[SCENE] Iris and Kristoph in "Acquaintances"
Kristoph: *Tuesday after work Kristoph leaves his briefcase in the back of his car, but rather than climb behind the wheel he takes a stroll down the block. He is smiling to himself, not because he's in a particularly good mood but because he wants to look like he is.*
Kristoph: *He knows he is either walking into a trap or an opportunity, and that he probably won't know which until it's over. Usually that kind of uncertainty is enough to make him wary, but at the moment he feels only anticipation. It has been a while since something was able to draw his curiosity.*
Kristoph: *The flower shop is quaint, and Kristoph takes note of several display in the window that would look good in his office at home. He steps inside, taking a quick glance around to be sure of how many people are around, if there are any that might overhear them he wouldn't want to. Spotting nothing to be suspicious of, he moves to the counter.*
Iris: *The shop doesn't seem particularly busy at the moment. There are about four workers seen working behind the counter at the back. One is putting together a bouquet for a middle aged business woman, another is arranging the vases in the back room, a third is taking an order on the phone. Iris can be seen stripping leaves off some mums with a small knife. When she turns to drop some stems into a large black bucket, she spots the man and his familiar lavender suit*
Iris: Oh, Mr. Gavin. I'll be with you in a second. *putting down the knife, she quickly washes her hands in the sink next to her, towels off, and steps up to where he is. Her expression is much the same as always -- serene and friendly. Her behaviour is natural* Good evening, sir. Have you finished with your day's work?
Kristoph: *He smiles warmly at the sight of her.* Yes, I ducked out a bit early so that I would be sure to catch you here. It's good to see you again. *He takes in another brief look of the shop.* You have a beautiful workplace.
Iris: Thank you. *smiles, keeping close watch of his movements* It's a lovely place to work in. We receive a fresh order of flowers twice a week, so the sight of the store is always changing... like a neverending blooming garden, you could say. It's very relaxing; flowers can do wonders for one's mood.
Kristoph: I have to admit, I might not have ever considered them for the office on my own, but just being in here is starting to change my mind. I'm sure my assistant will appreciate some extra life in there.
Iris: That would be...Mr. Justice? I stumbled across his journal some days ago. He seems like a very earnest, hard-working young man. *stops herself before she finishes that thought -- though she's still smiling, there's a hint of wistfulness on her expression. She tilts her head* Are there any flowers you like in particular?
Kristoph: I'm afraid I don't know much about flowers. Other than roses and tulips, of course. *He glances to the store window and takes in the Valentines displays with a gleam in his eye.* But yes, young Mr. Justice works for me. He's especially fond of the color red.
Iris: We have plenty of red flowers, as you can see... *glances towards them -- indeed, there's an abundance of red in the store, as well as pink* We order so many, but they get used up right away. Such a busy time of year... *looks back towards him, cautiously* ...If there's anyone you'd like to send a bouquet to this year, I would suggest placing an order far in advance.
Kristoph: *Kristoph chuckles and adjusts his glasses.* No, I'm afraid I'm only shopping for myself. I don't have anyone to send Valentines flowers to. In fact, would it be easier if I postponed an office order until after the holidays? I hate to think of overworking you when you're still so new in town.
Iris: *genuinely* Whatever would be most convenient for you, sir. It wouldn't be of any trouble at all to make a delivery now or even close to the holiday itself. You work in the same neighbourhood as us...so we consider you our neighbour. That means we value you as a an important customer. *gives a charming smile as she briefly shifts a potted succulent plant on the stand next to her, testing its soil weight*
Kristoph: In that case, I'd like to set up an order right away. It's never too soon to bring a little extra color into one's life. *He runs his fingers over a rose in the display, and smiles to himself as if enjoying some personal irony.*
Iris: I agree. *turning back to him* Would you like an all-around short rose display for a table? Or...maybe something more simple like a few stems in a skinny vase for your desk? Delivery is free of charge.
Kristoph: Usually I prefer something subtle, but in this case why not draw attention? I have a beautiful dark wood cabinet that would be perfect for a large arrangement, now that I think of it. *He watches her thoughtfully for a moment.* Do you have any favorites to suggest?
Iris: Dark wood cabinet... *puts a closed fist to her lips in thought* I think I know just the thing. For thirty dollars...I can put together a gorgeous arrangement for you, I'm sure. *brightening* I'll deliver it to you personally in the morning. Do you mind surprises?
Kristoph: *He does, but the thought is just intriguing enough that he's willing to go along.* All right, I trust your judgment. *He leans forward slightly.* Won't you give me a hint though?
Iris: *folding her hands neatly in front of her* The main feature will be red roses, but I'm going to make it kind of masculine. *a beat; the next words are said very clearly, her gaze set directly at him* And...I'll give you more than what you're paying...because we are acquainted. I imagine you're still good friends with Mr. Wright.
Kristoph: *Kristoph straightens up once more.* Yes, I am. Though I don't expect any discounts - in fact I would rather pay extra because we are acquainted.
Iris: *blinks with surprise* Oh...I see. *a shy smile* I'm sorry. It's in our policy to always offer discounts to friends, acquaintances, and regular customers. That's very generous of you.
Kristoph: Well, once I am a regular customer I may avail myself of that. *He pulls his wallet out of his inside suit pocket.* But for now, please allow me to pay in full. It's the least I can do.
Iris: Okay. *walking to the cash register* You can give us however much you'd like to spend, and I'll make a fitting arrangement...How does that sound to you?
Kristoph: That sounds very fair. *Kristoph joins her at the counter and after a quick assessment of the cash on him he offers up a fifty dollar bill* I'm already looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Iris: *muses as she turns to the register and cashes in the bill* Knowing you're close by...frankly, it's kind of nice. *her smile falters slightly* My family -- they all live hours away, and...I lost what few connections I had in this city some years ago. So...thank you for visiting, Mr. Gavin. *looking at him* I'm glad to see a familiar face.
Kristoph: *Kristoph already has an answer prepared in case she were to say something like that, but in watching her face now he feels unexpectedly caught off guard. As familiar as lying has become to him he finds it a bit more difficult this time, though he's not sure why.* I understand. This is not an easy city to be alone in, is it? *He leans down a little to put them closer to eye level.* Since we're neighbors now, please call on me anytime.
Iris: *her eyes light up at his response, her expression warm* ...Thank you. And you're welcome to see me here any time. *tearing the little piece of paper sticking out from the register* Would you like your receipt? *offers it to him*
Kristoph: Thank you. *He tucks it into his wallet, which goes back into his pocket.* About what time can I expect you? *He chuckles.* I'll have to be sure I didn't lay a stack of papers on that cabinet.
Iris: Around ten in the morning. We'll be getting new flowers tomorrow -- I'll use the freshest stems. *glances back at the mums; they still lie unattended on the back counter, and she needs to get back to work. She looks up at Kristoph* Though I'm not a full time designer yet, I'll do my best.
Kristoph: I'm looking forward to it. *Noticing her glance, he decides that is his cue to depart. There is something about her that is beginning to unnerve him anyway.* Excuse me, I'll leave you to your work now. *He takes a step back* It was good seeing you again, Miss Iris.
Iris: The feeling is mutual, sir. Please have a good evening. *steps back to her post and picks up her knife, getting back to stripping some stems of leaves*
Kristoph: *Kristoph sees himself out, and once he's had a full breath outside the shop he feels fully restored. It was an opportunity after all, he tells himself. Smiling again he heads back towards his car.*