"Nope, SoCal, way down close to Mexico. I have a lot of friends back home who are bilingual so that's how I picked it up, plus I took some Spanish classes back before I came here." She grinned up at him. "No one really took French back home, it just wasn't as helpful."

When he seemed impressed by her mount, she raised her chin and squared her shoulders proudly. "Eight and a half years of gymnastics. I don't do it any more, but I still keep in shape and do a few simple routines and stretches." She bit her lip and nodded. "I remember." Once he settled, she scooched forward and slipped her hands around his torso, hugging his back.