Benjen smiled as his new friend arrived. For him, a good day just got better. As Peter spoke, Ben said simultaneously, "This is going to be so kool!" Doreen just smiled and gave a quiet laugh, viewed only through her shoulders bouncing as she first looked at the boys, then Erik, then back at the boys. Ben turned to her, "Mom! This is going to be so kool!"
"Yes, Sweety, it will be," she answered him with a bright smile.
She then turned her attention to Erik. She took a deep breath, smiled and just said, "Hi" with her exhale. He looked handsome but she was trying to keep at least semi-professional while the children jumped around next to them. "You look....sharp," she told him. She wanted to say handsome but was afraid to say so so soon.
"I arranged for a room at the top of the tower to be set for the children to play in, after the tour, so we can get to the lab."
She nodded. "Very good," she replied, "I'm sure there are a few things they don't need to see."
She then said in a lower tone to Erik with an unsure expression, "Please, forgive me if I seem a bit unsure as we've only met what, two days ago?" She gave a soft chuckle, "I've never really had anyone to....." She shrugged and rolled her head a little, "......answer to. But please, just call me Doreen. If we're in a professional environment then we'll use proper titles, I mean, if you're OK with me calling you Erik."