Attention Crystal
New York City was huge, and Elle had no idea what to do when left on her own. She was here on assignment, but her orders had been to wait, so right now she was basically just killing time. Thing is not knowing anyone kind of limited her options. Well, not really. She could stick herself into pretty much any kind of environment she wanted and make it work if she tried hard enough, but despite her outgoing personality and the fact that she never seemed intimidated by anything, she was an anxious person. New social situations? Way out of her comfort zone.

She was used to having a strict schedule to follow. Playing the role of dutiful daughter had become her entire life, so when it came to deciding what to do during her free time? She never had any, so how was she supposed to know what to do for fun? There were so many things she'd never gotten to do, so many possibilities, and yet she couldn't make up her mind about where to go next. Guess this was why her father never encouraged her to engage in leisure activities. She'd end up spending most of her time just trying to pick something that interested her. But if they'd let her out more, she wouldn't have such a hard time. It was a vicious cycle. What she really needed was a hobby ... or two ... or three ...

Elle's pace slowed when she spotted a nifty little diner just up ahead on the right. It didn't matter what kind of food they served there; she was too hungry to care. Anything was bound to look scrumptious to a starving newcomer. New in the sense that she didn't get to go strolling the streets often. If she happened to be in town, she had a job to do. Today she got to go exploring. Exciting? Sure, but also a little scary - not that she'd be admitting this aloud to anyone ever. Nope, on the outside she looked as calm as ever. That is if you could ever consider Elle 'calm.' With that routine spring in her step, she walked up to the door to the deli and jerked it open before slipping inside.

First things first, she ordered her up a bite to eat. Eyes had immediately locked on the menu once she was inside, but she hovered in the background for a minute, debating about whether to get this or that. Finally she'd made her selection. Fortunately daddy had given her enough money to accommodate her cravings. The appropriate amount was handed over to the cashier as she flashed a broad smile, then swiftly turned and surveyed the area to see what kind of seating arrangements were available. Hmm, inside or out ... ?

That's when she noticed that one of the deli's occupants was someone she knew.

Well, well ... if it wasn't the cherished cheerleader.

Claire didn't know her, but she knew Claire. She knew about her anyway. As protective as Bennet was of his family, who they were wasn't a secret, especially since Elle was sort of a snoop. She had to find some way to pass the time cooped up in that building. Besides, Bennet was her partner ( sometimes ). Was it a crime to be remotely curious about his life outside the Company? And would it really be such a bad thing for her to get to know the golden girl a little bit? It's not like she was going to hurt her or anything. Then there was the burning question: why did Claire get special treatment from her father? What made her so different?

Elle casually sauntered up to where the blonde was sitting and put on her most convincing nervous smile. "Um, hi." She waited until Claire looked up before offering an explanation for why she was bothering her. "I'm kinda new around here, but I don't like eating by myself. And I couldn't help but notice you're by yourself too, so I was thinking maybe I could join you? Unless you'd rather be left alone ..." She was keeping her fingers crossed that this worked, 'cause she really wasn't looking forward to coming up with another reason to want to sit with Claire, although they were close in age. She could always pull the 'did we go to school together? you look familiar ...' card.