There's already a decent sized crowd, and it's obviously younger than the one that had attended Lydia's gala, most of the men Ben's age or only a little older. The age for women ranged quite a bit, from matching their husbands all the way down to probably later 20s -- really, there were quite a few women in that category. At the end of the hall there's a smallish open area with a bar off to one side, a few small tables, and plenty of people milling about. Around the corner there's a much larger room with more tables, bigger ones, with place settings for eight people at each one.

When they came across the crowd, she was more than pleasantly surprised that there seemed to actually be people closer to her age range. Although she didn't want to be dramatic, she was convinced she had been the youngest attendee of Lydia's Gala by a long shot which had made her feel just a little out of place. Mostly because it had earned her a few extra stares from the other guests, but she was convinced with a crowd like this she wouldn't stick out like sore thumb.

Ben's often quiet for the first few seconds of being in a new situation, to take everything in -- maybe he's trying to find familiar people or to see if people seem to be recognizing him -- and tonight is no different. It's the latter that happens here; a larger, rotund man that's only got a few years (but plenty of pounds) on Ben is waving their way, then moving to intercept them. Trailing behind him a step is a woman about the same age in a dress that's slightly too young for her (too short, too low-cut, too glittery) though she just about pulls off the look anyway. "Ben, it's good to see you," and even though Ben's never seen the guy in his life, one would never know it to look at him, the easy way he grins, takes the man's hand for a perfunctory shake. "Yeah, likewise. Thanks for the invitation."

The woman is just as quick to peck a kiss to Ben's cheek as her husband had been to shake his hand. "It's really nice to see you, Ben. Thanks again." Ben's still smiling, and he waves off the thanks, though it's done amiably. The gesture turns into touching his fingertips lightly to the back of Jackie's arm. "Jackie, Phil and Mary Winston. Phil, Mary, Jackie Daniels." There's always a chance that this was some other couple that knew not-Ben, but his educated guess is right, because the couple just smiles at Jackie, and Mary tells her, "It's nice to meet you."

She's following Ben's lead when he observes quietly, taking in the crowd. Jackie's doing the same thing, though she isn't looking for anyone or waiting to be approached. It's when they're being waved down that Jackie settles a sweet, friendly smile on her lips and keeps it there rather determinedly. Her gaze flickers amongst the three while greetings are exchanged, but it's Ben's touch that makes her straighten just a little more to take in the offered names.

There's a faint dip of her chin in Mary's direction. "A pleasure to meet you at well, Mrs. Winston." Much like at Lydia's Gala, Jackie's accent smooths out just a little. The Southern drawl is still alive and heavy, but her usual habit of dropping letters and lazily crushing words together is polished up to a delicate shine not as over the top as it was before. A nod of her head was given to Phil as well. "Pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Winston. Like Ben said, thank you for welcoming us here tonight. It's very kind of you."

"Oh, please," Mary reaches over to touch Jackie on the arm. "Just Mary. You're making me feel my age." She's laughing, though -- there's actually a lot of laughter in the room; the atmosphere is pretty relaxed, maybe somewhat surprisingly.

Ben's watching Jackie -- the accent, again, it distracts him; he's not used to it changing -- but when Phil pulls a pocketwatch from the pocket of his waistcoat and then claps Ben on the arm, his attention is on the other man again. "Well, you've made it just in time for dinner. We've got to go check a few things, but you two enjoy the evening."

Ben nods, thanks the two of them again, and then they're drifting off into the crowd after smiling at Ben and Jackie for a last time. Once the Winstons have turned around and are a few paces off, Ben's reaching over, sort of absently curling his fingers into the fabric of Jackie's coat, right at the back of her waist, though he's watching the couple leave. Possible crisis averted, he sighs quickly, quietly, relieved, and then he's leaning a little in the direction of the bar, giving Jackie a wordless look of inquiry, brows lifted just a little.

Jackie's smile brightens a touch even when Mary is correcting her. "Of course, Mary." There's a bit of companionable laughter to match Mary, but once again it's nothing over the top. At Lydia's Gala she felt she could get away with a lot more, that even if she made a bad first impression it wouldn't stick because she would never be seen by the same people again. It was becoming very clear this was no longer the case and it made Jackie much more aware of minding herself in the new crowd.

Her gaze shifts aside to Ben and she manages to catch that look from him. There's an extra curl to one side of her smile, like shrugging and saying 'what can I do?' without actually making the movement. At Phil's words of departure Jackie lifts a hand in a silent gesture of farewell to the couple as she watches them walk off.

Now Jackie can more freely look at Ben, her smile climbing just a bit at his look of relief. "Not so bad." Agreeing with what his expression seemed to be wordlessly saying. A glance aside towards the bar and she's nodding. "Yes. Please. Actually, I think I might get myself a glass of champagne again. It's starting to grow on me." She's automatically lifting her finger to press the tip of it to her own bottom lip. "Please don't tell anyone I said. I wouldn't be able to live it down."

"Not so bad," quiet in response. Ben's not sure which of them was more likely to be tripped up in that conversation, but happily, it ended up happening to neither. He's pulled out of his almost pensive mood at Jackie's request, along with her expression, her fingertip to the pout of her lower lip; she actually gets a chuckle out of him. "Your secret is safe with me."

He's unbuttoning his overcoat and pulling it off to drape it over his arm on their way over to the bar; once they get there he's leaning up against it, casual. Once he's got a bartender's attention, "Glass of champagne? And a soda." The bartender nods and goes off to get their drinks; Ben holds both hands out toward Jackie, palm up, flexes his fingers a little. "Coat? Warm in here."

With the confirmation that her secret was safe her smile brightened and her hand was lowered back down to her side. "That's why you're my favorite." Her nose crinkled, a smack of her lips. It wasn't because of what she said, but rather how she said it. As much as Ben got thrown off hearing Jackie enunciate better than usual, it seemed she did too.

She's following along in a dawdling steps, clicking as she goes to stand beside him at the bar. Her attention is fluttering around while he orders, but it's his request and extended hand that bring her gaze to him once more. There's a little hunch of her shoulders. Yes, she was warm, but the jacket was acting as a security blanket of sorts for her right now. But it's not like she could keep it on the entire evening, so she set to unbuttoning and slipping the waistcoat from her frame. It was caught in hand then extended to drape over his open palm. "Thank you." Giving a little dip of her head which she was getting so good at and a smirk.

"Thanks," automatic, yes, Ben's thanking Jackie for giving him her coat. Of course, he gives her a quick once-over, head to toe, before his focus is on her face again and he's grinning that damnable little grin at her again, so maybe that's what the thanks is for too. The bartender comes back with their drinks quick enough (neither one was complicated), and just as he's handing off Jackie's champagne to her, a pretty blonde just a few years older than Jackie is sidling up to the bar next to Ben. She's clearing her throat to get the bartender's attention (and he looks a tiny bit annoyed when he realizes this), orders a glass of merlot, please. With his back to the woman, facing Jackie, he's taking a sip of his soda, but he seems pretty comfortable there against the bar. "I thought you said the bubbles make the alcohol go right to your head?" Teasing, quiet.

The thanks obviously confused Jackie at first, but when his gaze raked across her it clicked into place and she grinned in return. "You're welcome." Her tone just a little cheeky while she's taking the glass of champagne from him. Her attention shifts from Ben's face to linger over his shoulder at the blonde behind him. It was hard to miss her with the way she cleared her throat, but dark brown eyes lingered on the woman longer than necessary. Mostly because she was around Jackie's age, even blonde like her too. She watched how the woman held herself, how she ordered her drink, what she ordered.

The woman looked so impatient while waiting for her wine (it seemed the bartender was dragging his feet on purpose), but it was when a man stepped up alongside her and placed his hand to her lower back that her entire attitude seemed to change. It was a quick shift, a brightening so sudden that it were almost like tugging on a mask. If the gentleman noticed at all, his expression wasn't giving it away. If Jackie were to try to peg his age she might say he was a little older than Ben. While his hair was dark and peppered similar to Ben's, the well groomed beard he had was distinctly greyed. And although his features gave away little signs of age here and there, the creases at the edges of his eyes, his smile was as lighthearted as that of a much younger man. "Did you manage to get your drink, dear? I believe dinner is going to be served shortly and we should be finding our seats."

It was after the man addressed the woman that Jackie really felt like she was imposing. How long had she been looking off anyway? Had Ben asked her a question? Jackie gave a few rapid blinks and a faint 'uhm' hummed at her lips before she turned her gaze to Ben once more. A smile easily curled at her lips and she lifted the champagne flute in hand. "I did say that. Maybe that's why I like it so much?"

Ben's faintly amused by Jackie's distraction, a slight smile still at his mouth. "Come on. We should get our seats. Unless you want to get a second one for the road?" With a little tip of his head toward her champagne flute, a slight lift of his brows. Teasing, still. It's a good mood that he's in, easy, open. He doesn't wait for an answer from her though, just laughing quietly instead, and pushing out of his lean against the bar, fingertips lightly against the back of Jackie's arm, just briefly, to hint that she follow him when he heads into the dining room in search of their seats.

Jackie had been caught. An attempt to hide her sheepish smile behind a sip of her champagne failed, but she obviously wasn't too broken up about it considering she was chuckling at his comment about a glass champagne for the road. "Double fisting flutes." Quietly beneath her breath. "The keg stands won't be too far behind." Replying even though they were already on the move and she was trailing along just a step behind him towards their table.

While the woman is smiling at her husband, it tightens a little when the bartender finally brings her a glass, pours a glassful of merlot for her. "On second thought, I can just take the bottle, so I won't have to trouble you for another one later," and she actually reaches across the bar to take it from him. She hops down from her perch on the barstool gracefully. She flashes her husband a winning smile and heads to the dining room as well with sharp clicks of her heels. Her pace slows a little bit when she realizes that most of the tables have already been filled, and that there's one a little further off that still has placecards at it (and likely, given the state of the nearer tables, include hers and her husband's); she hesitates a little more when it becomes obvious that the man and woman that had been next to her at the bar, the couple she didn't recognize (because she knew everyone that's anyone at this party), was meandering in the direction of that table as well. "Richard?" Sort of under her breath in an aside to him. "Do you know who they are?"

Richard is still standing dutifully near Claudia, his hand drawing back from her only enough to make room for her descent from the barstool. "Charming, Claudia." But there was no sarcasm or irriation in his tone when he said it. Instead he's moving along, only flashing the bartender a brief look and shrug that says 'you more tan likely asked for it'. His strides are much quieter and calmer compared to the harsh click of his wife's trot, but his longer strides keep him right by her with that guiding hand still lingering near her back.

When Claudia slows down, Richard does as well, though he's not paying as much attention to who is sitting where like she is so it takes a drawn out pause for him to realize who she's talking about. His volume drops to match Claudia's though his expression stayed as relaxed as ever. "Ah, that is fantastic. Phil pointed the gentleman out to me earlier, though the conversation was brief. A Mr. Ben Sullivan. A detective that made quite the impression on Phil and Mary when he quickly and quietly handled an incident for them. Phil had mentioned that Mr. Sullivan's agency had opened not too long ago from his understanding, but he had made such an impact that I should discuss my services with him." Richard made a mental note to thank Phil for the beneficial seating chart of this event. There was rarely a bad time to discuss business. "As for the woman?" Obviously this subject was far less interesting to Richard because it in no way could help bring him revenue. So his tone was rather bored when he finished. "Plus one?"

Claudia listens attentively for the explanation of who the man is, slows down enough to watch him drape his own coat and his plus one's across the backs of two chairs -- he's even pulling a chair out for her to sit, and it seems so automatic that he doesn't even realize he's doing it. Weirdly polite, and it's a little odd, though endearing. "A detective, really? That'd be new for you, wouldn't it?" Quietly assessing their interaction for a moment more, she decides that the girl can't be his wife, because he's too doting -- she must either be a mistress-type or they're in the middle of a whirlwind courtship. She'd bet on the latter, if she was with her girlfriends, but she's not, so instead she just observes, "She's very pretty," tone slightly over-serious, before she clicks her way to the table to take a seat herself.

"It would, indeed. The fact that he's so new has the usual benefits. I'm confident he hasn't been approached by anyone else just yet and if he has, it won't take very much to woo him our way." Richard seemed much more excited to be talking about the possible outcomes of his interaction with Ben tonight. When Claudia once again mentions the blonde plus one his expression turns rather critical, as if he were assessing the exterior of a brand new car. When it seems like he might be taking this far too seriously he tips his head aside to his wife. "She is. Which means you both will have something in common and you'll be able to hold her attention should the need arise."

Richard's expression is at ease once again when he arrives to the table with his wife. She's already practically in her seat so he simply sets his hand to the back of it, feigning the gentlemanly gesture of pulling it out for her even if the act doesn't quite hold his attention. Instead he's nodding to those already sitting at the table and taking the open seat between Claudia and Ben which she had been so kind to leave open. Since Ben is right beside him it's the perfect excuse to focus a formal introduction solely on him. His hand is extended towards Ben. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure. I'm Richard Kensington." He free hand gestures two fingers aside at Claudia. "And this is my wife, Claudia."

Ben's attention may not have been drawn away from Jackie and over to the pair if Claudia hadn't thunked the wine bottle down on the table, but when she does, his focus shifts there. Claudia's almost delicately cradling her wine glass, and she smiles prettily for the couple when her husband introduces her. "Hello, a pleasure."

Ben takes the other man's hand for a firm shake. "Yeah, I don't think we've met. Ben Sullivan." The smile comes easy, and it's a little lopsided, as they usually are. He reaches over to touch the blonde next to him lightly on the arm, just below her shoulder, though his attention doesn't stray from the couple. "This is Jackie Daniels. My girlfriend." His hand stays in contact with her, actually flattens, palm pressed to her shoulder blade. "Nice to meet you both."

Part of Jackie wanted to curl up and slink further into her seat. That was the woman she had been watching so carefully at the bar. She prayed to the maker that the woman had been so wrapped up in getting her precious wine she seemed so enthralled with right now that she hadn't even wasted a glance Jackie's way. When Ben introduces her she manages a friendly smile, minus any of her unease. Or so she hoped. "It's so nice to meet you both as well." She's tipping back just a bit, enough to press her shoulder blade a little further into Ben's palm to put her at ease.

"A pleasure, Miss Jackie Daniels." Richard spoke every word so clearly before a certain amount of appreciation lit his features in Ben's direction. "Ah, is that right? So, you are the Ben Sullivan that Phil had mentioned." His expression the perfect picture of surprise at such a happy coincidence. "While he, of course, didn't want to get into the hairy details of everything you did for his family he was very adamant that you had helped him out a great deal and he was very thankful for your services. It's a detective agency that you run, isn't it?"

Even though Claudia notices that Jackie doesn't seem one hundred percent comfortable (and that throws her off, that an apparently successful, attractive man wouldn't have taken up with someone already used to this scene), she doesn't go out of her way to antagonize her over it -- in fact, her smile eases a little, becomes a little less formal for Jackie, before her focus drifts to the conversation between the two men (and her glass of wine).

Jackie might not be seeking out the increased contact consciously, and it's certainly not conscious on Ben's part when his hand absently moves across her back, to her other shoulder, actually giving her a little squeeze. His conscious attention, outwardly, is all on Richard, though. He nods along with the explanation of how Richard's heard of him. "Right, a detective agency. Mostly investigations, but I do retrieval-type services when the situation calls for it. I was a cop back home for a long time, so it made sense to put all that experience to work here, I guess. And what do you do?"

As the men talk, Jackie is doing her best to follow along and keep her smile calm. It's much easier when Claudia seems to be just a touch more at ease as are the guys. She'll take a play from Claudia's book and lift her wine flute for a sip, cradling the glass in hand while allowing the boys to continue on. She's more than content with Ben's hand on her shoulder, even moreso with the squeeze, and that's all she needs at the moment.

While Claudia might be aware of Jackie's unease, Richard is far too focused on Ben to pay his wife much mind let alone Ben's date. "A cop? That's absolutely fascinating." When Richard speaks, he's already fishing into the innerpocket of his navy blue suit jacket to retrieve a sleek silver case. It's flipped open with ease, a practiced gesture. A crisp white business card embossed with black print is removed and extended towards Ben between two fingers while the case is returned to his jacket.

"While I provide a multitude of services, the all encompassing title would be a financial adviser. I help others manage the red tape of owning their own business, advise them on investments, help to plan for the future." It was the most attention that Richard had given to Jackie for majority of the evening and it came in the form of a friendly wink in her direction before he was looking to Ben once more. Apparently Claudia wasn't the only Kensington who could pick out the nuances of an infatuated man and that was the key moment to use Jackie in his sales pitch. "There's a long list of things I do, though I'm sure these ladies would be less than pleased if I spent the rest of the evening going on about it. You should give me a call, anytime that's convenient for you, and we can discuss it all in further detail."

Ben knows when he's being played -- but he also doesn't blame the guy, and he knows that he could probably use the expertise of somebody like Richard. And besides, even if he didn't, he's too polite -- too Canadian, maybe -- to start something here, at a client's birthday party. He takes the business card, gives it a glance before tucking it into the inner pocket of his suit jacket -- switches it out for one of his own, actually, scissoring it between his index and middle fingers to hold it out toward Richard. "I'll keep that in mind. You're right, though -- I'm sure I'm gonna get an earful later tonight if we keep talking business, right?" Glancing over at Jackie then, smiling crookedly -- teasing, he doesn't really mean it -- and then his focus is back on Richard. "I'll call you in a couple of days." Claudia's looking more bored by the second (even though she's listening carefully to everything, and keeping close observation on the pair, even if it doesn't seem like it), but she perks up when a waiter comes by to set down salads for each of them.

If Richard knew that the word 'played' came up in Ben's mind, he would be offering his usual jovial laughter and correcting the term with one of his own. Strong delivery. A strong delivery is always remembered. Richard takes Ben's business card, looking it over approvingly before putting it away in his suit pocket as well.

With Ben's playful prodding Jackie is smiling sweetly in return. "You're both more than welcome to continue on with business, so long as you run and grab me a bottle of champagne from the bar first. I didn't really think ahead like Claudia did." There was nothing harsh in her tone when she said it, no judgement of the woman. Jackie was obviously a little unsure of her joke, but mostly her tone held admiration for someone doing exactly what they wanted at these event. Jackie wished she had the guts to do that.

Even if Jackie felt less than confident about her joke, it still made Richard chuckle. "Funny girl." But Richard's gaze met Ben's with an accompanying nod. "But really, that's fantastic. I look forward to hearing from you. From the little you've told me so far I believe my services could be most beneficial to you." When the salad is set down in front of him, Richard's hands are lifting as if that's his cue to surrender. "And now dinner is being served. Not another word from me on the subject." It seemed that assurance was both for Ben and Jackie as well as well as his bored wife.

Claudia doesn't take offense at Jackie's joke -- she actually laughs, open-mouthed, chiming, before picking up her fork. "Next time you'll know better. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 -- evening

Without any exaggeration, Jackie really was in love with today. She got to see Ben in the afternoon, her tips were booming, it was her first time leaving her pole dancing class minus an injury, and now she was heading over to Ben and Adam's because Ben said he had a really fantastic surprise to tell her about and didn't want to do it through text. She also managed to get a mug of hot cocoa between leaving the dance studio and arriving at Ben's, so that didn't hurt either.

The trusty red Ford truck pulled up in the driveway of the picturesque little white house that Ben and Adam called home and the engine was killed. With a thump of comfy black knit boots Jackie hopped out of the vehicle and swung the door shut behind her. Her somewhat risque outfit for class had been drawn way back and made family friendly by tossing on a pair of black sweats and a hot pink browning hoodie. With her cocoa nestled firmly in hand she bounced her way towards the front door, blonde ponytail swinging with the movement, and didn't hesitate to rap her knuckles against the door.

It's not long at all before Ben opens up the door for her, and he's grinning ear to ear once he sees her. "Hey, sweetheart." Gathering her up in a hug right there in the doorway, though it only lasts a few seconds before he lets her go and steps back to let her inside. Ben's obviously set on staying home for the rest of the night, in black sweats and a grey pullover hoodie, barefoot. The house is mostly quiet, though there's the soft background noise of the TV going, and both the light in the living room and the office are on. Ben pauses to duck into the office, "Jackie's here. You want to say hi?" Adam heaves a sigh, dramatic, and then glumly, "Hi, Jackie," calling to her without leaving the room. Ben just looks sort of amused when he steps out of the doorway and takes Jackie by the hand, leading her toward the living room. "Math homework. I probably need to help him with it in a little bit. How was your class? And the rest of work?" At that, he gives her a sly, sidelong look.

"Hey there." The reply came back just as happily and was followed by a chuckle of amusement when he didn't even let her get in the door before hugging her. "Someone's in a mighty good mood." The words came out sort of sing-song as she followed him inside and let the door swing shut behind her. She trails along after Ben and peeks her head in the office as well, a hand lifting to give Adam a wiggly fingered wave. "Hey, Adam." She flashes Ben a look, not sure what was so amusing about Adam's tone or expression. He looked and sounded like he was being tortured. Oh, but the explanation of homework made it crystal clear. "Of course."

With her free hand in Ben's she's continuing on along after him. "The rest of work was jus' fine." Grins. "I made a ton of tips." Her expression was just as sly before perking up considerably. "It was fantastic. Actually," She gestured at herself with her traveler of cocoa. "No serious injuries. It's a first!" Beams.

"Of course you did." His grin goes a little more crooked when she mentions making a ton of tips, and his expression brightens even more when she mentions coming out of class without any injuries. "Really? Hey, congratulations. You're probably getting pretty good, aren't you?" His lips purse a little; he's obviously trying not to let that grin get too lopsided. It's not far to the couch from the door, and once he gets there, he sits down and kicks his feet up on the coffee table, grabbing the remote to turn the TV off. "So. I know you're probably dying for these surprises, right? Which one do you want first -- the one you kind of know about, or the one you don't know about at all?"

"I see that smile. Y'want a cut?" Chuckling she nodded, even dipped her hips a little mid-step in a curtsey. "Thank y', thank y'. I think I'm getting alright. Paying more attention to what I do an' how I move my body instead of jus' whippin' myself around. So I'm guessin' that helps."

Once he sits she's following along right after him. The traveler mug is set down on the coffee table then she's leaning back into the couch, drawing her legs up to curl beneath her. She's leaning herself against him, not too much considering she's all too aware of Adam in the other room, but more in an innocent sort of snuggle for warmth. "Yer hints were horrible as usual, so yesss... I would like to know." Grinning behind the tease. "That's a hard choice." She bit her bottom lip, nose crinkling in thought. "How about the one I sorta know about first?"

"Hell yeah, I want a cut." He laughs a little too, quietly. "That does sound like it'd help. Just don't forget how to hair toss. That's got to be your signature move, right?" When she leans against him, he doesn't pull away or even seem hesitant about the contact -- Adam's in the other room, and even if he wasn't, this is innocent enough. "Hey, you'll be glad I gave horrible hints when you're completely surprised. I want to be able to see your face when I tell you." When she makes her choice, he nods a little, pulls a small black box out of the front pocket of his hoodie, holds it out to her.

"Me forgettin' how to hair toss is like a fish forgettin' how to swim. It ain't gonna happen so don't you worry your pretty lil' head over it." She went so far to tip her head upward and press her lips in a brief kiss to his temple. More snickering and she nodded along with his explanation. "I know. Besides, even with the best hints I probably wouldn't be able to figure it out." She wiggles in place and carefully takes the little black box from him. She was getting used to getting these boxes, but it didn't mean she was ever any less excited about them. He always managed to surprise her in the best way with them. With one last glance aside at him she turned her attention back down to the box and slowly lifted the lid.

It's maybe the simplest charm yet, just a flat silver heart. His voice drops a little, and he's smudging a kiss to her temple in return. "Love you." At first it seems like he's reaching for her hand, but instead he's slipping his index finger under her charm bracelet, letting his fingertip press lightly to where her pulse is. "I was going to get it engraved with the date we first said it, but ... well, you know I've felt it for a lot longer than that. I think you have too."

When she sees the charm her head tips to the side, that usual moment of Jackie allowing the meaning of her newest charm to sink in. It was just a second before he said the words that delight dawned across her features. The thrum of her pulse quickened both beneath his touch and with the excitement of an addition to her bracelet. "Love you, too." She leaned aside, cooing the words to him softly while still looking at the little heart charm. It might have been one of the simplest, but it was one of the most important to her now. "I have felt it long before I said it, but... take it slow. On everythin'. It hasn't hurt us yet." Her head turned to peer at him sweetly. "But the date isn't so much important. It was how I felt after I said it to you that I'll never forget an' I'll remember lookin' at this lil' charm. Like a weight was lifted an' I could breathe a lil' easier 'cause you knew."

He hadn't been expecting the last thing she says, that she felt like she could breathe easier once she'd said it and he knew. That gets one of those rarer smiles out of him, sort of soft, though it's still a little crooked. Other than that, though, he doesn't say anything about that aspect. He drops his gaze, but it's so he can take the charm out of the box, and without asking, he's turning her bracelet around her wrist so he can attach the little heart charm to the next open link. "You're right. It hasn't hurt us yet. Even got you employee of the month." Teasing, quietly. Once he's got the heart attached to her bracelet, he turns to face her a little more easily, one elbow against the top of the back of the couch, head propped up by his hand. "Alright, so, the other thing..." He takes a deep breath, lets it out in a little huff of a sigh, apparently still thinking over how to tell her this. "Do you think you can find people to cover your shifts next week? Because we're leaving for a little vacation on Sunday."

Even with his gaze dropped while he's working on the charm Jackie is still steadily watching him. Marveling silent over how lucky she was to have him, how much she cared for him. "Bossman can't for the life of 'im figure out why the freezer looks like hell these days. With our lunch dates I haven't really had a need to sort the produce." She gives a restrained smile to keep herself from laughing. Once the heart is attached her wrist is lifted to look it over, how it sits so prettily with all the others.

But it's when he mentions the other thing that she's mirroring him, turning to face him a little more even if her fingertips are still toying with the heart charm. Brows rose at his drawn out pause, then somehow managed to go even higher when he continued on. "Seriously?" It probably wasn't the reaction he was looking for and seemingly realizing that she explained. "What sort of vacation? I know we were talkin' about goin' on one, but you an' I haven't had a lick of time to even sit down an' decide where we wanted to go."

It's not the reaction he expected, but that doesn't faze him. Just as nonchalant as he'd mentioned the vacation in general, he shrugs, drops his gaze again for a few seconds, seemingly distracted by her toying with the new charm, but then he's focused on her face again. "The kind I'd been talking about. Private place, right on a private beach. Secluded, like an hour away from any civilization." His mouth quirks a little to one side; he's having trouble continuing to keep up the casual act.

The more he explains, the more amazed Jackie looks. She swivels her entire body around to face him completely, watching him closely for some sort of tell that he's pulling her leg. "Really, Ben?" Like she wants him to confirm he's telling the truth. "Really?" This time it's much more excited. Her head tips back in a laugh then just as quickly she's struck with another confused expression. "How? How in the hell did you manage to find anything? You've been up t' yer eyeballs in work when you ain't here gettin' yer butt handed to you in Uno." Another laugh, her hands lifting to cover her mouth and muffle the sound.

"Yeah, really, Jackie." He can't keep the act going anymore, and he's grinning widely then. "You think I'd joke about that? You'd probably kill me." He sounds like he's joking then, even if he's not entirely sure that that isn't true -- but he's serious when he goes on, even if he remains lighthearted. "How? Luck. I finally got around to calling Richard, and we got to talking... I guess he took pity on me being so busy and not having enough time to spend with you, because it's his place he's letting us use. And his private plane that's going to fly us there. We just owe him going over to his house for dinner with him and Claudia when we get back. Small price to pay, right?"

"I would not kill you." Pauses. "I would give you the evil eye and if that should do the trick, well, then it wouldn't be my fault." Her gaze drops, brows creasing while she searches her memory bank for Richard. It didn't take long for her to brighten again. "Richard from the party! The slick guy who made hand love t' you when y'all exchanged cards." She stuck her hand out, fingers wiggling, like that might mean something. Joking aside her hand sank into her lap. "Lettin' us use his place and havin' us eat dinner at his house with his wife an' him. How is that even a fair trade?" Squints. "That is... totally unbelievable but completely amazin'." Jackie was so excited, grinning brightly, that she didn't even balk at the idea of having to fly. Not yet anyway.

"Yes, Richard from the party, the slick guy." Trying not to laugh, mostly successful. If Ben's lucky, maybe her excitement will last long enough that she doesn't second guess flying until they're on the plane. "Isn't it unbelievable? But you'd better believe it enough to be ready to leave late Sunday morning. So besides laying on the beach and getting reacquainted with each other..." His smile turns just a little arrogant, presumptuous, but he's reaching for her hand at the same time. "There's lots of other stuff we can do. Snorkeling, little boat trips, fishing, hiking... but I kind of already told his assistant that she didn't need to worry about making sure any of that's available for us. Right call? -- the only thing I thought maybe we could do was spend just one night in town. Do a little shopping, go out to a nice dinner? I know that means you won't be able to fit everything for the week in a fanny pack. I'm sorry," he wasn't.

"He just became the super slick guy." She turned enough to sink back into the cushions of the couch, shaking her head in awe. "I can't believe someone would do somethin' so... nice. He barely even knows us." A glance aside to Ben and a smirk. "I promise I'll be ready. I'll probably be all packed by Friday night and bouncin' off the walls all throughout our date an' mornin' after pancakes." Her fingers laced through his, listening to his explanation of everything this place had to offer. He really is so full of himself, but she can't say he's wrong, "You absolutely made the right call. I'm sure all of that is amazin', but... I'm honestly overjoyed by the idea of sittin' in sand with y' and that's all I need." His mention of her infamous fannypack makes her laugh a little harder. "You doubt me. I probably still could manage with a fanny pack, but that's fine. A night in town sounds great. I suppose I can manage to share you fer one night." A finger lifted on her free hand and she mouthed the word 'one'.

"It's not just because he's nice. It's at least part because he's trying to butter me up so I pick his company to handle a bunch of the boring administrative stuff for work. I'm too smart to be swayed by a free vacation, but that doesn't mean I'm not gonna take advantage." His grin quirks up a little more -- it's not just the reminder of morning after pancakes, but for admitting that he'd made the right call about wanting to spend the vast majority of this upcoming vacation secluded away from everything, too. He really is full of himself; he's lucky that arrogance is usually attractive on him. Leaning in closer when she relents and says she can share him for just one night. "Just one?" So quiet, just playing along, because he's following the question up with a kiss before she can answer.

"He's givin' us a beach for a week an' the work is borin' anyway." Shoving motion. "Give it all to him, good Lord!" She knows that's not how business works, how you shouldn't go running for the first offer, but this is why she was thankful it was Ben's decision and not hers. For a week of getting to wear, at most, a bikini majority of the time she would happily give Richard whatever his heart wanted. Her head tips aside to look at him and that arrogant smile he's not even bothering to hide. "Oh, yer all excited about it now but just wait." His lips captured hers and she held that kiss for just a little longer than she should have with Adam being in the house, but when her head tipped back it was like she was never interrupted. "You know those times when you want a nap an' I'm practically pawin' at you for attention?" Demonstrating this by dragging her knuckles along his side. "That is gonna be yer entire week." Hand up, one finger lifted. "With only one night in town. I'm not willin' to share anymore than that."

Stifling a laugh for her business decision, but he leaves it there. He knows she knows better, and he knows neither of them want to talk about his job right now anyway. Ben's getting bold (or careless), because when she breaks the kiss, he's leaning in as if to steal another one, though her question stops him just short. Scoffing a little when she asks her question, like he's offended. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm always ready to give you attention," even though that was false, and the situation Jackie was referring to had happened more than once. Usually he's remarkably good at keeping up with her, but sometimes the age difference does show there -- and besides, she's an Energizer, and he's a rechargeable. When she lifts her finger, he grabs her hand, and he's nose to nose with her. "Good. Because I want you pawing at me the whole week. I'm not willing to share you any more than one night either."

The scoffing sound is made right back at him, a little higher pitched. "Is that right?" Laughing openly. She sank further into the couch and closed her eyes. When she spoke, she dropped her tone a few levels and added an extra growl to her words. "Jackie, not now. Sleep now. Half hour. C'mooon." When her eyes open again her hand is within his and he's face to face with her. "But then that's always followed by my favorite part. When y' literally grab me an' wrestle me into layin' still." Lips lifted, a kiss to the tip of his nose. "Then we're agreed. There is a lot of pawin' an' this face-" Free hand lifted, point to her face. "In yer future." Thoughtful lift of her gaze. "An' my future has a carry-on that only has a toothbrush in it." Squees happily. Sun! She wanted sun. Goodbye, RhyDin. Hello, Sunshine.

Stifling a laugh for her impression. "You're a brat," though there's too much amusement in his voice to make that anything more than a term of endearment. And then she goes on, tells him her favorite part, kisses his nose, and his expression softens outright. "Yeah, we're agreed. And it's a good thing, too." He doesn't let go of her hand yet, pressing his free hand to her cheek, aiming a kiss to her forehead. "Because I like the sound of lots of this pretty face in my future." That happy reaction at her own statement has him laughing openly, and he's pulling her to her feet after getting up to his own. "I've got to help Adam with his homework. You're welcome to stick around, but... it's not going to be fun."

"Your brat." The words said as sweetly as her saying she was the Princess to his Prince Charming. She looks completely content at his agreement over it all and not even him getting to his feet can ruin her mood. She's rises to stand as well and makes a face. "Math? Hell no. I gotta go home an' start diggin' 'round for all my summer clothes I packed away. An' start lookin' over a schedule for work next week to see who I'm gonna be bakin' brownies for while kissin' their behinds." Though, the mention of Adam did make her brows rise. "Have y' gotten to talk to Hayley at all 'bout all this? I'm figurin' she agreed to a week? How many kegs are y' gonna have to pay her for that?" Beams.

As much as it shouldn't, her saying that she was his brat gets him to smile, and most of the arrogance is absent. "My brat." A little tug at her hand, and he's headed back toward the door with her once she grabs her hot chocolate. "I talked to her really briefly about it. She can do it, but we haven't worked out exact payment..." Jackie's beaming, but Ben, on the other hand, looks a little mournful. "She's going to be able to open her own bar by the time Adam's old enough not to need someone to look after him."

When he echos that she is indeed his brat it gets a beaming smiling to spread across her lips. She follows along easily enough, taking a sip of her room temperature cocoa with a brief grimace. "On the plus side, yer practically family so that means y' get to drink at her bar for free. It all really does work out in the end." Look at that, she wrapped it so nicely in a pretty red bow for him. When they passed by the office Jackie lifted her cocoa mug to wiggle it at Adam in a wave. "Night, Adam!"

"That's one of the things I love about you. Always finding the bright side." A little bit dryly, but he's smiling. The "Night, Jackie," is just as glum as before, if not even moreso. Ben glances over his shoulder in the direction of the office, wincing a little, then turns back to Jackie. "Night, sweetheart. Don't be late for your meeting in the morning." Voice a little low, he leans in for a quick kiss to her mouth -- not quite chaste, but surprisingly in that direction, considering what he'd just said, the touch of heat that had bled into his tone. Opening up the door for her then, he lets go of her hand only when she turns to leave.

Adam's less then stellar reply makes her expression contort in sympathy. Yuck, she was right to flee. Math is horrible. Back to Ben she gave a smile. "Goodnight, sweetheart." The addition to his goodnight causes Jackie to suck her bottom lip into her mouth, teeth clenching down to keep whatever comment she had to herself. Nope, now is not the time. She released her lip in time for his kiss, but still managed to keep the electricity he just brought to life within her at bay. "Mhmm." It was all he got. He could have the blush at her cheeks, too. She turned on her heels and went stepping out the front door, down off the porch, only lifting her cocoa in her final goodbye. They would have plenty of time to play another time. For now, she had a vacation to get ready for.