2020-02-22 - Casual Date with Dinner

Time has been set aside to have a lovely meeting as scheduled. While there’s no loud and pounding music for partying, this setting has been prepared for a nice meal. Gray Harbor is a small town, but with money, many things can be done and Stefhan has arranged for a back room of a restaurant to be setup for the two. In the center of the area is a dark wooden table that could easily sit four people, but this time there are two, dark leather chairs that easily provide comfort as well as a structured place to sit. On each side of the table top is a glass of cold water, plates for appetizers when they are scheduled to come, and fine silver utensils. There’s also the lovely aroma of what may be a luscious dish available for good smells, but not to the eyes just yet.

Dressed in a neatly pressed, dark suit, Stefhan stands near the table, awaiting the company as scheduled. In two far off corners of the room are two waiters who stand and watch, awaiting commands to serve whenever he or Kip desires anything. To add to the ambiance and class of the setting, classical music is played from unseen speakers but the melody is not loud enough to interrupt conversation.

When Stefhan had invited her for dinner, Kip had been thinking just probably a decent meal at a nice restaurant. She had not been expected to be escorted to a private back room or for the set up to be so beautiful. Her eyes are widened a touch as she looks about the room and then finally to Stefhan, offering up an easy smile. "This is amazing Stefhan. Thank you." As she approached him, motioning for him to bend down a bit so she could give him a kiss on the cheek in greeting.

Kip realized she hadn't brought any actual dressy clothes with her so she'd gone shopping. The result was a forest green dress that complimented her tanned skin, cinched at the waist via a gold and black buckle and flared at the bottom. Black shoes and a gold chain necklace to match. "You really went all out." She chuckles softly before moving to take her seat.

Stefhan to accept the kiss on the cheek and he says, “I am glad that it pleases you, it is really nothing much. I could have done more really. I enjoyed the conversation we had when we first met so, why not continue it in a bit of a more formal setting? It’s only semi formal though. I pondered wearing a tuxedo and gracing the place with rose pedals but, I am glad that you think it will suffice.” There’s no need to be that over the top, at least that’s what we thinks to himself.

To continue to be polite, he goes over to her seat and pulls it out for her. After making sure she’s settled, he goes to sit across from her. Now that the two can begin the evening, one of the waiters comes over to offer the dining selection. The server seems formally trained and he says, “To drink we have tea, soda, water, or champagne if you wish Miss.” Then the menu echoes the other words the water continues to mention, “For an appetizer you can have creamed asparagus, duck gumbo, or coconut seared shrimp. The main course can be steak and lobster, escargot in a cream sauce, or Peking duck.”

Stefhan then adds, “If the menu does not please you, I’m sure other arrangements can be made.”

Kip blushed ever so faintly, "I may have turned around and walked back out if there were any more things happening." She admits. "I've never dined quite like this before." Settling in the seat after he'd pulled it out. "But I am glad we get to talk more, in a place we can properly hear each other." She adds in before looking up at the waiter. Instintively straightening up ever so slightly in her seat as he spoke.

"I would love an unsweetened tea and the coconut seared shrimp." Kip says politely, offering a smile to the waiter and then looked back to Kip. "I really am not a very picky person. Everything will be delicious, I am sure." After he'd given his own order and the waiter left, she spoke up again. "How have you been?"

Stefhan cracks a bit of a half smile at the comment and says, “Well, it is good to just have a nice chat then. Definitely, the purpose here is not to have you walk out the door, at least not at this moment. If you haven’t dined this way, it is good that you have such an experience. It’s been sometime for me but, it is something I am used to. The family mansion in Chicago is much bolder than this, but don’t let me run you off with such thoughts.”

The waiter nods politely and offers the woman a half bow. “Duck gumbo.” Stefhan tells the waiter, and a coke would be fine.” Orders given, the gentleman goes to put his hands in his lap, “I have been well. Getting more accustomed to the city. I seem to be finding new associates who are somewhat related to my friend. I wouldn’t think there are many of them in this city but, they all seem quite friendly. I’m also thinking of some diversions. Maybe I work too much but, that’s life when you’re setting up a new business.” The question is returned and he asks, “How about yourself?”

Kip studied him for a beat and then gave a touch of a wry grin when he said not to let her run off. "Oh good, because I was about to run for the hills." She teased lightly and gave a nod. "It will be an interesting dining experience at least. A good story to bring home." The smile still resting on her lips. Where he puts his hands in his lap, she leans a touch against the table, listening closely.

"It's a small world, no?" She chuckled. "This is a friendly town. I am liking it thus far. Currently I'm looking in to purchasing a car off of someone. Something so I can have my own mode of transportation." Kip mused. "But otherwise, I have not been up to too much. Just getting my bearings. What kind of diversions are you exploring?"

Stefhan chuckles as he hears the cliché, “Ah, your beautiful accent still lets you use American colloquialisms. The hills are still a distance away but trust me, you’re safe.” Regarding the dining experience he nods, “It is always good to have nice stories. A four course meal is nothing too exotic though. Still, if it pleases you, I am happy.”

At the mention of it being a small world he says, “Yes, it certainly is. A car is always a good thing, especially if public transportation is in doubt. Hopefully you can find what suits you but going toward independence is a good move. Regarding diversions, I am thinking of checking out the new theatre in town. Have you heard of it?”

"American colloquialism-" The word does roll a bit awkwardly off her tongue "Are fun." Kip chuckles. "And a bit strange sometimes." She brushes back a few strands of hair from her eyes. "Four courses? There might be some left overs." She flashed him another grin.

"Ohh the theater. I actually met the owner the other day! Shortly after I got in to town. However I haven't been able to see it in person yet. Well. Go inside it." Kip explained. "Movies are good diversions."

Stefhan shrugs and says, "It's fun to play with the languages. German and English, for example, same family but completely different expressions. It still interests me that a gift in German means poision." He chuckles, "Keep your enemies far away, eh?" But at the mention of the theater he seems interested, "Oh? It is definitely a small town. There's not many movies I don't like. It's a bit of a cheap thrill I assume but some of the classics should never be forgotten."

"It does?" Kip raised a brow and then chuckled. "Yes, it would keep them far away." She agreed. On the topic of the theater, "He seems friendly. I think they specialize in horror movies? But play other older movies too. What is your favorite movie? Older or otherwise?"

Stefhan taps his chin for a moment and says, "Believe it or not, I'm a big fan of movies from the 80s and 90s. I think one of my favorties is Somewhere in Time, an early 80s flick. I doubt many people remember it. The acting was simply, amazing. It's hard to find actors with that much passion these days. Reeve was known for Superman of course but his skills were exquisite." Then the question asked, "What of yours? Is horror your favorite genre?"

"I don't know if I've seen that one. I don't think so. I will have to try and check it out." Kip pondered about the Somewhere in Time movie. Then nodded, "Yes - even if it's a bit obvious I guess. But I like seeing how people envision the supernatural or just horror in general. Everyone's view is at least slightly different. Though there are a lot of not good ones out there." A thoughtful little noise. "I don't know if I have a particular favorite movie though. I enjoy cinema in general."

Stefhan looks over as the waiter finally brings the appetizer. Drinks are given, or refilled, if need be and after the food is presented, Stefhan reaches for his spoon. "What do you think of the new poltergeist? In a way it looks to be improved from the movie from the 80s but I can also see how some people who enjoy the classics well, didn't appreciate the new edition."

Kip thanked the waiter as her tea was refilled and shrimp brought out. "Mm, this looks amazing." lifting her fork. One of the shrimp is forked while she thinks over the question. "They are both good in their own right. But I am a bit partial to the older one, mostly because I actually thought it was scarier than the newer one. I do love a good scare. Ironically, it seems like a challenge for a lot of filmmakers to do scary well even with all the new technology they have access to."

Stefhan takes a spoonful of the gumbo and seems to enjoy the taste. "Lovely." he comments but continues on with the conversation, "What about sci fi, horror? That's quite the genre too. I admit some of the old Carpenter flicks are interesting but I do have to be in the right mood to watch them. It all depends."

"Sci-fi horror is fun. I enjoyed the Alien movies quite a lot." Kip agreed before eating another shrimp. "Mm." A contented little sigh and then swallowed. "Maybe we can check out what movies are playing at that theater some time and go see one." She suggested.

Stefhan finishes off about half the gumbo and then puts the bowl aside. Smiling again, he says, "I think I would like that to be honest. Didn't they have some sort of screening of The Thing not too terribly long ago? I think that's what I heard. I don't know if any new alien movies are coming out this month, but we can certainly see."

"Did they? I'm sorry I missed that. I'll do some digging to see what listings are available and we'll set it up." Kip nodded again. She finished off her shrimp and set the plate near his bowl. "So...appetizers, main meal, dessert." She tilted her head. "What is the fourth course? Is it something before the main or after?"

Stefhan smirks a little at the question and says, "Side salad, but it can be one heck of a salad if you want." He nods over at the waiter on standby and asks, "Is that correct?"

The waiter immediately comes forward and says, "Yes, it is. We can do a wedge salad with whatever dressing you wish Miss." Of course, the lady is addressed first, "Thousand Island, French, Honey Mustard." Stefhan then adds a question, "Which dressing do you prefer?"

"I was wondering if it was a salad, that seemed logical but I figured I'd rather ask than guess." Kip admitted, the vaugest hint of pink on her skin, though it faded quickly. "You don't happen to have ranch dressing do you?" She asked the waiter. "If not, French dressing will be just fine." Flashing another smile.

Looking towards Stefhan. 'What's your favorite food?"

"Of course Miss." The waiter gently bows and moves to stand back up. "Ranch it is. It should be out soon." Stefhan gives his response as well and says, "Blue cheese." The orders again taken and he moves to reach for the soda. "Italian and, of course, German." He says, "I don't see many German foods around here but there's a sauerbrauten that the cooks back home make. It's perfect. Takes about three days to cure, certainly not what you would call fast food."

"Lovely, thank you." Kip grinned to the waiter and then looked back to her dinner companion. "That sounds like work with a delicious pay off." She mused. "Have you ever tried Priozhki? It is a fried dough that can be filled with a variety of different things. Savory or sweet. There is one my babushka makes with a warm spinach dip inside that is, how you say, to die for?" A soft chuckle followed.

Stefhan shakes his head and says, "No, I don't think I have." He says, "There are some dishes that are a bit similar in German cusine. Dumplings and the like. Fried dough now that is, well." he chuckles, "Sinful." But it doesn't take long for the salads to come. In a few more minutes, they are delivered, "Ah, the main course should be up soon."

Kip laughed again, "Sinful, maybe, but that is what makes it so delicious. What is life without a little sin now and then." Giving a wink and another laugh. "What is the main course? Or is it a surprise?" She asked, raising her brow briefly before taking a bite of the salad.

Stefhan chuckles in response to the sinful comment and says, "I guess that all depends on your religion but yes, true. I think steak and lobster is what is on the main course but, there are other options." With a clear voice he asks, "What do you want?"

"Mm, I suppose that's fair. I've never really been much for religion personally." Kip nodded a touch and considered the options, flashing another smile. "I haven't had a good steak in a while. I'd be happy with that. And perhaps a baked potato? Always a good pairing."

Stefhan shrugs and says, "I imagine there is a god out there somewhere somehow, but I'm not that in tune with Him and his ways. I guess I should be, it might improve my life, I don't know. In the meantime I guess we shall worship steak and lobster." A smile toward one of the waiters as he says, "If you don't mind." Apparently, they don't and they respond by saying, "Medium? Rare? Well done?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I don't think much about it." Kip mused, "but that sounds like a good plan for now." the worshiping of steak and lobster. She orders her steak medium and a baked potato with all the fixings. For a tiny person she seems to be able to pack a lot away! "So, I don't think I actually asked that first time we spoke. What is The Hub? What do you do there?"

Stefhan nods to the waiters, just to make sure they don't have any questions and to make sure all is smooth at this point, "Not a bad name for a computer based business I don't think. Computer repair, consulting, setting up networks and such. I farm out my web design though. I could do it if I wanted but, there's enough of a focus on certain things. That's enough to keep things going. It's a one stop place for keeping businesses and people up to date when it comes to technology."

"Ah! Okay I see now. It is a good name. I knew it was something with technology I just wasn't sure on the specifics." Kip nodded. "Do you have other employees or is it just you? It sounds like a good business and that you don't have much competition I don't think."

Stefhan says, " Thank you. I have more competition than I would like to be honest. I have a few employees but not many. I did meet another business owner recently and he was quite nice. Another was a rather rude woman. I don't deal well with insults regarding my mother."

After some time, the rest of the meal is delivered and the chatting continues. Dessert is offered and a small sample is taken to conclude a lovely and extravagant meal. During the moments, the two seem to learn more about each other, though nothing intrusive. Stefhan talks more about his computer business and Kip may give additional information about her own work, yet nothing too top secret is revealed. A gentle hug might be exchanged and perhaps talk of going to see a show at the theater is mentioned. It seems as if a friendship was made now, and hopefully, in the future.