#ccsemberclub

CC mutters "If Caesar screws this up, I'll...well, I'll love him, obviously, but Pan's britches, he's put a good thing at risk here"

Stodgepole makes sure that the table is well-appointed with food and drink; favorites. The lights are low, the ambiance is quiet, tonight.

'Well. We'll continue to care for her and the children, regardless." He's shown CC the book she wrote and added that it was Caesar who told him of it.

She perked at that, "The fact he's proud of her book is a good sign. Wonder if he told her he was."

"And yes, we will continue" She says.

April comes in first. She's dressed up just a bit, but hardly her sexiest.

"Hello, CC, Hi Emerson. I can't thank you both enough for this " April says

He takes her hand, clasping it. "Our honor and pleasure, I assure you."

She smiles at the kind grip and words "Still... appreciated."

CC nods "Like Emerson said, dear, it is no trouble for us at all. You're family and always will be"

April looks reassured, then nods "I thought I'd get here a bit early to beat Caesar here. So I won't chicken out."

"Very wise. Allow me to show you to your table?"

He offers his arm.

"Please" And she is guided.

CC nods "Time for me to sing a bit, don't worry, you won't be overwhelmed at the location you'll be at. We'll WANT you to hear teach other" Assuring.

"I want that too," April calls back, and is lead to her seat. She takes a spot where she can see Caesar coming.

Stodgepole holds her chair for her; the hostess knows to bring Caesar over.

She takes the seat, nods a thanks, but her eyes search the crowd for her husband and father of her children.

OOC Did they marry?

Caesar shows up, lead by the hostess. He's cleaned himself up, a nice suit, a fresh trim , and the towering satyr even polished his horns.

OOC: Good question. I should probably say 'partner' until I find my notes

Caesar sees April "Hi, April, you ... you look nice."

"Thank you, Caesar," She says playing firmly.

Stodgepole nods greeting to Casesar. "Do you two mind if I simply send over dishes I think you'll enjoy, or would you rather order?"

"What do you think, April?" he offers "Emerson's got great taste so I would welcome it."

April starts to answer than catches herself. She almost said 'dear' or 'darling' but this isn't the time to have him mistake that for complete forgiveness up front "That that would be fine."

"I'll see to it right away, and there will be no bill." firmly, and he bustles away to send some light appetizers over. Nothing suggestive; no oysters or chocolate (yet). A raw veggie plate with dip, fresh made bread and butter, perhaps a few meatballs onna stick.

The food is well chosen, Emerson knows his business, and he knows them. Every suggestion is a hit ,and this helps them relax a bit as the appetizers delight both. He can see them talking but not quite make out what they are saying... not unless he tries to eavesdrop.

In this case, actually, he does not. Oh, he might catch the odd phrase or two but.... best to let them sort it out themselves, if the relationship is to have any hope.

Indeed, one can't FORCE this stuff, and it has to be built on truth.

Also, he has a Club to run.

Indeed, he vanishes to do just that. When he gets a moment later to check on them, they've moved beyond the apetizers. Caesar is being charming, but April still seems hesitant to forgive him... perhaps he has not made clear 'this will never happen again'

He might not eavesdrop but he -does- allow his natural merits to observe and learn.

(Perception plus Empathy or Subterfuge)

/roll 8

Caesar IS being charming, but her DeBuke pride has her not wanting to be seen as a push over. He's more scared than he admits to lose her.

Stodgepole will mull that over as he works.

It might do him some good to admit he doesn't want to lose her with less charm and more sincerity. He has both, but she needs the latter./

CC's music plays, sweet and romantic... but then she OFTEN plays those.

That said, it is not the music that sways, as Caesar makes more open gestures of his regret, and his true sorrow at hurting her, and how much he CARES. And needs her. And that he was wrong to be such an insensitive ass.

And with his honesty, April yields up more willingness to try again.

There you go, my boy. he thinks approvingly Lesson best learned in-person.

By the time the meal is ending, they are holding hands across the table. April has allowed herself to cry, something she could allow herself to do ONLY when it didn't feel to her like a cheap manipulative tactic (Darn DeBuke pride) causing Caesar to feel even more like an ass and also see that he wasn't the only one scared.

He consoles her, she asssures him these tears are fine because reasons he doesn't quite get but accepts.

And he knows it is safe to approach the table again

(There was, of course, a discrete box of high-end facial tissue on the table....)

(Well chosen)

He brings over a champagne service, balancing all the pieces with skill and quickly setting it up. He doesn't gloat or beam, just pours with business-like flair.

Those high end tissues are used, of course. April is surprised they feel so nice on her face.