This was anything but within his realm of normalcy. Just to preface this whole experience. And to explain why as Carrick stood outside of this Sugar and Spice place, he was just slightly on edge. Why all of this unease?
Two words: blind date.
He obliged, knowing that if he didn't his cousin would make his life a living Hell. And honestly, he hadn't been on a date in what seemed like... well, forever. As if on cue, Carrick stuffed his hands in the pockets of his peacoat and gave a hidden-well nervous glance down the road. He knew nothing about this girl. Other than her name was Tate? No, Tatum? Both? It took a lot for Carrick not to use what sources he had to look up more information on this girl. But then it wouldn't be doubly blind of a date then, would it.
Carrick let out a slow exhale, a puff of steam showing evidence that his insides were working a mile a minute and keeping the man decently warm. His eyes wandered to the window and what would be his soon access to warmth. Not that it was that bad outside.
Taking his right hand out to check his watch, Carrick gave a quick, small nod and glanced down the street again. He was early, of course. Always. And this was him being creative, at least on a "date" perspective. Hands on. In case his social skills weren't at their best under this different type of pressure. He was over-thinking things. Carrick gave a hard blink and suddenly felt his body tense as an unexpected nudge was placed strategically on his arm.
Here goes nothing... Carrick's head turned first, bearing a polite smile and his body slowly followed. His smiled widened as he took the girl's appearance in. Definitely... unexpected... and yet... entirely welcomed. Teal, it was different. Tattoos, something familiar, though not those in particular. As he spent the first few moments taking her in, Carrick struggled with how to handle introductions. And then he went for it...
Right hand moving as if in slow motion, he stuck it out towards the younger woman with a warm smile in tow. "Tatum? I hope?" He inquired, his body language searching for the common handshake, giving off the presentation of his being relaxed, calm and collected. Meanwhile his brain was working a thousand kilometers a minute. "I'm Carrick, pleasure." He then raised his brows and reached an arm out to prop open the door. "Shall we? I've never been but I've heard it's fun. This is also coming from a teenager, so forgive me if your hopes are crushed within the first minute." He let out a couple of light, jovial laughs and donned his wide smile. Relaxing into this experience. Everything would be fine.
Holding up two fingers, he retrieved their timed runes and turned them around a few times in his hand before holding them out for Tatum to take her pick, unless... "If you don't think you'll leave me," he cupped his hand closed, "I'll just keep hold of these." Ever the gentleman, no way was he going to let her pay a thing for the night's events. "So, food or --" He laughed once more having a feeling the other option would be more to her liking. "Definitely animals. Don't know why I even bothered to ask." Another smile. This was getting easier.
