A Little Fun [Marc]

[Deleted]

Observing her features as she speaks, it's clear this woman is demure. Downplaying exactly what she lost, and trying to make it seem as if it were nothing. A keen skill, but one that is hurting her more than helping, it seems. Frowning briefly, he takes her hand, squeezing it for a moment. "Ms. Stenet, you underplay your pain in this instance. I do hope those things you were able to replace, are of similar status to those you lost. Whomever has inflicted this occurance on you will pay restitution. I am sorry for your loss, either way."

He nods as she mentions this is a relatively crime-free area. "And it is once of extreme beauty, too. One that does not come off as tacky, but as classic charm. Much like yourself." A genuine compliment, as she is quite gorgeous. Sadly, she is overlooked, if he is the first to approach her in such an establishement such as this. "Your work sounds engaging, and rewarding. I am lucky that my own endeavors allow me to play at times. I own a vineyard, and am looking about Gotham to see if she is worthy to bring my product to. I know you have mentioned you drink in only special occasions, but would you humor me? Perhaps try some of my family's wine, and to celebrate your new life; one free of whatever constraints you had, to look toward the future of what is to be. I could join you over dinner, and we could get a private room for the three of us."

It could be intimate, close, and safe, for it seems she was still rather aware that someone may be standing over a few meters away, with her quite often scanning of those behind him coming and going. "Please, do not feel pressured, either way. I can procure a bottle for you to enjoy on your own time, as well."

She was much too lovely to let a bottle of his wine to not bless her lips. Or of her assistant's.

[Nina Stenet]

At his reassurance, a smile flickers across Nina's face and she nods, though she doesn't know quite what to say to that. She's healing, and it won't be very much longer before she's back to perfect health. And yes, Edward will pay restitution, all right...

The sudden compliment causes Nina to blink in surprise, before she smiles a bit bashfully and says, "You flatter me..." She doesn't see herself as all that beautiful and doesn't think that being pretty is very important anyway, but still... flattered. Nodding as he explains his own work, she can't help but blink in surprise at his offer. "Oh, I don't know..." is her honest first reaction, though it only takes her a moment before she thinks to say, "Why don't I check with Shawty and see what she thinks? Just a moment..." Not that she thinks that Shawty wouldn't be willing to tag along if she insisted, but she doesn't want to do that right now so she really should ask Shawty about it. And it would also give Nina herself a longer chance to decide if she wants to be eating dinner privately with a man she just met without making it too blatantly obvious that she needs to really think about that one.

Smiling at him as she gets up, she walks over to where Shawty is seated at the bar and the moment she's sure that she's close enough for Shawty to hear and for Marc to not, she asks, "What have you gotten me into?" Though the only response she gets to that from her assistant is an amused smirk. "He wants to know if he can join us for dinner and suggested a private room," she continues.

"And you said?" Shawty asks.

"I'm here asking you what you think," Nina replies.

Looking past Nina to give the man a smile, she says, "Well, I think he's a creeper."

"You do?" Nina asks.

"How about I go to the club and let you two have dinner without me?" Shawty suggests, looking back at Dr. Stenet.

"Oh, well, I'd rather not go with him by myself," Nina replies.

Smirking at that, Shawty comments, "Because you think he's a creeper too."

Unable to stop herself from laughing a little at that, Nina says, "Okay, he's a little... off, but it could just be because he's foreign."

"Or he's a foreign creeper," Shawty states, taking a sip of her drink before asking, "So are we eating with him or not?"

"I don't see the harm... and he's offering some of his family's wine - apparently he owns a vineyard," Nina comments.

"Free booze? I'm in!" Shawty says with greatly exaggerated enthusiasm, "I'm almost done with my drink." She holds it up, showing that there's only a few swallows left.

Still laughing to herself at that, Nina walks back over to Marc and says, "Shawty agrees that you're welcome to join us for dinner."

[Deleted]

"It is not undue, Ms. Stenet." he counters to her slight objection. Each woman is a delight in her own way. It is sad that too few men have the eyes to see. Offering his hand in the direction that her assistant is seated, he gestures. "I have no objections either way." Standing as she stands, he waits until she is safely most of the way to her assistant with the golden hair. If she had someone just break in, it would be due diligence at least to make sure she sees it safely to the bar, no?

While she speaks with Shawty, he reseats himself and ponders the passersby. It's quite an eclectic mix, so is he entertained for a while.

As he glances over, he seems to catch a rather animated bit of their discussion. And then Ms. Stenet his confirming his offer. "Shall we?" He offers an arm to her, chancing a look to the petite blonde as well, offering an arm if she will take in in kind as well.

He will escort the two ladies to a table, not quite in the middle. Nor right in the flow of traffic. A good view. Holding out chairs for each, he makes sure they are seated before corralling a waiter, and speaking rapid French to him, the waiter responding in kind with a nod to the head before he takes his own seat.

"Ladies, I am honored to be able to dine in your company this evening. The wine shall be on it's way shortly."

[Nina Stenet]

When he offers his arm, Nina can't help but smile at the old-fashioned courtesy and accept it. "Okay," she replies, letting him lead her.

Shawty, on the other hand, purposely occupies herself with her drink until it's finished, allows her attention to be distracted by some of the more interesting people passing through the lobby, and then takes up a position a few steps behind her boss and the foreign creeper - apparently failing to notice that he offered his other arm. Though when they reach the table, she doesn't seem bothered at all about him holding out the chair for her.

The dining room here is quite formal, projecting an air of timeless sophistication. And yet the atmosphere is purposely quite relaxed - while the decor is enough for someone to not feel out of place in their best dress, it's also not so stuffy as to make someone in jeans feel like they're under-dressed. Instead this is a place for people of all kinds to enjoy some exceedingly fine cuisine, with the exception perhaps of those who wouldn't be able to afford to stay at this hotel.

Settling herself at the table, Nina glances up and watches Marc's exchange with the waiter, smiling at him when he finishes and joins them. "I'm looking forward to it," she replies. Shawty, on the other hand, seems to be totally absorbed in perusing the menu.

[Deleted]

There had been a fifty-fifty chance of getting both women. He has one. That is still winning in his eyes. As they cross into the dining area, a grin comes to mouth. Now today has been fantastic in an unexpected way. While the ray of sunshine walks behind him, he can't complain too much about her decline of an escort.

Once their table is found, and the ladies seated, the wine ordered, he nods. "I ordered white, and red. My err for not asking preferences before we sat down. I apologize." Snapping open his napkin, he lays it across his lap before perusing the menu.

The choices are wide, and it takes him quite a bit of time before coming to a choice, the wine brought to them in the meantime.

As the waiter decants it, offers the cork, to which he nods. he is then offered a small pour, which is swirled, tasted, and agreed upon before the ladies are poured a red. The same is done with the white wine, to which Marc takes a glass of both.

"Is Gotham known for a certain, delicacy?" Other than it's engaging women, he wishes to add. Instead he looks between his two dining companions, truly wishing they were both a bit more talkative.

[Nina Stenet]

"Oh, that's perfectly fine!" Nina says with a smile as he explains about ordering both red and white, though inwardly she worries just a little. Like she said, she's used to only drinking on special occasions, and even then she tends to no drink very much - she doesn't really enjoy the effects of too much alcohol that much, and 'too much' for her isn't very much. Not used to the finer points of wine etiquette, she worries if he might feel snubbed if she doesn't drink enough of both glasses of wine.

Though his next question is a good enough of a distraction from such worries. Especially when Shawty, not looking up from her menu, responds to it by saying, "Hah! Nothing they serve anywhere this nice!" And that causes Nina to give a slightly amused grin because, well, that's mostly true - seems like the food that Gotham ends up being the most famous for is the junk food the street vendors sell.

"No, let me think!" she says, honestly having to work just a little to remember what finer fair they're supposed to be known for. "Ah yes! Steaks - sirloin steak, filet mignon, rib eye steak..." she says, leaning over so the she can point out the appropriate section of the menu for him. Since it is, indeed, supposed to be a city specialty there's a wide selection. "And also cheesecake if you want dessert," she adds, hoping that's helpful. Straightening, she peruses her own menu for a moment, trying to decide for herself. Come to think of it, steak does sound nice, though it also sounds a bit heavy at the moment.

While she's mulling it over, she picks up the white wine and gives it a slow taste. While she's no real connoisseur of wine and doesn't drink much, she does tend to enjoy it methodically as a matter of course and savors every mouthful before she swallows it. Unlike Shawty, who will probably eventually go through both glasses quite carelessly. "So what do you do besides talking doctors into drinking your wine?" she asks him.

[Deleted]

His brow raises at the blonde's words. He is slightly confused at what she is saying, as he looks over the menu, noting several things he prefers and does not prefer. But it seems that Gotham is known for it's meat. Beef to be exact. And those are words that every man can appreciate. "I do appreciate a well prepared steak. Filet is a finer cut. As is prime rib. He notes both on the menu, reaching for his glass of white wine. Swirling it slightly before he takes a sip he has to remember about cheesecake.

"Perhaps for dessert we will indulge in that. Both of you, pick what you prefer. And mull over an appetizer. I will think on what I can ask you about your lovely city in return." It's a small price to pay for the company of two very differing yet engaging women.

It's only after his menu is laid down does he turn fully to Nina with a smile. "Travel. I run the business aspect of my family's vineyard and winery. I indulge in as much activity as I can. Parkour, distance running, swimming. Rock climbing. It bothers me to necessitate a vehicle in Gotham; considering my own home is a bike's ride to town, and I am able to walk the grounds, and the city as I wish. And yourself; and your companion. What do you both indulge in, while not protecting, and serving those in need?" He easily spins the question to the duo effortlessly while savoring his wine.

[Nina Stenet]

Perusing the menu, Nina manages to stumble upon an item that satisfies her 'steak but not too heavy' craving. "Oh! A steak salad - that's what I want," she decides out loud, as that manages to be both at once.

"I want the four cheese pasta with chicken," Shawty replies without looking up from her menu, as she does not want steak, "And I think we should go with the mozzarella sticks for the appetizer."

"In a cheese mood, eh?" Nina points out, getting shrug in reply. Laughing at that, she turns to Marc and says, "I guess we're picking mozzarella sticks then." Because she certainly doesn't object to the choice, and would hate having to come up with an alternative.

With those decisions made, she lays down her menu and gives her full attention to Marc as he talks about his hobbies. And she nods easily when he starts to complain about needing a car. "Yes, I'm sure that Gotham leaves much to be desired for a bicyclist," she comments, "Though I've seen a number of them riding around Robinson Park when the weather is nice." Of course, those doing it there are clearly doing so more for recreation than transportation. "But a car is certainly necessary if you want to avoid using taxis or public transportation - I find it's usually too far to walk most places," she comments. Then again, she's also far less athletic than it sounds like Marc is.

"I'm rather married to my work actually," Nina answers his question, "It's my passion - I'd rather work than have free time, honestly." Which is true - most of the free time she sets aside for herself is purely for the purpose of keeping herself sane.

Of course, Nina's dedication to her work has a huge impact on the amount of free time Shawty gets, and the young woman slowly folds her menu as she says, "I'm married to her work too." A pause, and then she adds, "And shopping." Because that's what she does when she gets time off. Well, that and other things she doesn't care to bring up.

An alert waiter notices that the menus are all on the table, so he promptly appears during a break in the conversation to inquire, "Have we decided what we're having this evening?"

[Deleted]

He raises a brow to each of the women's differening orders. Both sound fantastic and tasty but neither are what he desires for a meal. Nodding to each he doesn't mind cheese as an appetizer. "That all sounds fantastic. Perhaps stuffed mushrooms as well? I know those tend to have a certain cheese with them as well." And he likes the fungi as a food across the board. Truffles would be fantastic but fitting them into his palette for the moment would be difficult. And he's mildly curious to see how the cuisine fairs here in Gotham. He would prefer to dine on Magritte's fair, but that is a bit assumptous, even for him.

"Gotham is a bit more urban than I am used to. Even from Nice, to some of the others more urban cities. I prefer to stay active, but even Parkour affords me that in this setting. And Robinson Park has lovely views. It is quite lush. It reminds me of spring back home." And his grandmother. But that is a topic for another time.

He waves his hand at the thought of a car. "I have a towncar on reserve for more pressing, lengthy appointments. My days are my own for now. I'm looking into a flat or as you call it 'apartment' here in Gotham. I dine out mostly as it is a venue to speak on what I peddle. Other than that, shopping has been a pastime as I clearly came under-dressed for the occasion. But sadly, I have been unable to locate a decent sporting goods store. I have heard rumors of a cliffside that I wouldn't mind scaling." He goes to his red wine and swirls it in his glass. And then a sip or two.

"But I have reconnected with an old collegue. From my University years. He is nice to relax with. He has been able to educate me slightly on Gothamite culture despite himself not being native as well." Nodding as Nina mentions her own preferences, he grins broadly.

"The more time you can invest in your work, the more you can refine it. Like a decent vintage. I am glad my passions are my job and also encompass other facets I love. Through my work I am able to have people enjoy themselves more fully, as well as meet new people. Such as both yourself. Each person in this world can teach you something. While I am out of school, I find that there are always opportunities to expand one's mind. Mostly in those areas one would not expect." And it's truth.

"Perhaps you could show me a few places that you like to shop. I admire your style, Shawty." He states, raising a brow at the woman. She doesn't seem as buttoned up as her employer. And as to her profession it speaks volumes.

As the waiter attends to the trio, Marc offers his hand to the two women to order first. When it comes to his turn, he orders fluidly. "The lobster and fillet. Rare trending toward medium rare. Asparagus done fork tender. And a side salad." Offering his menu to the waiter, he sits back and mulls over his wine, switching between the red and the white several times.

[Nina Stenet]

Nodding at his words, Nina's eyebrows lift in curiosity as she asks, "Which part of the city have you been looking at? My own apartment is near here, as are most of the better apartments in the city." And from what she knows of him already, she's guessing that he's in the market for one of the better ones as far as his budget is concerned. "It's a good area, low on crime, though if you'd rather not have to drive everywhere then you're probably out of luck. I'd imagine that you might prefer looking more in central Gotham - it's harder to find a place there, but they have some very nice ones. A friend of mine has a place just off the park that's just as good as the ones around here. And they have more of a variety of businesses there, so you'd be able to leave the car at home more often," she comments, hoping that she's being helpful.

Especially since she's absolutely the wrong person to ask about sporting anything. "I'm afraid I haven't been in the market for sports equipment for awhile, so I can't help with that problem," she says with a slightly apologetic tone. Because by 'awhile' she means 'many years'.

She's back to nodding and picks up her glass of white as Marc speaks of his old colleague, and she smiles and nods. "I'd imagine that there's quite a bit of culture shock," she comments before she takes a sip and puts her glass back down, smiling and nodding as he speaks of passions and meeting new people.

When Marc's attention shifts to Shawty she's drinking some of her red wine, but pauses for long enough to smile politely at the compliment and say, "Perhaps..." But though the word says 'maybe', the tone says 'no'. Perhaps she'll show him some places to shop, and perhaps someone will hit her in the head so hard that she forgets that she's really not interested in spending any time with him. She's only here right now because Dr. Stenet wants her here and that carries a lot of weight with her, not just because the woman is her boss but also her friend.

The waiter takes their orders and their menus, each woman ordering what she'd stated that she would, though when Nina's finished with her order, she motions to Shawty and adds, "And she needs a glass of water." Which prompts Shawty to give her boss a confused look, though after an awkward pause the confusion clears and she simply says, "Oh! Yes, I guess I do." Pursing her lips slightly, she sets down her wine glass.

[Deleted]

"Wherever my broker is looking. I want something within walking distance to restaurants. But this park sounds lovely." Low on crime is fantastic sounding as well. He smirks at her comments as he savors his wine.

"Central Gotham it is. And if I am able to walk more, all the better. You've been too helpful, Nina. If I may inquire where your more permanent residence is? Do you prefer an area of Gotham over the other?"

Their waitstaff arrives with their appetizer, and a water is requested for Shawty. As she responds to him he gives her a wink and a dry smile. It comes off as charming even if they are both quite clear of one another's intentions. He is being friendly, she wants nothing to do with him. Still, he can't be faulted for trying. "I'll have to remember that offer, Shawty." She is so not interested.

The exchange between the two women is interesting. As Shawty seems to enjoy the wine and forget her 'job.' "Nina, dear. Let her enjoy the night. I can be your escort for dinner. If anyone comes for you with a fork I will block them." His attempts at a joke are rather lame.

[Nina Stenet]

Smiling and nodding at his thanks, Nina's eyebrows lift slightly in surprise when he asks about her own place. "Oh, not far from here, actually. I doubt that you'd want to live where I live, though," she replies, "Personally, I'd prefer something much simpler, like my old apartment in south Gotham. That's become impractical, though." She frowns at that, absentmindedly taking another sip of her wine.

She brightens up considerably when the appetizers arrive, though, claiming one of the stuffed mushrooms. Shawty, on the other hand, isn't shy about claiming a large share of the mozzarella sticks - she's the one who asked for them, after all - and completely ignores Marc while she's doing so.

At Marc's gently chiding words, Nina actually looks just a little bit embarrassed and is about to say something when she's interrupted by Shawty. "If Dr. Stenet thinks that I need water, then Dr. Stenet is right," the young woman states flatly, sounding rather irritated. Which is enough to soothe Nina's embarrassment, though it makes her just a bit uncomfortable for a different reason.

"This is really good," she comments, indicating the stuffed mushroom that she's eating. Because she certainly doesn't want to keep talking about water.

[Deleted]

Marc sipped at his wine and listened intently to her describe different areas. "As much as I miss my old routine, I am finding that the downtown area of Gotham suits my needs well. I can walk to most places and as much as I loathe driving, there is a plethora of cabs and cars to rent if need be. But this park area sounds just as lovely. I like to stay active and a more centrally located place in Gotham might be the best bet. It reminds me of my home. I was at the family vineyard frequently but also had a flat in the city. This allowed me to travel with ease and on a spur of the moment schedule without having to always have a suitcase packed.



"My broker is also looking for a home more in the ...suburbs of Gotham as well. Outside city limits. I do believe my parents called it a country home. I do not know if the same term is applicable here. But Gotham is gaining my respect more and more." Another sip of his wine and he goes to secure a few of the appetizers himself, noshing on a mushroom. It is pretty fantastic for Gotham cuisine.



"Then I would trust the good Doctor's words, Shawty. I wouldn't want to contradict the one who writes your paychecks, now would I?" His eyes flick from blonde, to brunette as he smiles.

[Nina Stenet]

Nodding as he talks about his options, Nina can't find much to add to that at this point - once you know what your options are and what makes them different, you simply have to make a choice and she's not about to tell a man she just met which of them would be best more than she already has.

She also nods as he speaks of having two different homes, though privately she finds that whole thing excessive even though she's sure plenty of Gotham's wealthier people do that. Her own apartment is plenty excessive in it's own right, and she's never felt the need to go escape into the countryside. At least, not to such a degree that it couldn't be a day trip. "I believe that's what they're called, yes," she replies, as she has some uncertainty herself on that point, "But yes, I enjoy living in Gotham myself, for the most part." Of course there's also the bad parts, but then again that's true of anywhere. And she's not about to move over something like Edward, either.

Shawty bristles just a little at Marc's words as she says, "She doesn't pay me to agree with her." In fact, if anything Dr. Stenet pays her to do the opposite at times. Like now, for instance - she doesn't really agree that they should spend any time with Marc, and indicated as much, but she's here anyway.

And as her comment goes unacknowledged and the conversation between the two - which seems to specifically exclude her given that they're both now referring to her as if she's not there - Nina goes quiet. Not that she's offended or upset in any way. She just... has nothing to add to this line of conversation that she accidentally started and it seems that they want to continue it anyway. She finishes off the mushroom she claims and then takes a sip of the wine, trying to let her concentration be more on that.

[Deleted]

He looks to Shawty with his glass poised at his mouth. Setting down the stemware he nods. "She pays you to do much, much more no doubt. But I can bet she values your opinions as well." He then turns back to Nina.

"What parts do you not prefer?" It's a pointed question because he would like to know all aspects of this city. One would be uneducated to think that Gotham was as safe as it could be. Because it isn't.