Some rock and roll number emitted as Theodore spotted the very garden; directly across Backyard Landmarks's ballroom were extravagant french doors, showcasing fancy shrubs and fountains. When they finally escaped said calamity inside and stepped upon cobblestone, Elena Jr. gasped.
"How wonderful this all is... Do you smell that?"
Teddy felt confused until he observed the beautiful area. Creating a complicated maze were several pathways, leading in every direction possible. Bushes loomed like intimidating statues formed into miscellaneous animals, bringing attention to glittering fountains spouting water overhead.
And the smell... So minty, so spicy. One could stay and sleep here forever. Theodore Grey had fretted over polluted rooms all night when in reality he could have found solace in something else.
"Yeah, I do... You didn't lead us out here to kill me, right?"
Elena didn't laugh at his bad attempt at a joke; she merely stood under lowlight, allowing her features to become more clear. Wow. Those hips were more full than he thought... It brought attention to full cheeks and even higher up, femininely built arms...
But how perfect could someone's skin and hair be? There were absolutely no zits or stray tresses...
"No, I did not. Wanted to escape somewhere quiet away from..."
"The craziness?"
The angel paused, as if pondering on this statement, eventually smiling.
"Yes, precisely. And why not ask some questions of my own; guessing you own Backyard Landmarks?"
Teddy lowered his head, frowning. Maybe that was what Christian had tried preparing his only son for: making a fool of himself. Too late.
"I... Uh... No."
Elena sighed, sitting on a nearby wall, causing thick thighs to be completely on display.
"Not in retail, then. Do you work in telecommunications, HR, or-"
"NOTHING!"
Realizing his voice had risen immensely, Theodore backtracked, sounding more like a timid mouse.
"Nothing... Though I prefer to donate and help the less fortunate... I've only just decided to step into the family business. Pretty lame, huh?"
After a few moments of silence Elena stood, clacking both heels on the way over. Then- without asking for permission- rubbed his stiff shoulders. Weirdly enough Teddy liked it... Feeling more comfortable in the woman's hold the longer the action continued.
"Forgive me if this is too intrusive but... I've dealt with people garnering anxiety. Listen: It isn't lame. Family should understand that not everyone is as seasoned for such work and maybe... Be more understanding. Perhaps start you off with less stressful tasks?"
Woah. Like some mirage being wrapped over his mind Theodore instantly calmed. No one had explained things so logically. He assumed people viewed him as some spoiled dunce for refusing to take the mantel.
Noticing the change in atmosphere Elena retreated, causing the meek man to face her:
"You alright, Mr. Grey?"
Feeling like he could breathe again, Theodore nodded.
"Yeah. Thank you. Everyone's always turning their nose down at me. Pheobe means well, I'm sure. Though sometimes... I think she believes me pathetic."
The obsidian-haired goddess shook her head.
"No, I doubt that. She just needs to put on a front."
Mmm. That seemed unlikely. Curiosity running wild, Teddy said:
"What about the Lincoln's? What are you into?"
Elena Jr. huffed.
"Not Lincoln. Hyde. I am Elena Hyde."
Well, that was strange.
"Um... I thought your mother named you after her."
"She did."
What-?
"Legally, then, your surname would be: Elena Hyde Jr."
"Yes... Seems odd, but father wanted his legacy to live forever. Hah. Dad of the year, huh?"
Indeed, but Grey would never say it aloud. Instead, however, idle conversation seemed best.
"Guessing Jack gave you that beautiful black hair?"
For some reason this question made her uncomfortable. Twiddling small thumbs, she quirked her mouth to the side.
"No. Had it colored. Too many people started comparing mother and daughter. Got pretty annoying."
"Ah, I see... So, work?"
Teddy worried his crush was too upset to answer, but much to his surprise, she replied:
"I'm into lots of things. Some mundane, some more experimentive."
What did that mean?
