Allison allowed him to slide away, fixing him with that same hard look through a smile. She stayed silent a long while, watching his expression and weighing the ice in his tone...

Her expression softened and her smile grew just a little as she nodded.

This time, as she reached out to link her arm through his again, there was genuine warmth in her tone.

"Then the only line I expect you to toe is the family line." she assured him. "I adore Grey, and since you adore him, too, you're part of said family. So I'm still getting you that drink, and I'd still love to talk to you. I mean...how'd you and Grey meet?"