When clients asked for her thoughts, sometimes it was to make the atmosphere less awkward; to distract themselves from the fact that they’d just paid for the company of a woman. Other times it was because they genuinely were curious - a little too curious for their own good. Avery thought herself a good judge of character, and he seemed to genuinely want to know the answer; whether it was to turn her attention back to him, or because he was curious, she had yet to figure out.

Of course, she would cut off one of her own fingers before she ever told him the real truth, but regardless she had an answer for him. With a light sigh, she gave a soft laugh. “India!” Figures that a rich man would be wanting to get away from the gloom of the country for somewhere they’d label more exotic. “Well, I suppose I should be happy that I have you to myself then.” Avery leaned her head towards him, fluttering her lashes before answering his question. “I’m spending time with my family, I suppose. Mama -” She made sure to shorten the first syllable and draw out the second one like she’d been taught, pronouncing it as ‘ma-mahh’. “Is planning something special for next weekend, she says, though I haven’t the foggiest what it could be. Perhaps she perfected a new recipe for her pudding. I know my father would be happy about that.”

Idly she let her hand drift to his bare chest, drawing small circles with her pointer finger. “I don’t suppose your cook would be willing to share any tips and tricks, would she?” She giggled.

---