Drew didn't immediately turn around despite finally lowering his gaze from the dreary skyline outside the office window.  When Erika commented on the elder Conner's impossibly talented receptionist it elicited a short chuckle.  As concerned as he'd obviously been when she entered, the brunette always seemed to know the exact right words to draw him back to the present.  "Yeah."  He nodded faintly, taking in a deep breath.  He knew turning around and catching sight of his longtime girlfriend would cause his worry to melt away but something in the back of his mind gave him pause.  Something didn't want him to to let go of this trouble until a resolution had been found.

After an uncomfortably long moment Drew tore himself away from the window.  His head nodded slowly, though it seemed it was more to himself than acknowledging anything Erika had said.  "I think you are exactly right."  He conceded with an adoring smile touching his features while he crossed the room.  He paused, his brow furrowing for a brief moment.  "Oh."  Another pause followed as he leaned in for a short greeting kiss.  "My father's extended his sabbatical another three weeks.  He wants me to oversee the Boldin-Fitzgerald acquisition in Dallas next week."  The usual stern expression wore when discussing anything work related faded for just a moment and he gave a smile.  "I thought maybe we could make a weekend out of it?"

Just the brunette's presence alone was enough to send the worry and concern Drew had so stubbornly held onto melting away.  He took in a deep breath, nodding at Erika's response.  It was almost surprising that she was playing the part of the responsible one.  School was something he'd damn near forgot about already.  His continued education had been put on hold while he filled in for his father, which was something of a mixed bag for Drew.  He appreciated the experience and opportunity to finally showcase his knowledge and talents, though he still knew getting his MBA was necessary for the future and Stanford University would only wait so long.  "Yes."  Drew said, moving toward the door of the office with Erika at his side.  He'd had a response prepared for her inquiry about the weekend trip but, as always, she found a way to cut him off.  "Ice cream."

Once he'd stopped by the receptionist's desk for a quick run down of the next morning's schedule, Drew stepped out into the cool, early evening air.  His eyes rose once more to the horizon, watching the last vestiges of the sun slip between the tall building of downtown Los Angeles.  "The meeting's on Friday morning."  He finally ventured once the two were making their way along the sidewalk.  That was one of the things he loved about the city.  He never had to drive anywhere.  "And I was thinking, since you didn't want to miss school, you could fly in on Saturday and then we can have you back by Sunday night."

Drew nodded, pleased at the thought of being able to squeeze some alone time with Erika out of a business trip he wasn't all too excited to take in the first place.  It seemed the moment he'd graduated college (the first time) his life took off and began moving far too fast.  He was 22, a year removed from school, and it sometimes felt like he couldn't even manage to find enough time in a week or month to see his girlfriend regularly, let alone be an equally active participant in their relationship.  This fact alarmed him more than he would let on, however, as the last thing he wanted was to look back on his life and realize he'd grown up to become his father.

"I wouldn't over pack."  Drew advised with a chuckle.  A number of business associates (connections forged by none other than the elder Conner) lived in the Southern US leaving Drew with more than a pausing knowledge of the climate.  "It still hits seventy* during the day."  His brow furrowed some as he took a moment to think on Erika's last question.  He knew (through the research of the already mentioned ridiculously competent assistant) what the weather was supposed to look like throughout the weekend he'd be there, though snow was something he hadn't given much thought to.  "I... have no idea...  I don't think they have snow..."

Drew's head shook and he quickly dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand. "Either way.  No snow."  A bit of a smirk touched his lips as he cast a sideways glance in the brunette's direction.  "Also.  No school.  Parents.  Obligations.  Responsibilities..."  Drew trailed off, knowing damn well he didn't need to continue much longer to make his point.