#elsewhere

"So...my folks are away at the moment, but I'm sure they won't mind." She sips her soda and nibbles on a cracker.

"How LOUD is the baby?" she asks

August takes a small serving as well. "She is a newborn; mostly she makes small noises. I haven't heard her really wail."

She joins in on the raid

"Well, okay. Is the room near the pool open?"

"Oh, she might really get going, though. She's a fierce little girl, from what I've seen."

August looks bemused at the appraisal.

"Well, she is," Chloe says in response to August's expression. Chelsea might be amused at the possessive pride in her cousin's voice.

"She seems very sweet." August agrees.

"Well, I can see you adore her"

"We just met." he points out.

"Ah , about that room near the pool?" Chelsea asks

"You'll meet her later, I'm guessing. You'll see. She's extremely like-able." Firm loyalty.

"So, Chelsea, helping you out is not a problem. Do you have any plans for what comes next?"

"Oh I figured I'd throw a party"

She laughs. "Well, totally...but I mean, like, after. What are you going to do without your parents helping out, and without college? I mean...if you're cut off...?"

"Oh they'll snap out of it in time. I just need to wai tthem out a year or so"

"Su-ure," Chloe says, coaxingly. "Soooo...what are you going to do for the year?"

"I'll figure something out " Airily

"There are any number of ways to be productive and creative for a gap year." August offers helpfully.

Chloe gives August a look, then smiles back to Chelsea. "Well, let's give you a chance to relax here, and I'll check in with my folks and see if they have any ideas."

August clearly doesn't quite get the meaning behind the look but knows to not-ask.

"Are you sure you don't want to give college another chance? I mean, the semester's just about to begin. I'm almost done!" she says proudly. "August has...how many more years, August? He's studying law," she explains.

"I'll have my Associates at the end of this school year and keep going. I'll also start working, which means my studies may slow down a little."

"Oh I am over and done with college"

She squeezes August's hand again fondly. "You didn't like it?" she asks Chelsea? "Why not?"

"Blah blah blah study study study. Boring ass library ..."

August blinks, looking -almost- outraged.

She squeezes August's hand again, this time to comfort. She beams at Chelsea. "You know, I used to feel exactly the same way! And I still have some dreadfully boring classes, it's true. But...well, I'm studying something I love, so that helps, I think. Maybe that's it? I mean, maybe not college, but learning how to do something you love."

He nods, agreeing with this. "What degree were you seeking?"

"Tthere's a degree in dating rich hunks?"

"Ah. No. Not that I know of."

"Well, I mean, it's not out of the question, but you've got to have access. If you're not at the college, how are you going to get access to the ones who are going to make big money?"

"I mean, short of prostitution." An easy shrug.

"Hey... " She says offended

Chloe makes an expansive gesture. "I'm just saying...if you're hoping to catch a big fish, you've got to be in the right spot and offer the right bait. If you're not going to be getting any money from your folks, it's going to be a bit more work on your part, right?"

"Or...you could try to make things right with your folks." Another shrug.

"Well, I figgure uncle and aunty will help"

"I mean, surely your mom understands?" Pout

"Well, maybe. You'll have to ask her, I guess." A sip of soda. "I think they'll be back in a day or so."

"Well, then that's dandy. I'll hang here for a day or so... in a room on the other wingg so i don' disturb the baby"

"That sounds like a good idea. Excuse me for a moement; you and August can chat while I'll make sure something's set up." She gracefully gets up from the table and gives August a smile before she slips back into the house in search of one of the staff.

"So, What do you do again, Auggie?"

August clears his throat. "Not, ah, that name please. August." pleasantly.

(Indoors) Coradel tells the staff person about the need to set up another guest room. "Make sure it's in the other wing. My parents are returning in a day or two, correct?" she says hopefully.

"I'm studying law, and I plan to start working as a paralegal."

"Oh nice" she says "I guess that's what she meant about connections"

"Yes, Miss Chloe" The staff assures Coradel "Should we .. put a lock on the liquor?"

"None yet, but I hope to make them soon." modestly.

(Indoors) She sighs. "I hate to say it, but yes. She's in a mood, and while that might be fun, we've got a baby in the house and I don't want her trashing the place."