It was a polite way of not stepping into potentially rocky territory, Marie knew, and she didn't hold it against him. Religion was a touchy subject for many, and her own mother had been a staunch advocate of avoiding the subject with most company, even her older sister. Marie had just never been very passionate about it or overly concerned about following the strict rules of the church -- her father could be credited for that mindset.

"Thank you," she murmured, stepping inside before glancing over her shoulder at Steve. "Don't worry, sugar, I won't argue religion with you. You have your beliefs and I respect that." And then she turned and took in the clean but lived in space, noting the signs of bachelor life that had settled in, along with the hints of a woman having lived there. There were also...

"You're an artist?" she asked in surprised curiosity, moving further into the room to pick up one of the pencils that had been left lying around.