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[Máire Townsend]

Máire was running a little late, but Gracie had been unwell this afternoon and she'd wanted to make sure that she was feeling much better before going anywhere. The blonde wasn't too worried though, it wasn't like it was a corporate meeting or anything like that, rather there had been an interested proposition brought forth to Townsend Industries, or at least the Towns End Gateway Hotel subsection of it. Seemed that there was a return Quidditch player to Australia and his manager had enquired about sponsorship. Naturally, anything that might get them a little further reach into the Magical community was always something worth considering, especially delving into the sports area. The family company might have already had a foothold in a few cities around the world for a long time, but it never hurt to look into other avenues. And since she had played Quidditch in her Penrose days, Máire had been asked if she would like to come along and see whether the man was someone they'd be interested in tossing some money at just so they received that little extra advertisement.

So, the petite blonde had apparated to Olivant Lane once she was sure that her daughter was doing much better, and made her way straight to the Quidditch stadium in order to meet up with her uncle and other corporate suits who were interested in checking out this player for themselves. She'd already done her research, it was actually someone who'd been in her year level in school, but she'd been only thirteen or fourteen when she was in her 7th year. Even still, she knew the name well enough and that he'd gone to Tallygaunga. Given the people she knew around Narrie, she supposed it could bode well in some respect? Who could tell, when there was over ten years since the school days. She couldn't quite remember what many people had been like back then.

Once she arrived, Máire followed the directions she was given for where to find her company out in the stands, and son enough she came across her uncle and a few other suits who were watching the pitch until a couple of them noticed her arrival. Matthew smiled a little at her and raised a brow, "How's little Gracie Lou doing now?"

Sighing lightly, Máire rubbed one of her eyes lightly as she pushed back a yawn that wanted to come out, "She's alright now. Hopefully she'll sleep tonight and then feel much better in the morning." She nodded to the other corporates who were gathered, it was only the few who had investment in the Hotel chain, which she was kind of glad for. They were a bit more casual than a lot of the other business investors. As much as she was far better dealing with business than social, she more just wanted to relax right now, and she glanced around looking for any faces that she didn't recognise from board meetings before raising a brow and questioning Matthew, "So where's our man?"

"Out there," Matt nodded his head toward the Quidditch pitch and Máire followed his gaze. Indeed there were a couple of players out there already, which meant she at least hadn't missed getting to see how well this Owen played, "His manager was here earlier, they'll be back soon though. Sit back Máire, relax a little. Unless you want to get that old seeker uniform out and give 'em a run for their money." There were a few chuckles and Máire just rolled her eyes as she sat down and cast her gaze out to the field.

"Oh ha ha, I seriously doubt that thing fits me anymore."

[Owen St. Thomas]

Laurence hadn’t been trying to make things difficult for him. It wasn’t like he was putting pressure on him when he mentioned that those who may be sponsoring him were in the stands today. It wasn’t like his stats didn’t speak for themselves but he got that sometimes you had to check out the merchandise before you thought about actually buying it. He did the same thing when he bought his car and his motorcycle and the small house on the beach he was living in. Sometimes you wanted to make sure you were getting what you were paying for and Owen liked to think he was a pretty impressive investment. The sort you wanted to make right away but had to at least go through the motions of pretending like you were going to kick the tires. He had some pretty impressive tired that would kick back. Regardless he was pushing around and playing with the rest of the team. They often started out practice like this, goofing off talking about last night’s conquest. “You went home with that red head didn’t ya St. Thomas?” Owen grinned.

”Yeah I went home with her.” The implications of that statement obvious as he waggled his eyebrows at his teammates. The redhead had been fun, a little clingy when he tried to leave but she knew how to make a man want to stay a little longer than he should. Not that he wasn’t welcome in the little thing’s room. At least he didn’t give her false hope, she sort of knew when he left he wouldn’t be back. They were joking around about March’s little hookup when they were told by the coach to get on their brooms and get in the air. A couple of laps with the quaffle being passed before they added in the bludgers. Owen felt like he was playing pretty well better than he should given the night he had. Of course he was on top of his game he had millionaires to impress. That and he was Owen St. Thomas. That was really all you had to know.

They had paused and were waiting on some instruction. It was hard to hear what the coach was saying with the idiot beater chattering away in his ear. Pushing at him to shut up he sighed. They were back to running a play and with that he ended up with a bludger to the face. His chatty beater friend was a little irritated and so he in a fit of childlike defiance send a bludger headed right towards Owens’s face. Luckily he wasn’t too high he flipped off the broom and tumbled to the ground standing up he looked at the blood on his hand. His nose was gushing and the mediwitch was already by his side. Fixing the nose and letting the coach know he needed to take it easy the rest of practice. In the locker room he would let the other beater know just how much he appreciated the face shot. Laurence patted him on the back. “Let’s meet the cooperates.” He nodded the

”Alright.” Heading through the maze they headed toward the box and he entered looking down at his blood stained shirt he sighed. Oh well. There were better way to meet your future sponsors, at least he looked like a tough guy, his nose was fine now and the blood had been cleaned form his face. ”Sorry about that Gentleman. And Lady.” He said spotting the blonde with a smile. ”He’s young yeah, He hates when someone tells him what to do, coach has been trying to put him in his place for years.” Owen would be helping later. ”Are you enjoying yourselves anyway?” He asked making his way to shake hands with everyone.

[Máire Townsend]

She'd barely even been there for a few minutes, and Máire was beginning to feel tired and stifled a small yawn that her uncle noticed before she shrugged a little, "Gets a bit tiring looking after sick girls." He gave her a knowing smile and a nod and the small group of people watched the players practising for a time, having had Mr St Thomas pointed out to her, Máire watched as well with a little interest. He handled himself well, but all the players did, which made her kind of wonder why it was that his manager thought he would be the one sponsored by their business. She raised a brow, "Honestly, we could probably just sponsor a stadium and be advertised through that." She murmured quietly and a couple of the men glanced at her, including her uncle who smirked a little.

"That's true, and I've been thinking about that too, but it would also work to get across to the common household families and fans to sponsor a player. From what I hear, he's already been organising a meet and greet with some kids at that Academy in your neck of the woods, since he's alumni. He's someone the kids can relate to, I guess," He shrugged, Matt wasn't really overly particular either, since Máire did have a good point. Plus, people weren't exactly reliable all the time and the last thing they wanted was to end up with someone who was going to give himself -- and thus them by association -- a bad name.

Máire understood her uncle's thinking, and the same thoughts were going through her head though, "Well, he was a Spencer, so there's no guarantee for what we'd--... ohgod!" The young blonde jumped as she watched a bludger smack into the face of the man they were discussing and her brows furrowed in concern as she watched the mediwitch attend to him once he'd hit the ground. The men in the group were partially laughing, but also a little taken back and looking a bit unimpressed. Their petite colleague raised a brow at her uncle as well as the others and shook her head before sighing, "Well, its not like we're making any decisions today, right?" She gave a small smirk as she crossed her arms and leaned against a chair while facing them, "Too bad we didn't get to see much. Last I remembered a beater was supposed to hit the bludger with their bat, not their face..."

Trailing off as she noticed her uncle's very amused expression as he looked behind her, Máire turned around to see that the man they'd been discussing had arrived and she turned almost beet red at the possibility that she might have been overheard. Glancing away slightly, Máire stood to the side a little as Matthew moved forward to shake the man's hand, "Indeed. I don't nearly get to a Quidditch match as often as I should, but I might have to start putting a little time aside. Matthew Townsend. We're not doing bad, just sitting back and watching the practice out there, you know, boring business executives and all."

The others introduced themselves as well, Máire following up last once she didn't feel so much like an idiot, giving the man a warm polite smile as she offered her hand to shake, "Máire Townsend, and I apologise for joking at your expense, that hit looks like it probably hurt." She nodded to the blood on the shirt and stepped back, "How are you finding being back in Australia?" Honestly, this was a little bit of an inconvenience now. She'd come all the way here to watch him play, but hadn't been able to see much. From the corner of her eye she could see a couple of the men discussing something and knew that this early close to their business of checking out the wares was over meant that there were probably going to be drinks somewhere soon. Actual discussions were usually left to the PR people unless there was an actual meeting scheduled.

[Owen St. Thomas]

He really shouldn’t have been surprised they had just seen him get smacked in the face with a bludger but he figured they had some decorum. Apparently not he looked over at Laurence, a look that screamed he wanted to get out of here. The last thing he needed after a lousy teammate and a lousy hit the face was sitting in room of suits who seemed to think this kind of things was funny. The sponsorship would have been nice but not if they were going to be laughing at him, and hey this was Laurence’s idea not his. He was doing alright for himself, but it seemed like Laurence was tired of not making more money, they just had to wait a year or so when his contract was up for negotiations. He could get him more money and by doing so Laurence would in turn make more money. The man was Greedy but at least he got the job done. Owen had no complaint really, the man had managed his career well enough he got him back to Australia.

With a raised eyebrow he watched the small blonde apologize and he nodded to the room holding up his hand, which was still covered in blood and athletic tape as a reason for not shaking their hands. That and he was not really in the mood. They had just laughed at his expense, he’d like to see them take a few bludgers to the face and attempt o be kind. Laurence Clapped him on the shoulder. “An unusual occurrence of course.” The man said with a smile. “It doesn’t help when teammates are out floor blood yeah?” Which had been the real reason to the bludger to the face, either they had not been watching closely or the other beater had been out of view but it was not like he had seen it coming. Then again when did you ever really see friendly fire coming? Never that’s when.

”Been back a year now, it’s like I never left.” He decided to leave his feelings about her comments to himself. It would not do to tell the person you were hoping to drop a large sum of money on you to shove it. In fact it was quite counterproductive and could lead to being blacklisted. He had enough trouble with the fact he liked the women just a little too much. But they liked him too and he was never the sort to turn down an adoring fan. It was even better for him if said fan adored him in his bedroom he only had two requirements, they were beautiful and they liked him. He found if he put too many restraints on his selection than they were not as fun in the sack or he was limited to choices. He liked being able to sample the many different kinds of women out there. So far he had yet to find a favorite.

”Lancaster is a bit of a loose cannon. He liked the limelight.” he said indicating the other beater who had been the reason the bludger had slammed into his face while the coach was talking to him. ”Well, I guess you all want to get going. It was nice meeting you but I should get back to the pitch and go over some plays, stop by again soon. I am sure Laurence can set something up. Or I bet he could pass along my highlight reel, and I do think my stats speak for themselves.” Owen returned to his usually cheery self as he said this with toothy grin. Hopefully they would come back. ”I am sure tickets to the next game are headed your way, It the best time to see anyone in action.”

[Máire Townsend]

When the player's hand was raised to show the blood and such on it, Máire had to squash down the healer instinct for the time being to maintain the much more professional business woman identity she wore whenever around any of the other corporates. She felt relaxed enough with her uncle to be herself, but she knew that she was judged harshly by many in the 'mens club' because of both her age and her gender, it didn't matter what her academic history showed about her. She was still a young woman, barely out of childhood, to most of them. She smiled a little, giving a small nod at Owen's comment about his time back in Australia, but didn't really have anything to add. She could see that some of the other men were beginning to get ready to leave, and withheld a sigh. She still wasn't sure about this, but it would be discussed at their next meeting, or over drinks by the sounds of it. Really... men.

"Well he won't get far with his attitude," Máire pointed out a little in regard to the other beater who'd aimed for Owen, "I hope he didn't do too much damage." She gave another polite smile, but then listened as the other businessmen agreed that they should probably move on since they had done what they came to. Even though they hadn't seen as much as they would have liked, no doubt. Máire had other concerns, like what to do about Owen's reputation outside of Quidditch, but she would have to bring it up with them another time, or with their PR team. They couldn't afford a loose cannon or a womanizer. They wanted to reach families after all.

"We'll be in touch," Máire finished off for the team as Matthew also said his goodbye to the player, as well as good luck, before the Townsends followed the rest of the men out of the stadium, and likely toward a bar knowing some of them. She relayed her concernes to Matt and as she'd predicted he responded by saying their PR team would take care of it if they decide to go along with it. She just had to trust in them.



It was probably about an hour later that Máire had tired of listening to 'the boys' talking about whatever it was they discussed -- often new cars, or new wives, or new whatever else. She'd taken her hair out of its bun, letting the blonde locks flow over her shoulders, and thanks to the scotch she'd been drinking, she felt warm enough to have taken her business jacket off and was playing with her glass for a moment as she leaned over the bar by herself, the others having left for another venue. She was considering going home soon, although she had some paperwork she should have been considering doing as well. Would it hurt to stop by the office first and take care of a few things before heading back to Narrie?

Checking her watch, Máire sighed. The girls would probably be asleep, since she'd asked Tracy to give them an early night tonight what with Gracie having been unwell, and Layla looking like she might have been close behind. The young mother had already spent most of the day taking care of them, meaning she had a day's worth of other things to catch up on.

Asking for a top up, Máire then grabbed her glass and decided to find a more comfortable seat away from the temptation to buy more drinks where she could call her uncle and see if there was anything that needed to be taken care of in the office while she was there. However, almost as soon as she'd slipped off the bar stool and spun around to start walking, she ran straight into someone who was right behind her and gasped as she accidentally tipped her scotch and ice on the front of them, "Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry!" She didn't even stop to look at who it was, embarrassed as she was about what she'd done, instead opening her purse to grab some tissues out to offer the person, "That was incredibly clumsy of me..."

[Owen St. Thomas]

So much for sponsorship. In the long run Owen would be okay without it, and there were always others who would jump at the chance to sponsor a St. Thomas. His mother was the darling of the Quidditch world for years and now that she was coaching she had many who still believed she was the darling and always would be. His mother was not only beautiful she was good with people, she always came off as a such a doll in interviews and she never said much about the way Owen behaved other than she loved him and was proud of him. Then of course she loved her daughter and her grandchildren, everyone always wanted to talk about the grandchildren they were much cuter and the photos of them always got the best reactions. He understood, he liked to bring them up in interviews especially with attractive reporter like the one last week. She had been a good time, he might call that one again something about the redheads.

Elyse smiled as he finished telling her the story of how he wound up with the two black eyes he was currently sporting, they would be gone by morning but for now he looked a bit rough. Elyse or Lissie patted him on the back, she had left the kids with her husband. This made Owen happy, he missed spending time with her and as much as he loved the little ones, sometimes she deserved a little bit of adult time. Or as she had started calling it “big girl time.” Owen liked when he and Lissie had Big Girl Time together, they had been terrors in school and though she was not a Spencer she sure as hell liked to be in on the pranks. He was sitting at the bar his hand around the back of the chair his sister was sitting in. Lissie sighed as she looked over at her brother and yawned. ”Ah come on Lis, you got time yea don’t give in you deserve a little more time out. Besides when do I ever get to spend time with you alone?”

Lissie nodded but stood up anyway. “I love ya Owen but I have to get home, I can’t leave the hubs with the kids too long he’ll go crazy and I’m not raising the kids on my own.” He laughed and hugged her before she headed out of the bar, he would stay a little longer maybe meet someone and head home with her. Lissie stopped doubled back and patted him she was about to say something else to him where he was standing and before she could open her mouth a drink was poured down his front Lissie pulled her hand away and looked at the person who had spilled the drink. Lissie shook her head “Well before this gets worse I’ll see you later.” He nodded and leaned forward to kiss her goodbye catching her cheek he watched her leave as she looked at his shirt and sighed. Fan-freaking-tastic.

Looking up he snorted. Of course. ”Looks like I’m not the only one with issues.” He shook his head and declined the tissues they were like spitting on the desert at this point. ”Last time I checked you were supposed to drink it and not pour it on others.” Owen had not forgotten what she had said and he was a little more than please with himself as he used it on her now. It was only fair he had already had a laugh at his expense, he might as well return the favor, playfully of course. Stepping up to the bar he flagged the man down and smiled. ”Another drink for the lady, and hell I’ll have another bourbon.”

[Máire Townsend]

This was not how Máire had intended for her day to finish up, clumsily spilling her drink on someone -- especially while there were other people around to watch, and she had been so embarrassed that she hadn't even looked up to see who it was until they spoke and then her blue eyes widened even more as she glanced up at the taller figure before looking down and mumbling quietly to herself, "Wonderful." It had to be her luck that she would not only run into him after she'd been so awful earlier, but to also spill her drink on him as well? If there was a hole that could just open right up below her now, that would be very welcomed. However, she instead had to endure the further embarrassment of being called out with a line similar to her own from earlier, which only caused her cheeks to burn bright red as she put the tissues back in her bag and refused to make eye contact with the man.

"Well, I suppose I deserved that," The petite blonde spoke quietly, her head tilting downward slightly causing her hair to fall across her face a little, just enough to maybe cover the incredible humiliation she felt -- at least she hoped. Máire bit her lip, placing the empty gladd back on the bar. Her stomach was turning slightly and more than anything she just wanted to get out of there right now -- forget relaxing for another few minutes before heading home. But the Quidditch player apparently decided that she was in need of another drink and Máire's brows shot up as she looked over to the barkeepeer quickly, "Oh no, that's..." Too late, he was already going about getting her another drink and she sighed as her voice trailed off, "... not necessary."

Still standing and feeling rather awkward, Máire was really unsure what to say and honestly wished that he would have just let her go rather than making a point to order her another drink. Maybe if she drank it really quickly then she would be able to continue on her way without a problem. It wasn't even that she was being rude or anything, but she was just awkward and really didn't know where she fit in regarding this situation and it would have showed in her simple body language as she clutched her purse tightly, "You didn't have to get me another drink." She said quietly, knowing full well that the combination of her earlier comments at the stadium, as well as her drink ending up on him wouldn't have put her in the best light anyway -- but also the stories that circulated around the man weren't really something she wanted to be personally associated with either.

As the scotch arrived, Máire picked it up, only taking a moment to survey its contents before she took and breath and tipped it back, gulping down the strong alcohol quickly, though she cringed and hiccuped slightly as she pulled the glass back down. There, all gone, though probably wasn't the smartest thing for her to do, downing half a glass of straight scotch, at least it would get her out of there quickly, right? "Thank you. I'll, um, get out of your hair then. Would hate to be a bother." The blonde smiled slightly before she began to turn away, praying to whoever was listening and asking why they couldn't just give her a break for once.

[Owen St. Thomas]

Looking at the smaller woman Owen chuckled, he knew he didn’t have to get her another one, but at the same time he also knew that there was something he could do about maybe getting the sponsorship. It wasn’t like needed it but he would have liked to have a little extra money, and then who knows maybe his agent would back off a little, though he doubted that very seriously. Laurence had so much to do and so much money to make he stopped seeing any amount of money as enough, there was always more to be made, more to be had and more to deal with. There was always more. Bottom line. ”I know I didn’t have to, but I did.” He said with a casual smile, he looked after Lissie and sighed he wished she would have stuck around, she was better at this things. That and he kinda wanted to spend more time with her. That was part of why he was here, well that and getting to spend times with his friends again. Like Megan, they had been the terrible two back in their day, maybe he should call her, get back to the terrible twosome.

He really should have kept up with his friends a little better. Turning his gaze back to the petite blonde he shook his head. If he hadn’t been in the room when she had made the comment he would have a hard time believing these two women were the same person, she seemed completely different in this setting. It was strange, Owen was always Owen, at least that was how his mother put it which was a really nice way of saying he was always confident, to the point of being an ass. Sipping his bourbon he watched as she took a drink and then hiccupped. ”You know you can sip a drink you don’t have drink it like someone else might take it.” He set the glass back on the bar top and kept a loose cradle around it. He smiled at the brunette sitting at the other end. She would have to wait for now, he was already occupied, it was a shame to put business before pleasure but they really didn’t have good start now did they.

”Come on we all say things we regret later. Or wish we had taken the time to look around before we said them.” It wasn’t like Owen had been the most tactful. In fact there were probably several interviews that would back up the thought. ”You’ve already offended me once today, stay for a little bit, take time to enjoy the drink and then I’ll let you walk outta here.” He nodded sipping his drink again before deciding. ”We’ll start over.” He held out his hand, now free and clear of blood and smiled. ”Owen St. Thomas it is a pleasure to meet you.” Starting over seemed like the best idea, that way they didn’t have to deal with the previous encounters as being the first impression. It would be good to get on better footing.

[Máire Townsend]

Perhaps he had bought her another drink, but it looked like Owen would have been more interested in another's company anyway, judging by the sigh she heard from him and Máire began to feel even more uncomfortable. As much as she'd wanted to leave just before, now she wanted it even more so, and it was difficult for her to think of a way without it seeming plain rude or something. Then again, if she'd been leaving anyway, that wasn't rude was it? Urgh, she just shouldn't have stayed at the bar when the others had left to begin with, she never did well on her own. Finishing her drink almost in the one go, Máire's cheeks flushed a little at his observation, feeling even more like an idiot and shook her head as she placed the glass down on the bar. Hopefully it wouldn't all go to her head too quickly, she'd already had a few and that whole glass wasn't going to help, "I... it wasn't like that. I just..." Her voice was quiet, and it would be difficult to even realise she was saying anything... especially if they were eyeing someone at the other end of the bar, she noticed as she looked at Owen, only to follow his gaze to the brunette.

Well, that would hardly be surprising, and Máire almost felt like rolling her eyes a little, "I somehow don't think I could ever actually offend you, Mr St. Thomas." Máire gave a small half-laugh, but it didn't sound as amused as it probably should have. "It seems like you already have your plans picked out anyway, and I would really hate to get in the way of that," The petite woman gestured toward the brunette with a self-depreciating smirk. "Besides, its hardly up to you whether to let me go anywhere... unlike some people, I actually have other responsibilities that are more important than... hanging around a bar for... however long," She wasn't trying to be defensive, inf act if anything, Máire was just starting to feel slightly anxious and she sighed at the whole new introduction line, "Máire Townsend." She indulged him a moment, shaking his hand, but still couldn't relax.

As it was, a moment later, the bartender had actually placed a fresh glass on the bar for her without her having asked, and Máire blinked at him before he quickly went to serve another patron. She blinked at the drink, knowing she probably should just leave it and continue on her way,r ather than be stuck in an awkward conversation while growing more anxious and less able to relax. But after a moment's consideration, she picked up the new fresh glass, and drank quickly from that one as well, though not finishing it in the one go like she had the other drink. She then sighed, "Look, as you can probably see already, I am not the most interesting company. And if you're trying to be friendly because of the Sponsorship thing, then that decision isn't influenced by my personal thoughts anyway. So..." Máire shrugged, looking at her glass, "... I don't know. Just... I should go." She tipped the second glass back, finishing it off in a couple of gulps then, before standing up quickly... a little too quickly it seemed as she lost her balance a little and fell against Owen.

"Oh Merlin, I'm sorry," Máire hoped like hell that she hadn't caused him to spill his drink, as she straightened herself quickly, looking rather embarrassed. She really, really needed to get out of there.

[Owen St. Thomas]

”Are you trying to offend to me now? It felt like she had taken another shot at him. Or at least made a comment at his expense. What did she know about his life? Nothing, that’s what. He wondered if the conversation was worth saving at this point, he had never met someone so intent on getting away from him. It was sort of strange, he thought he was a pretty nice guy, he was generous and attractive and famous. What wasn’t there to love. It was funny he had just been telling Megan this when he had run into her. Apparently the tolerance women had for him was slowly declining, or this woman was a special case. ”I was here with my sister- she needed a little big girl time. I don’t have plans otherwise” He looked at her and shook his head.

For someone who had been so confidently making a joke at his expense a few hours earlier it was strange to see her like this now. People were funny, they were not always the first impression, something Owen had learned in his years playing professionally. Usually those who were nice to you to your face would turn around and say something behind your back. Usually reporters or those attempting character assassination. He had learned how to dodge them and how to say nothing while still answering the questions posed. That was the idea anyway, they had been through many seminars and worked with a few PR consultants in how to handle the media, and the general public. Unfortunately he couldn’t go about his life like a normal person, he had to make sure he didn’t cause a riot by drunk driving or a huge public blow out with his girlfriends, sister or manager. It was not like he minded. His escapades were on the more lovable womanizing side as opposed to something that hurt people. Well killed them anyway.

It was good to see that the bartender was relatively attentive. Well an attractive blonde was someone you paid attention to, especially if that attractive blonde was fairly rich and famous in her own right. He shook his head. ”You should give yourself a little more credit than that.” Owen nodded, it was funny she acted like people didn’t want anything to do with her and her boring self. ”I wont keep you if you wish to go, but give yourself a little more credit than you do. If I was going to be nice to you about sponsorship would have left you alone, I find I tend to be a bit abrasive sometimes and my manager would have my head if he knew I was talking to you without him” He laughed. ”Right now I’m just a guy in a bar being nice to a girl in a bar.”

This was true for the most part. He did know in the back of his mind that he was talking to someone who might eventually be his boss which made him think again about being nice to her. Maybe he should just let her go. ”Well, it has been a pleasure Ms. Townsend “ He said watching as she made to leave only to end up falling into him to which he laughed catching her with his free hand. ”Easy there killer.” He made sure she was steady before he set his drink down. ”Want me to call you a cab, or a car, or someone to make sure you get home alright?”

[Máire Townsend]

"N-no!" Máire blinked and sat a little straighter as she was asked if she was trying to offend him, "I'm not, I just... ugh, forget it." She really was terrible at this social thing. She wasn't trying to offend Owen, just point out that they had rather different lives, at least as far as she could tell. He didn't have a pair of children that he had to raise, did he? Not as far as she knew anyway. Máire listened a little when he explained what he was doing there, so she assumed that the woman who had left after she'd accidentally spilled her drink on Owen was his sister. She supposed that was nice of him, to give his sister a little time away from her kids, Máire could understand how much that was needed sometimes, "Being a young mother can be quite tiring." She spoke softly, almost as thought she was kind of hoping that she would go unheard. It was so much easier to pretend she wasn't there when she wasn't being listened to, and she'd fell less rude for leaving.

It wasn't her fault if she'd noticed him eyeing off a woman at the end of the bar, and given his reputation for being a ladied man, could anyone blame her for making assumptions? But Máire knew better than to just be plain rude about it -- it just seemed her tongue either got tied or found the wrong words, especially when she was finding it difficult to relax. The fact that the bartender had topped up her drink yet again did not help matters (especially with how quickly Máire was drinking them in the attempt to leave quickly), but she raised a brow slightly when Owen spoke to her again, biting her lip before turning her gaze slightly downward again. Give herself more credit? She knew she had achieved quite a lot for her years, but that was different to being able to handle just a normal social outing -- or at least feeling comfortable.

"I don't know why your manager would have your head," After all, it wasn't like talking to Máire would really affect anything, but she decided maybe it would be best if she left. No doubt she would otherwise say something else that would be mistaken to be offensive and then she would just feel like a bigger idiot again. That, or she would end up drinking way too much if she hadn't already. At least he didn't seem to be arguing the point anymore, which would have made it easy enough to go if she hadn't stumbled and fallen on him. Caught by one of his arms, Máire blushed heavily as she bit her lip and straightened herself up to stand, "I am really sorry..." Máire murmured quietly as she straightened her clothes a bit, looking downward a little and hoping that not too many people saw. This was highly embarrassing.

The next question caused her to bite her lip a little again though before she shook her head, "A cab all the way to Narrie? I don't think so..." Though she did have to think of some way to get back. She had apparated, but doing that after she'd had a few drinks wasn't the smartest thing to do -- the last thing she wanted to do was accidentally end up splinching. The small blonde was paused a moment while she thought about what she should do. She could call Kate maybe, but then she might be busy with her kids. She wasn't going to tell her uncle that she'd gone and had a few more drinks than she should have either. Giving a small sigh, Máire gave Owen a small smile and shrugged lightly, "I... I am sure I will think of something." Well, she had to didn't she, otherwise she was going to have to call the girls' nanny and maybe stay at the Gateway for the night, or at least a few hours until she felt a little more clearheaded and able to apparate, "The Gateway isn't far from here." Only a few blocks or something, right? She could walk that. It wasn't too late at night and she was an adult after all.

[Owen St. Thomas]

”So I’ve been told.” Though, Lissie seemed to have it under control, at least as under control as one can with three boys who were more terror than they were delightful. Of course Owen thought they downright perfect he never really saw what Lissie would complain about. Well, maybe he had once or twice, they were good boys just a little on the wild side, like their uncle. However he really thought nothing about what Máire had said, he felt that at some point he had been told she had children, or was involved in something that children were invoved in, his Agent had taken the time to make sure he knew all about those he was trying to get sponsorship from. It usually went in one ear and out the other Owen preferred to improvise, the conversation was natural that way. That was important; Owen would hatwe to have anything appear forced or preplanned. People were usually more comfortable that way.

He looked at her and chuckled. ”Yeah, its fine, are you always so sure on your feet?” He made sure she was steady before he let go and sighed. Well this was an interesting way to end and evening, he decided that he would more or less call it a night as well, he had practice early and well he sort of had a bit of a buzz kill bumping onto her. Not that she was the buzz kill, but something about the entire encounter had him feeling a quiet night alone at home.

He hadn’t had much to drink and he could have gotten him by way of apperation but it seemed she had suggested the Gateway. That would work yeah? ”I’ll walk you there make sure you don’t hurt anyone in the process.” He said with a smile, letting her know he was kidding. Being the gentleman that he was sometimes he offered her his elbow. ”I would hate to read about you in the paper.” He headed towards the door.

[>.< ack sorry.]

[Máire Townsend]

Awkward? Awkward probably would have been welcome compared to how Máire currently felt. She really didn't have much in common with Owen, she was rather sure, and making a fool of herself because she'd decided she would down rather strong drinks after having already been having a few earlier was definitely not ideal. Not when there were people around, not when she was paranoid about being watched, or could see the small smirk from the bartender and even hear the snicker of a nearby woman. She was blushing bright red and really just needed to get out of there as soon as possible. It would have been a lot easier if she could have just stood a little straighter the first time and not fumbled all over herself, ending up falling on the Quidditch player. At least it wasn't possible for her cheeks to turn any more red, even when he asked if she was always so sure on her feet and she sighed a little before speaking softly, "Much better with my hands, actually."

It took a moment for the possible implications of what she'd said to sink in and Máire bit her tongue as she mentally scolded herself and just tried to play it at least a little cooler than she had been. She was a Townsend for crying out loud, and yet she had never been the one who loved the spotlight all that much. Sure when she was in an environment that she knew and could be in control of, she was fine, but here, she was flailing a little. The next thing she knew though, Owen offered to walk her to the Gateway and she blinked up at him as though he had maybe just grown an extra head or something before she tentatively accepted the offered arm shyly with a small nod, "Um, alright... Thank you." She wasn't quite sure what to make of it except that at least she wouldn't have to walk by herself, which she was a little thankful for.

Stepping out of the bar, Máire gave a small hiccup before swallowing it down, and shivered just slightly in the chilly evening air as they began in the direction of the Gateway. She was trying not to rely too much on Owen to help her stay steady, but after a couple of minutes of fresh air the petite blonde came under the realisation that she had actually drank quite a bit for her size and it was beginning to hit her a little hard. She was also feeling a little awkward while trying to think of something to say without coming off as either condescending or stuck up or whatever the impression was that Owen had of her. Although, maybe abolishing that impression would be somewhere to begin and she cleared her throat quietly before she spoke softly, "I... I'm not really as... I don't know, stuck up, I guess? Do I come of as stuck up? Um, that's off track. I just, I have to keep up with the 'boys club' so sometimes I come off as cold and condescending. I'm not like that though, usually." She probably just rambled a whole lot of nothing, but she didn't like the idea that someone might think she was rude all the time or something.

"Its been a long day... one of my daughters was sick, so I had to look after her, and then come out here..." Máire trailed off a little with a small shrug. Was it just her or did she really suck at small talk? Either way, at least she was trying, right? And the Gateway wasn't far away so at least he only had to put up with her for a short time longer.

[Owen St. Thomas]

Owen Snorted at her assurance that she was not always so stuck up. Isn’t that what most people said? That they weren’t usually stuck up? How many times has he heard that one? Owen had never been one to discriminate, a beautiful woman was a beautiful woman and he had entertained most types in his bedroom. Actually he entertained them wherever they wanted to be entertained. The snotty entitled rich girls liked to pretend that were not stuck up, they would sit and attempt to defend their behavior for as long as Owen would let them. The fact was he really didn’t care, he usually got what he wanted from them and who was he to judge anyway? He could be stuck up, sometimes you just got used to being treated a certain way and so you just sort of expected it. He just let it go, he would end up saying something he would regret. Or she would end up digging a much deeper hole than she had anticipated with him. She had already laughed at his broken nose.

That was something regardless of how pretty you were (and she was quite pretty) would stick with Owen for a while. Maybe his ego was just too big but he was not a big fan of being made fun of. It was not like he had tried to get hit, no his teammate had decided that he would send the bludger right towards him. Though she may not have meant to be malicious about it, something about it still bothered him. Maybe once he went home he would be able to let it go but for now, it was a bit of a sore spot. Again it was hard to imagine this was the woman who had been making jokes at his expense earlier. Well of course she was drunk and stumbling around. Lissie would think this hilarious, but she always had more patience for the drunk behavior of others, not that he didn’t haven’t patience, Lissie was just better at dealing with people period. She had a gentler touch, where Owen was usually the more abrasive. It was funny how he took after their mother and Lissie was more like their father.

But, mom had to be abrasive, it was how she made a name for herself in Quidditch, not to say that she was mean, you just always knew what she was thinking, and she left little room for nonsense. They hardly got away with much as kids, which was probably why Owen was such a pain in the arse at school, the professors didn’t have the eyes in the back of their heads like his mom did. Which was good otherwise he would have gotten himself expelled. Boys club? Right well that probably had lead to her behavior, and then again he didn’t know he was a part of a boys club so he didn’t get how hard it might be to be a woman in the boys club. He smiled and shrugged at her.

”Kids huh? Well I hope she is feeling better, you didn’t have to come out, it could have been rescheduled you know. Kids should be with their parents when they are ill.” He wanted to ask where her kids were if she was here but decided not to, it seemed like the sort of question that could be considered prying. Again it would have been better if Lissie were here, she understood the troubles of parents, she was one. Owen was just the uncle who spoiled them. ”Well looks like we’re here. Want me to walk you in or do you think you can handle that?” he teased and looked at the hotel, he had never stayed there, well why would he? He lived here. ”Anyway I hope your daughter feels better if she doesn’t already.” Owen would be a gentleman he would walk her in if she asked and he would send her daughter something. Whatever it was about him he had a weak spot for kids. Maybe he would send her flowers, or a teddy bear, what did one send to little girls? The boys were easy. He’s ask Lissie.

[Máire Townsend]

As soon as he snorted at her, Máire felt her chest tighten and she went silent for a moment, looking away as she told herself that it shouldn't matter if one person thought she was awful, or just some stuck up rich girl. What did he know about her anyway? Nothing. But still... it was difficult to let go of, the idea that she gave off that impression at all was enough to make her feel sick. She wouldn't continue to argue the point though, he was going to believe whatever he wanted, and she knew better than to try and convince people otherwise when they had something set in their head about another. Besides, it wasn't like there was a huge chance that they'd run into one aother often. She was busy with all her work and her children and he played Quidditch. There was no reason to let this continue to weigh on her. She continued to walk the rest of the way in silence after that attempt to explain herself, he obviously had an impression of her set, she would just have to deal with that and avoid him.

The mention of her daughters caused Máire to glance up at Owen briefly though in mild irritation, wondering if he somehow thought she'd left her daughter sick just for work, "I wouldn't have come here at all if she was still feeling sick." She spoke quietly, but there was a slightly defensive tone in her voice. Gracie had been running around with the dogs by the time Máire had left and the woman had also checked up with the nanny earlier as well to make sure both girls were still alright. The observation that they had arrived was something of a relief of the petite blonde and she pulled herself gently from Owen's arm after he asked if she wanted and escort inside as well, shaking her head lightly and glancing downward a little as she stepped back from him, "No, I think I'll be fine from here." Her voice was quiet, and she held her purse tightly to her chest as she stepped toward the doors, glancing back for a moment.

"Sorry if I ruined your night, I hope you're able to salvage it," Máire gave a small self-depreciating smirk as she opened the door and then paused a brief moment, "And thank you... for walking me. I guess I might see you around. Goodnight." With that, the small blonde let herself in the hotel and decided to head toward her penthouse. Maybe she could have a hot drink or something and then head home. She just wanted to curl up in her own bed right now and for some reason felt like hugging one of her pillows and crying. She definitely didn't want to go out drinking again for quite a while.