It had been a decently long evening, or rather it had felt that way considering how dark it was when she finally arrived at The Fresh Garden to meet her date for the evening. He was a fairly sweet young man, with an adorable doll like face; an entrepreneur with quite a bit of success with small business management. All good traits as far as Meridiana was concerned.

At first he seemed a bit… shy, reserved almost but by the time he got to his second glass of wine well, one can imagine how talkative one can get especially if they’re not use to drinking. Not that it bothered her in the least, if anything it made things easier for her by eliminating the need to answer questions about herself since he was all too happy to elaborate on key milestone in his life that helped him get to where he was today.

Fascinating, really! At least it would be if she had truly been paying attention.

Every so often Meridiana would interject with a question when it seemed like he had reached the end of a long winded story just to keep him going between taking small bites of food or a sip of water to clear his dry throat. All the while, as Justin got more and more animated by gesturing with his hands when he was trying really hard to explain something to her in layman's terms; because god forbid she actually understood his point the first time, the Senshi of the Succubus would advantage of key moments when waiters and waitresses passed by their table to discreetly syphon just a little bit of energy. Only enough so that by the time she and her date reached the end of their meals, the majority of the employees were struggling to keep from yawning too much when taking a guests order or dropping of a bill.

“Well, I must say, it was a pleasure Justin.” Meridiana set the hand polished silver fork down next to the desert plate after taking the last bite of her Baked Hawaiian, an intriguing take on the Baked Alaska the last time she went on a cruise to the Caribbean. Granted it was some time ago but there are some things one tends not to forget. With a wave of her hand she signaled their waitress over. “Could we get the bill please?”

“I am so sorry, I truly didn’t mean to talk so much I feel like I’ve-” The young man’s cheeks were tinted a light shade of pink as he fumbled about with his words.

Meridiana held a hand up for him to stop. “It is ok, I enjoyed listening. Perhaps we can try again another night, hmm?” She extended the offer knowing full well by the hopeful look in his eyes that their evening might go beyond just a simple meal.

Before he could answer. Tracie returned with their check to which he reached out and take it from her. “Please, I’ll take care of this.” Justin took a brief look at the receipt, unphased by the amount he pulled out his wallet and withdrew two one-hundred dollar bills. “Keep the rest as a tip.”

Hmm so generous. Meridiana mused though she was sure it was all just a show to get in her good graces. She smiled her approval before placing her napkin on the table but before she could rise from her seat he had already gotten up to help her in the most gentlemanly fashion she had seen in some time.

“Thank you. I really enjoyed this evening.” She leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek “I should let you go though. You had mentioned having to fly out in the morning for that business meeting, where was it again?”

“Dallas,” he chuckled “Are you sure I can’t give you a ride home though?” There was a hopeful glint in his amber colored eyes which was very short lived when Meridiana replied with an almost apologetic expression. That was one rule while powered she absolutely refused to break.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.I have an Uber that will be here in about 10 minutes. Give me a call when you get back ok?” Draping the velvety black shawl over her arm she guided Justin to the front of the restaurant where the hostess, after losing a battle with a very big yawn, thanked them both for coming and bid them farewell.

Outside the valley had already drove his car, a silver porsche, up to the main entry way. “Take care and have a safe flight.” Just so he knew how serious she was about her earlier offer, Meridiana rose up on her toes and gave him a brief kiss on the lips. He was a smart man and no doubt got the hint.

Half surprised by her forwardness Justin cleared his throat as if he had mysteriously lost his voice. “I will talk with you soon.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before ducking into his car and driving off until his taillights could no longer be seen.

“Mam?” The valet behind reached out to tap her on the shoulder when it became apparent she didn’t have a ride. “Would you like me to call a taxi for you?”

“Hmm? Oh no-” Meridiana shook her head. “I’m fine walking, I don’t live far.” She lied. While she had definitely met her quota while inside she was far from done collecting energy. Just a bit more and then she will have enough to turn in not only her own but Arabia’s portion as well; not that she would ever admit to him what she was doing.