking, before he finally bursting out into laughter. He continued to laugh, holding onto the side of the bar to support himself as he curled inward. “You are so strange, Gilbert!” He managed breathlessly. Finally he managed to get a hold of himself, his breaths coming in spurts as he straightened, his eyes still dancing in the dim light of the bar. “You really like throwing people for a loop, don’t you?” He teased, pouring a beer for another patron, a regular who never wavered in their order. He slid the glass over to the man who nodded his thanks and melted into the background as though he’d never been there in the first place. Feli looked around at the bar, it was still quiet, Beck certainly seemed all too happy to pick up his slack and judging by the guys currently leaning eagerly on her bar, no one would be heading his way soon. Perfecto! More time to play with his newest patron!

He settled back, a bit surprised when Gil mentioned a fiancé. Not that he was disappointed, he certainly wasn’t looking for a relationship (too dangerous), but Gil didn’t really seem to strike him as a “head over heels in love” young man. He certainly didn’t seem like the type to have a fiancé. Feli looked thoughtful, storing away that fact to examine later. To Gil, he finally smiled kindly, clapping his hands together.

“Oh, Gilbert’s engaged! Che meraviglia!” He leaned forward. “I should have known… someone like you would find some beautiful bella with no trouble at all! What’s she like?” He thought about Gil’s brief description and couldn’t help but chuckle. “It seems so unlike you, to be marrying someone that sounds so serious… I guess it’s true what others say—‘opposites attract!’”

He rested his chin on his hand, surveying the silver-haired enigma before him. The more he thought about it, the stranger things seemed. What did he mean by being “the first to meet her?” Seriously there were other people in his life that Gil should be introducing to his future wife. Why the bartender that he’d only met a few minutes ago?

“Ve… you really think that’s a good idea? We just met! Should you have her meet your famiglia, first, no?” He started wiping down his bar for lack of anything better to do. “But… I would like to meet her. I bet she’s interesting. She’d have to be to catch your attention.” He grinned conspiratorially at Gil. “I’d love to help her relax in anyway I can. I love making people happy!”

made by MISSO for KAT

[Gilbert Fredrick Beilschmidt]

“You really like throwing people for a loop, don’t you?”

"One of my specialties. Keeps things interesting that way"

It was one of the few things he liked to do. He did things on purpose to keep people guessing about him. It was one of the self-protection mechanisms; if people didn’t get too close, they couldn’t hurt you. This case with his fiancé was the same. Get to know each other well enough to answer questions, but still keep it enough to where they could protect themselves. If anything, he would put her in the same category as Toni and Feli here.

“Ve… you really think that’s a good idea? We just met! Should you have her meet your famiglia, first, no?”

Gilbert could only shrug, he didn’t have much family here, and he didn’t want what he did have involved in this hoax since it wasn’t going to last long enough for them to get to know her and then accept having her leave their family.

“Truth is I don’t really have family around here. My parents are still back in Germany and the one other man I considered a father figure died a few years ago… so it’ll just be easier to have friends meet her and them the parents when it’s closer to the date.”

Gilbert could only hope that was a good cover for why his parents weren’t the first ones. Plus he didn’t want to deal with the questions of how they met yet or what they could possibly have in common. Now he really felt like he could use a drink with all the things he didn’t think of before going through his head. But for now, he kept up his smiling face and just wanted to keep this stranger from realizing things weren’t perfect. Convince a stranger and those close to you would come easy enough, for your friends were more likely to believe you and ignore things you didn’t want them to see.

“So, do you want me to bring her here sometime? I’m sure I can convince her to come out for a drink; she has to get out and interact after all… and "[/color] His speech trailed off as he was interrupted by his phone ringing. Frowing a bit, he looked at his phone, motioning for the bartender to give him a minute while he took this call, it was a number he recognized, but he didn't understand why he would be getting a call from it at this moment."[/font]