[Allison looks up from the bartop she's wiping down for the fourth time. She hasn't bothered with make up yet today, so the nagging circles under her eyes are visible, the pale and tired complexion...but make up can't hide the hard, empty expression as she offers a wry smile and throws up her hands at being caught.]

You just missed the rush.

[Despite the smarmy comeback, there's nothing biting or sarcastic in her tone. It's the same: hard, empty, a little cool, but not totally unfriendly. She does a reasonably good impersonation of genial as she nods to the bar with a smile like an empty room.]

Come sit down. I'll fix us a couple drinks...then you can give me all the juicy details about your Parisian love nest. I want to hear everything.