The Arms Hotel Lobby, Friday

[montecito_east]

Gunther seemed like he was over Wolfgang's marriage, so Mary thanked her lucky stars. She did keep him at arms length in case he tried to grope her again because she didn't need that. She was already expecting Barney Stinson to drop by today and she had a feeling she'd also have to avoid being groped by him.

At least today was River's first day.

Comments

[suit_of_awesome]

Barney walked into the hotel to meet Mary. He was suited up, as per usual and thought he looked totally hot in all black.

[montecito_east]

He must be awfully warm in black, Mary thought, because it was at least 85° outside. Even with the hotel's air conditioning, she was dressed casually in a tank top and jeans because it was too hot to wear much more than that.

"Hello," said Mary, making an effort to smile. "How was your first week of classes?"

[suit_of_awesome]

"My first class was awesome," Barney said smugly. He gave Mary a once over. "I see you are making the most of the heat today."

[montecito_east]

"I'm used to it. It gets a lot hotter where I'm from," said Mary.

[suit_of_awesome]

"Yeah it does," he agreed. "Where's that?" Barney could do small talk, it was just whether or not he could pay attention while he did it that was a question.

[ooc: sp is love?]

[montecito_east]

"Las Vegas," said Mary. "And no, I wasn't a showgirl," she added quickly. "I started out as a casino hostess, then worked my way up to special events director and hotel manager."

[no problem!]

[suit_of_awesome]

"Ahh, Vegas," Barney sighed the sigh of a gambler in love. "I don't get out there often. Business keeps me pretty tied to the East Coast these days."

[montecito_east]

"What a coincidence," said Mary. "Until coming here, I'd never been to the East Coast. The furthest east that I've ever been from Vegas is Atlanta."

[suit_of_awesome]

"And yet, you chose Virginia." This was something Barney couldn't understand. He was not here on purpose.

[montecito_east]

"I went where they offered me a job," said Mary with a shrug. "I had no idea what I was getting myself into here. Squirrels writing news broadcasts, walking talking turtles, angels, demons, witches, cute fuzzy aliens, people who can set themselves aflame... If I had known, I probably would have headed for Atlantic City instead. Besides," she added with a smirk, "in a way, Virginia is perfect for someone like me."

[suit_of_awesome]

"Naturally," he nodded, totally not paying attention. "Wanna get a drink before we head out?"

[montecito_east]

Mary raised an eyebrow, because she had a feeling that his attention had wandered a bit, but she didn't call him on that. "Sure, why not?" she said.

[suit_of_awesome]

"Is there a hotel bar?" Barney hadn't been in town long enough to know these things for certain. Also, hotel=beds available.

[montecito_east]

"I'm afraid not, but it's just a short walk to Carita. I'm usually there almost every night anyway," said Mary.

[suit_of_awesome]

"Caritas, the place with the zombies?" Barney asked.

[montecito_east]

"That's the one," replied Mary. "It's very popular with students, so you get a younger crowd, but it's still a lot of fun. I haven't been to the other bar yet."