[In turn, he'd made a hurried excuse to leave. Gotta go pals, I've got a stew in the crockpot and it's high time I turned the heat off. Richie's got his bag slung around his shoulder and his winter jacket back on, making his way down the stairs double-time.

It's not enough. She's already at the foot of the stairs. He stops abruptly, one foot hovering over the next step.

Goddammit. He puts on a sweet smile.]

Hiya Rosie. Mind keeping your voice down? If you speak too loud they come around and swat you with the biggest hardcover in reach.