After getting home, Cullen showers and dresses in something simple, cream pants and a blue button down rolled at the sleeves with brown oxfords. He's in the kitchen getting into the wine when the knock comes at the door. He calms Blade's barking with, "I'm expecting someone. Go play on the beach for a little while, would you? We'll probably need a little space."

The dog lets himself out the back door, forgetting to shut it, and tears off over the sand. After shutting the door, Cullen walks to the front to answer. "Come in," he says, stepping back to gesture. "I just opened a bottle of Chardonnay. Would you care for some?" He's a bit tense. It's visible in the set of his eyes, but he's determined to be gracious.