evikoning·:
“Right. Impeccable.” Evi bats back with a roll of her eyes, a sideways smile. Still, she can’t pretend that she doesn’t appreciate the business. It’s sort of scant these days – especially compared to mere months ago. But that was a different time, she reminds herself silently, fiercely. “Glad you like them.” The gardener replies before tiptoeing around her own request. Good thing she’s not dealing with one of the fae. Her emotions would probably topple right out. “Of course not. What kind of gardener do you take me for? My flowers come from a place of pure and wholesome motivations only.” Not at all true, and Evi sighs, about to launch into her line of questioning right here on the stoop. Luckily, she’s presented an invite. “That’d be great, actually. Ah… anything citrus is my preference, but I’m not picky.” She shrugs, shoe scuffing the ground once she’s leaned against the kitchen wall. “Anyway. If you’re looking for side work, I’ve got this… family I’d really like some… insight on.” Her own family, but that’s not necessary to share, even though it very well may come into light later. “Down in Pretoria. South Africa.” She specifies perhaps too quickly – after all, it is her hometown. “Just the basics. Current whereabouts, any recent headlines. Very recent. Within the last… year or two. Nothing too deep.” She’s got to tread lightly here. Don’t need those ghosts dug up. “Can’t offer anything more interesting than money, I’m afraid. But I’m willing to pay whatever you see fit.”
Reggie laughs, obviously amused by her claim of‘pure and wholesome motivations only’. He can’t say he’s ever had the pleasure of meeting someone with such motivations before. “I’ll take your words for it,” he lies, placing the orchid on the countertop. He nods as he goes through the fully stocked cupboard-- the vampire doesn’t need or use half of the stuff in there. He hires people to shop for grocery and decorate the apartment, simply for the pretense of normalcy. It humanizes him, and in his experience, other’s sympathy is something he can exploit to survive. He finds a pack of lemon ginger tea and starts the hot water on the stove. He looks back at her with this look that reads ‘girl, please’. “Evi, darling, you needn’t bribe me with flowers for my insight. I’m always happy to provide.” He offers her a soft, empty smile. “That sounds easy enough. Might I ask why, or any landmine to avoid?” He asks as he opens the fridge-- finds a small box of macaroons from the Sweet Spot. He puts some out on a floral plate and sets it on the counter for her. “Money’s not an issue for me, if I’m being perfectly honest...” He scratches his cheek. Money is useful, but it’s not the only currency he deals in. “Tell you what, I’ll do this one for free, for old time’s sake.” Sometimes one must show compassion-- because it sometimes returns in twofold. Call it an investment.
