Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 2, 2014 1:24:28 GMT -5
In her effort to keep anyone who she doesn't want finding her from actually finding her, Nina has been switching hotels frequently and has attempted to do so in no particular pattern. And a part of that has been switching up exactly what kind of hotel she's staying in, from the cheapest to the most expensive. The one she just moved to today is on the upper end of the scale - much too pricey for her tastes. Then again, if Edward is looking for her he'd know that her normally frugal sensibilities would make her not like the place so she suspects that he may assume that she wouldn't stay here.
One advantage of the place though, which Shawty was quick enough to point out, is that it's very well appointed when it comes to on-site services - it's the kind of hotel you only have to leave if you want to. And as the dinner hour approaches, Shawty begins a campaign of convincing Dr. Stenet that they should go check out the dining area instead of ordering room service or something. Eventually her campaign succeeds, so the two head down as soon as Shawty has had a chance to make sure that she's 'cute' and her boss just makes sure that nothing went horribly amiss since the last time she checked the mirror.
After a short elevator trip, it's not hard to tell when they've found the right spot. The hotel's lounge is large space at the back of the building with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a view of the river and the darkening nighttime sky. The furniture is modern and the lighting not too intense, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere. The lounge features a very well appointed bar, where business is just starting to pick up for the evening. At one end of the lounge a large archway leads to the hotel's dance club, and even from here one can feel the slightest of rumbles from the base notes, though it's not unignorable. At the other end of the lounge is a similar archway leading to a formal dining area.
When they arrive, Nina can't help but pause just within the room to take in the view of the window - the sky is beautiful and the city's lights across the river are beginning to take over as well. Though it only takes her a moment before she starts to walk over to the dining area since that's why they decided to come down, though Shawty pauses to look longingly in the direction of the dance club. This hotel is a really safe place, right? It wouldn't hurt anything to leave Dr. Stenet alone for a couple of hours? Though Shawty reluctantly follows her boss, deciding to ask a bit later - it's probably even more fun later in the evening.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2014 6:09:26 GMT -5
Cold. It's something to get used to. But there are many things to get used to in the States, it seems. While this is no New York, it is quite the hub of activity. Jet lag is resting heavy on his shoulders, something even a brisk shower couldn't quite wash away the cloying chill of. Thankfully, the concierge at the front desk of this establishment had been able to provide for most of his needs. Food, drink, a place to rest his head had been procured. Now a longer-term home will be sought in the morning, clothing, and other such sundries as well. After the list of boutiques and other errata had been listed, he was quite assured Gotham was the correct choice in seeking something less blase.
Not feeling up to exploring yet, the afternoon hours had been passed with black coffee, an apple, and time spent checking over work contacts. While he may be an ocean away, work did not cease. Especially when such an investiment had been made into something built by such passion. While his father still had a major hand in most of it, other tasks he had taken over. But as he was used to being in contact with more people, the isolation and fatigue made him restless. And this is the sort of city that didn't seem to sleep.
So it was a shower, and a quick chance into something passable; or at least he hoped. Fine quality denim jeans, a slim fitted button down shirt. Sleeves cuffed and rolled to the elbow. A pair of well worn black dress shoes. A quick comb ran through his nearly shoulder length hair. There was a shadow of stubble on his face, but did that matter? Not to him. Armed with his money clip, credit card, and ID, it didn't take long to get down to the lounge area he had been told was several floors below his suite. If he hadn't been informed, the building would have been mistaken to his eye for a luxury condominium.
Hands shoved in his pockets, he ventures into the lounge, brows raising at the interior. The night sky is impressive. The skyline worthy of poetry. Or a photograph, but he'd declined to carry his camera, to ward off the awful stench of tourist. Instead he holds up his cell phone to remember his first night in a new city, capturing the lines, the colors. Then his phone is away, and making his way to the bar. It's tucked off to the corner of the main dining area, and a passerby catches his eye here and there. The women in Gotham, seem to come in many different flavors, it seems. Yanking out a stool, he sits on it, the bass of the club ringing through his seat; it vibrates. Perusing the drink list, he's not impressed. Scotch is scotch, whiskey is piss, and the wine selection is fair. His order is a Macallan 18 year, his card already on the bar.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 2, 2014 11:22:53 GMT -5
As they make their way further through the lounge, Shawty's desire to actually have some fun at this hotel rears itself again when they draw near to the bar. This time she can't resist. "Dr. Stenet - do you mind if I get a drink first?" she asks, because she's willing to bet that her boss won't want one too - Dr. Stenet drinks, but only occasionally and never much even then - which means that she'd have to wait.
The question causes Nina to pause in slight surprise. Shawty isn't one to drink on the job, which she sort of is right now. Then again, she also reflects that because of how they've been living since Edward stabbed her, she hasn't had a real break since... And even with all the people around this hotel is probably a very safe place. "No, I don't mind," she says with a smile. It won't hurt anything to relax a bit for one evening. As Shawty heads for the bar, Nina spots an empty couch that has a good view of both the window and the people walking through the lounge - she's sure she can kill plenty of time between enjoying the view and people-watching.
Meanwhile, Shawty takes a seat at the bar next to a man she doesn't really pay much attention to. She's wearing a medium blue, one shoulder cocktail dress that began life as a bridesmaid dress for a friend - a bit on the formal side, but she's dressed it down and added a little edge by throwing a black leather jacket over it. On her feet are a pair of lightly studded, strappy black heels that go well with the jacket, and her hair is worn loose but she's flat-ironed it smooth. "Can I get a tequila sunrise?" she asks the guy at the bar.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2014 19:06:00 GMT -5
Several swallows into his drink, a lovely bit of sunshine claims the seat beside him. A bit on the petite side, but who doesn't mind that? Baby blue and ...leather. Now she seems fun.
Catching the bartender's eye, the two men lock eyes for a moment. It's that classic 'I'm buying her drink,' message that is one of the non-verbals that most men understand. So when the drink is set down with a napkin before the blonde, the bartender sets it down with "It's been taken care of, Ma'am." Before his eyes turn to Marc for a second and he returns to stocking glasses and other sundries in the bar area.
"Bold drink for a bold woman. Where I am from, women don't indulge in Tequila," comes the not-quite-heavily accented English from her left. Where he is from, women indulge in wine and champagne like it flows from the rivers. America is so far full of delightful variety.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 4, 2014 9:45:29 GMT -5
Pulling out her I.D. without having to be asked (because she's always carded), Shawty watches the bartender prepare the drink. As far as she's concerned, watching this particular drink made is a part of the experience - especially when the grenadine is added to make the sunrise effect that the drink is famous for. But as she didn't notice the look exchanged with the bartender, her eyebrow lifts in surprise when he informs her that her drink has been paid for.
And when she follows the bartender's gaze to the man next to her, her other eyebrow joins it. Aw, for two seconds there she was excited and thought that she might actually meet someone. This is clearly an old guy. A handsome old guy, yes, but even though she's guessing at his age, he's much older than she'd generally go for - that he's bought her drink is actually just a little creepy. That, and his words, actually tempts her to dump her drink on him. "Where I come from, you're practically old enough to be my father," she states - which isn't really that much of an exaggeration since she's from east Gotham and teenage fathers are far from unheard of there. But she refrains from wasting her drink on giving him a cold shower.
Especially since another way to handle him pops into her head. "But..." she says, turning in her seat to look over at Dr. Stenet, "My boss is closer to your age. And she's single... And a doctor." And also probably not especially interested in meeting someone right now, but she'll leave that part out. Knowing nothing about this man except that he probably thinks a bit too much of himself to be buying drinks for someone her age, she has no idea the odds that Dr. Stenet would like him, but if he takes that suggestion then at least she'll be rid of him. And if her boss really doesn't like him, she'll get a show to enjoy with her drink.
Not paying attention to Shawty's conversation at the bar or the looks cast in her direction, Nina is using this moment to just try to relax her mind. Though she's had way more freetime than she even cares for lately, her thoughts tend to be so consumed by other things that actually relaxing doesn't happen very often. But here, with the view, and the relaxed atmosphere, and interesting people passing by, in this nice hotel - perhaps it's possible. She's wearing a form-flattering dark plum collared shirt with a dark navy, slightly a-line pencil skirt with black high-heeled pumps. Her hair is pulled back into its customary curly ponytail, though as always a few strands in the front have escaped.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2014 10:24:59 GMT -5
Sunshine's response isn't what he was expecting. A crooked smile parts his lips, a half-laugh expelled. "You carry yourself well, for my almost-not daughter, then. My regards." Witty, this one is. "Some men, like wine, get better with age. They say the same of women." He can at least try. She certainly is spunky.
Raising his glass to hers, there is a brow raised. A Doctor? Now that is interesting. "But she is your boss. What would you do for her? Are you a nurse?" Innocent question, as he waits for her to clink her glass to his own.
"And where is this no doubt intelligent, well versed woman? A doctorate requires much. Time, dedication, will. It's been years since I have met a woman of that quality." He extends his hand, introducing himself. "I am Marc. Recent transplant to Gotham, from France." Not that it matters what city; his accent is a clear proclimation he is not local.
Looking beyond the blonde, he is curious which of the women in this area may be this Doctor-Boss. The redhead in the corner? The brunette? The other brunette? Such variety.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 6, 2014 14:15:35 GMT -5
Should Shawty consider having any interest in this man, in spite of the age difference? Nope, not happening. Not when fun, single guys much closer to her own age are so plentiful. Maybe in a few years she'll be more open-minded about that, but now? No.
Completely neglecting to return the gesture he makes with his glass, she answers his question by saying, "Nah, I'm more of a personal assistant." She only mentions that she's a bodyguard if she's flirting - some guys are actually a bit intimidated by that, but if they are then they certainly wouldn't be able to handle her - but for some guys that makes her a little too interesting while hearing that she's a personal assistant sounds much more boring.
And she also doesn't take his hand - since he didn't take the hint from her immediate response to him, there will be plenty more where that came from. But she does give him her name, "Shawty." But just her name. Only to remain conversational. And since he seems to be a complete failure at following her gaze, she inwardly sighs to herself as she points at Dr. Stenet and says, "The curly-haired brunette in the purple." Now leave her to enjoy her drink in peace.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2014 11:19:17 GMT -5
He knows a slight when he feels it. So no hand taken in greeting, no toast, equate no interest. Ah. Taking a sip from his glass, he turns in his chair to follow this Shawty's gaze. "A dedicated employee, no doubt," is a simple muse as he looks over the brunette in purple.
Nodding his head to the little bit of sunshine in blue and studs, he departs from the bar area, glass in hand as he finds a vacant seat beside this Doctor.
"Excuse me, Miss. Your personal assistant sent me your way. Said I was old enough to be her father? Witty one, she is." This woman is a classic beauty. Pale skin, luminous eyes, and exotic hair. There is a slight twinge as he interrupts her reverie, but it is weighed in the benefit of a new possible aquaintance.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 8, 2014 13:25:21 GMT -5
Having found herself contemplating the window far more than the people, Nina doesn't notice the man approaching her until he's already starting to sit down. And his words cause her eyebrow to lift in surprise. "She did, did she?" she asks, glancing over at the bar area, catching the eye of her assistant who is sitting there with an amused grin on her face. Oh, she sees how this is...
Her attention goes back to the man and she laughs a little as she comments, "Oh, trust me - she has much more where that came from, and if that's all she said then you got off easy." She knows Shawty well enough by now to know some of what the girl's 'type' is, and the man in front of her isn't it - the age difference was probably only the top of the list of reasons why Shawty wouldn't have an interest. What she wonders at more is exactly why Shawty would have sent this man over to her. Well, since she's sitting here waiting anyway, she might as well be friendly. "I'm Nina Stenet," she says, offering her hand.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2014 15:26:25 GMT -5
He nods in agreement, glass raised to his lips for a sample of his Scotch. There is a bit of surprise, as if her assistant had taken her by surprise. Interesting. His eyes show small laugh lines as he grins at some joke he's not fully included on, but-laughter is laughter, and joy is joy.
"Then perhaps you are my remedy, Miss." She looks far too young to be attatched, and if Shawty had sent him in her direction, and in haste, he is clearly hoping this is not a moment of futility as he intorduces himself. Marc Dahlmaine, new to Gotham. Pleasure to make your aquaintance, Doctor Stenet." He is at least versed properly in manners. Taking her proffered hand gently, it's brought to his lips in greeting. "Or if allowed, Nina. You have a wonderful laugh, and should not be left to sit and waste away languishing out the windows at this Gothic city." Which is true.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
~
Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 9, 2014 20:46:57 GMT -5
When he kisses her hand, Nina is taken somewhat by surprise. It's not a gesture she's generally used to, at least not within the circles she usually frequents or from someone she's just met, though his accent is enough of a hint that he's foreign to allow herself to reassure herself that she shouldn't find that uncomfortably strange. Still, she can't help but smile at it in a slightly flustered way as he continues.
"Oh, 'Nina' is fine! And I'm pleased to meet you too, Marc," she says easily, as she hardly expects anyone to use her title when she's not doing something related to her profession. Right here and now she's just another person at this hotel. And, not really sure what to say to the rest of it, she smiles in an obviously flattered sort of way as she says, "Well, I was just waiting for Shawty to have a drink - that's always been more of a 'special occasions' thing for me."
Feeling like she's rambling just a little, she switches to a different track. "And I'm from Gotham, actually - at least for the past ten or so years - I'm just temporarily displaced from my apartment," she explains.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2014 16:27:50 GMT -5
Nodding as he listens, he has to crack that wry smile. "It seems she has her refreshment. But you do not. Is there something I could get you?" It's an easy offer, and a considerate one.
His smile morphs to a tentative frown as she mentions displacement. "You have fine taste for your temporary residence. I do hope nothing too foul has kept you from your home. It is a place where one can be themselves, and safe." He adds, glass raised to his mouth.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 12, 2014 1:50:30 GMT -5
"Oh, I'm fine, thank you," Nina replies just as easily, "We're going to dinner when she's finished, so there's no need." Though she can't help but smile a little at his generosity in offering.
Though that smile slips away fairly quickly at what he says next. Because what's kept her from her apartment is very 'foul', and she certainly wouldn't feel safe in going there right now. Though her distress at the thoughts that he's triggered is rather muted by the time that it reaches her face - there's a hint of anxiousness, but nothing too severe as she simply says, "Someone broke in, actually." Which is the truth, but only the tip of the iceberg. Though it ought to be enough for this conversation, she thinks - it at least indicates that she's not here for any pleasant reason and the jist of why.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2014 6:14:07 GMT -5
A gentle rebuff is something he's not used to. Another swallow of his drink is gone as he contemplates this. Perhaps her break-in is more occupying than one would think. "I wasn't aware Gotham was the city to encourage that sort of vile behavior. I hope nothing of importance was displaced. And if I may ask-what is a good place to eat here? You seem to know quality in your choices, I would be greatly indebted to your recommendation."
It is true. One can only listen to the concierge ramble about this and that for so long. After a while it's best to talk to the locals. They tend to know the best places.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
~
Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Feb 13, 2014 18:08:33 GMT -5
"There's a lot of crime in this city, unfortunately, though not usually in this area," Nina says with a frown, having to fight to keep herself from looking more upset than she should be. "But the important thing is that nothing was lost that can't be replaced," she adds, forcing a slight smile. Yes - the important thing is that she survived. Not for her own personal benefit, but she still has so much work to do.
His question causes her frown to shift for a more thoughtful one, but she says, "Unfortunately, I'm not a very good person to ask. I'm kind of married to my work, so I don't get out to restaurants very much. Not beyond fast food, anyway. Shawty and I were just going see what the hotel's dining room has to offer this evening, though if the rest of this place is any indication, I'm sure it's quite good." As she says this, she turns her head to look at the large archway that leads to the large dining hall she's talking about. Whoever is in charge of this place clearly knows their business - and the fact that Nina chose it is actually more a matter of random chance than a true indication of how well she chooses quality.
In fact, one of the reasons why she picked this hotel is because, simply in addition to the fact that she doesn't want to stay in one place for too long, this seemed like exactly the sort of place that Edward would assume that she wouldn't be. It's not like her to choose something like this when there are more... frugal places she could stay.
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