Being flanked by pretty women worked for Mason. He escorted them up the aisle. There were still a few people lingering in the lobby so he didn't rush them through in case Kat wanted to speak to anyone as they headed for the door. She seemed happy to be leaving and offered a few good nights as the three of them walked to the door. Once out on the street in front of the ballet theater, Mason turned them in the direction of the market and started them walking.

"Jist wha' place ar' we goin' ta?"

Eva smiled as she too wanted to know what he had in mind. "Good question."

"Mac Roy's. It's a little diner around the corner. Not fancy, but good food and they stay open late for the theatre crowd. They have great burgers." He looked between them. "Unless.. you want something fancier?"

"Good burgers, late a' nigh'? Kin't ask fer much more. Heard o' th' place, jist haven't swung by it jist yet." Katarina didn't mention that Locke's strict diet severely limited their eating options.

"Sounds good to me." Eva smiled, glancing to Mason and Katarina. "If I get ketchup on this dress though, I'm gonna freak."

Mason grinned at Eva. "I could lick it off before it stains?"

"Mason!" Eva blushed, and shot an apologetic glance towards Katarina as she sent her elbow into Mason's side.

"Ugh." Katarina laughed, and nudged Mason. "Jist... dun do it 'n fron' o' me, yeah?"

Elbowed on one side and nudged on the other. He laughed. "What?"

Katarina was still laughing. "Does it eva occur ta ya ta keep some comments to yerself?"

"Well... I haven't asked how you and Locke do it, considering he is Ice Boy." That failed as an example of Mason regulating what came out of his mouth.

Eva's eyes widened, appalled, her cheeks aflame, embarrassed for herself, for Mason and for Katarina. "Mason..." This time her voice was low with warning.

Katarina flinched slightly, the comment stinging deep, but she played it off with a roll her eyes." Well, I dun see how tha' has ta do wit' th' words comin' ou' o' yer mouth."

Mason's laughter and smile faltered. He had crossed the line. He glanced up and down the street to avoid the look from Eva and Kat. His voice lowered. "Sorry, Katarina."

She shook her head slightly. "Nah, no need ta be sorry. Bu' if ya kin come up wit' some clever plans fer me... jist lemme know, yeah?" Forgiveness was shown in the smile she gave him.

"Come on... " Eva smiled, as Katarina took care of smoothing things over. "I think I hear burgers calling our names..."

Bright light spilled through the plate glass window of the diner across the street. Mac Roy's was the typical greasy spoon sort of diner. Except tonight the customers were all dressed in tuxedo's and evening gowns.

Mason gave an apologetic smile to them both as they crossed the street towards the diner. "Yes, food. Have I mentioned I am hungry?"

"Nah since we lef' th' theatre." And to try and smooth things completely over, Katarina gave Mason a daring look. "I bet I kin eat more 'n ya kin." She wasn't sure where she thought she could even win, but it seemed like a fun idea.

Mason stopped at the door and pulled it open for them and looked at Katarina......and laughed. "You must be dreaming."