[attr="class","ophelia"]

[attr="class","ophelia b"]

[attr="class","ophelia i"]"please," she pauses, hand extending to shake his. "ophelia is fine."

the ms coin moniker still feels off-putting in a way she can't quite place. she blames it on imposter syndrome and yet, she knows it's not as simple as it sounds.

"thank you for asking. i appreciate your interest."

she had, perhaps, thought it a joke at first. the longer the thought of such a meeting lingered, though... the more enticing it sounded. she doesn't need a financial advisor by her side but the concept is sound enough to warrant this.

the urge for cheeks to flush a slight shade of pink beneath idle praise comes and goes. it persists in heat yet fails to produce a color. she's long since tried to keep a vice grip on the girlish tendencies that plague her. they have no place here.

"i have heard the food here is the best mauville has to offer."

at least, the reviews mention as such. she's as unfamiliar with mauville as she is with this man.

her eyes dart to the hostess, to the shy smile she wears. and they soften a fraction, more personal than professional. a habit she can't quite shake... the bleeding heart unbecoming of a woman in her position.

"does our table happen to be ready?"

the hostess nods slowly. a moment later and she's gathering their menus, shy eyes expectant of them to follow her.

Frank Caffey

[attr="class","ophelia"]

[attr="class","ophelia b"]

[attr="class","ophelia i"]he helps her with her chair first, pulling it out and waiting for her to settle in before taking a seat in his own. and as she sits, she murmurs a soft, "thank you, frank."

the lighting paints them both in a softer light. warmer than the harsh lines of business she's used to. in this atmosphere, she's almost fooled into thinking this is more of an indulgent meeting than the premise allows.

she studies him for a moment beneath the glow of the chandelier before her eyes drop to the menu. there's multiple choices that stick out to her. all of them, in some form, include pasta.

and when he asks of her preferences, she flashes a smile. the low light makes it more warm than practiced.

"i also happen to be a fan of alto marean cuisine, specifically any pasta dishes."

for wine...

"pink or white wine is a personal favorite as well."

she appreciates the sweeter notes. red is too bitter for her palate.

"do you have a preference for wine?"

she leans as she asks the question, a little closer to give him her full attention.

Frank Caffey

[attr="class","ophelia"]

[attr="class","ophelia b"]

[attr="class","ophelia i"]truthfully, she had carefully selected this restaurant solely based on their course selection. each pasta dish sounded too heavenly for her to not pick up the phone and place the reservation.

and in the end, she settles on the classic fettuccini alfredo with lemon garlic shrimp. a safe choice, perhaps.

"it does."

she smiles a little wider, pleased with his decision.

the waitress places their orders a moment after leaving and returns after a few minutes have passed with a basket of warm bread, butter, and oil. the glasses of white wine follow shortly after.

she plucks hers up and extends it to meet his, the clinking of glasses never failing to be a satisfying sound.

"and to yours as well, frank, beauty especially included."

the corners of her smile lose their polite edge. it's a tease she washes down with a sip of crisp white wine.

"now, shall we begin the business portion or would you prefer to wait until after dinner?"

Frank Caffey

[attr="class","ophelia"]

[attr="class","ophelia b"]

[attr="class","ophelia i"]a small smile flashes from behind the rim of a wine glass before he takes center stage.

and as he speaks, she gingerly sips down each word with white wine.

"i see."

the glass returns to its place on table cloth and she leans forward in her seat, eyes focused entirely on him and the concept he presents.

"while i don't doubt your experience, i must ask... why do you believe jolt united should select your firm over other financial groups?"

color her curious, perhaps. there's a necessary dance to this meeting, one she is still growing accustomed to dancing. weeding out the best from the herd requires additional information, portfolios needed to further the foundation he has already laid.

"could you provide examples of where your expertise has led to greater results?"

Frank Caffey