Sophie regarded
Nace and his dog with warmth.
"It's lovely to meet you, Mr Bilby--" she shook his hand and paused to reach down and ruffle the head of the wide-eyed puppy at their feet--
"and you too, little Goliath."
As they spoke, she paired their faces with the names she had read from the agenda previously received. Her mind appraised the men individually, recognising the hallmarks of a militarised life among them. Yet, there was a certain diversity amongst their characters and whatever she gleaned of their backgrounds based on their mannerisms and speech patterns, but perhaps, not enough that would convey the true multiplicity of international endeavours.
Nace seemed an amiable young man, enthusiastic and generally benign in disposition. His allegiance to the South African National Rugby Union was well-displayed in the green and gold-trimmed jersey he wore.
In constrast,
Jason West appeared more reserved, less given to conversation; and the shift in the frown on the face of
Eugene Grovington marked him as a man uncomfortable with the presence of a dog nearby.
"So what brings you here?"
Her reply came easy, flowing:
"I'm only in San Francisco until September. This seemed a good way to contribute to the community and the dates fit my schedule just right."
She straightened the brown-leather strap of the tote hanging from her right shoulder,
"How about you?"