#ccsemberclub

"Oh you just made his night" Melinda says "May I suggest a wine that compliments the duck?"

"Please do."

She writes down a note "I'll get those drinks for you right away, would you like a small appetizer for while you wait for the main course?"

"Whatever the chef likes."

She beams and bobs her head "I shall get right to it"

William takes CC's hand as they have a moment.

"How -are- you feeling? If you wish to say."

"Oh, I'm hungry. I don't know if I'll be THAT hungry, " She tells him, "But I'm in good spirits all things considered"

He nods. "Something to consider is how to proceed with the doctors. That is, your physician has given you a diagnosis and will need to believe in some story when your cure works."

"Hare Krishna, of course, and the power of the Leaf" deadpan

He chuckles. "What are your -doctor's- plans? Timeline?"

She tells him, and it turns out to be slow anyway. Darn Anti vaxxers have slowed the proccess for some other things

He nods, listening and making mental notes "That works to our advantage."

"Not ssomething I thought anyone would say"

"Mm. IN war you take the victories you can get."

"Truth" she smiles

the appetizers, yummy small potato concoctions you can pop in your mouth, arrive with the wine.

"Thank you, Melinda." with a warm smile.

"You're welcome," She smiles and withdrawws

A sip of wine which CC enjoys, then mmms at the teeny potato she samples "I think this was prepped in the fat of the duck, with a light garlic glaze. "

"Let's see.... " he takes one himself, and samples.

Oh this is steal worthy

A smirk. "I'll make it at home for you and allow it to inspire something for the club."

"Well I don't want to stuff myself up on this.." A bite of another "Won't have room for the actual duck"

"Eat just as much as you like, Dearest." he's been like that a lot; making sure she has her meals but not stuffing her.

"mmm fine. " Wonderful smells come out of the kitchen. Others are here too, but the chef seems to be favoring their table! He gets to show off? Oh heck yes

William gives her a sly look "A little professional competitiveness."

"Oh my. Perhaps. "

He tips her a wink. "I take it you haven't told Caesar?"

The food's main course begins to come out, Melinda taking the platters out... roasted grapes in a dance with Grilled hearts of romaine... and, of course the Magret De Canard À L'Orange itself

"Not yet" She admits "I ooh how lovely looking"

Those are but part of what's being presented.

Mr. Stodgepole is observant and sharp-eyed, questioning a few times but also appreciative.

Oh looks like there's truffles!

He asks about the provenance of the truffles.

Melinda is prepared and names the province where these Winter black truffles are harvested, but..."And they are mixed with a delicate powdering of the Chef's own spices..."

"Oh, I do look forward to them."

And they savor.. the Duck is wonderful

He will feed her bites, if she will let him.

She does... and feeds him a bit as well. Some of these he could better perhaps, some however arre truly rivaling him. A joy eihe way

"Are you -going- to tell him?" eyebrow.