#elsewhere

"He did?" a soft smile "May I ask how?"

"Boring as it sounds? Some zero interest loans for the middle class, and, working with Caesar, a freeze on evictions with some busiensses. Oh, and some mom and pop restaurants I liked got help going innto delivery since they were pressed to close"

"That's very kind of you. And your father." gently.

"Well, like I said, he made a lot of money" She says "So many places closed up, bought up by those who can afford to to lose profit in the short term. I almost feel guilty about it" a frown

"I... know something about assuming guilt that might not be your own." softly "I'm told I'm often wrong about it."

"You are" she says "But it's good you care"

"And it is good -you- care."

A smile "Well, as long as we strive for empathy withou the hubris of thinking all sufferinn is our fault."

"...... or our responsibility." Softly.

"Yeah, but I'm sure you'll point out something in verse, legal or religious, that when we notice a problem we suddenly gain a part of it" A smile and she pats his hand "Hey, you know, we could ask Coradel if she's done with her lessons yet? Tell her to come here if she wants? "

August checks his watch, nods. "I could try calling her."

Sadly... it turns out August can't get Coradel to come...

to the restaurant

"Of course, I understand. I'll come out later with something to eat and drink. Yes. Me too."

He puts the phone down "One of the horses at school is taken sick and she's staying there to nurse her."

"Oh no, poor horse" She says "Yeah, Cordy will be all over that"

"She, ah..." a pause, a sip of wine "I like the way her name sounds. Coradel. And yours. Leonora. Beautiful, both of them."

"I get it, no nicknames' She smirks "It wasn't meant disrespectfully, and I don't mind being called Leo"

"Oh, I know no disrespect was intended." he smiles "Do you mind Leonora?"

"Actually the way you say it, I like, your tongue works wonders on a lady's.. name" A smile, then curiously "Hey, speaking of nick names? Why do you recoil from Auggie? I meann, I leaned my lesson about trying THAT one. You looked like I'd cursed your family out or somethinn"

He starts to blush but quickly becomes uncomfortable. "Ah. Yes, I dislike that form of my name. I, ah.... there was an incident when I .... ah, changed. Into a redcap. I was ... Auggie, then." with distaste.

"Oh my gosh. What was it like? " She whispers " Imean.. oh wow. I never heard this story, or if I did I forgot"

He shakes his head, looks down. "It was unpleasant."

"Oh Not the time or place when you're about to eat either" She realizes and squeezes his hand "Well, I like August better anyway."

He looks up to offer a weak smile. "Thank you. I like him better too."

At this point, the food they ordered is brought to them. The wines annnd cheses before were wonderful.

August sits back a bit, allowing the waiter to serve, and glances to his left again.

the nocker is having quite the meal

And his behavior and attitudes?

a BIT boorish, rushed, and dismissive.

"What did you order for your self?" She pries. "I ordered mine while you called Coradel"

"Ah...... a rib eye, potato, and a salad."

"A a French Restaurant? " She looks mortified

"Ah." he looks at his plate, chagrined "It.... was in French on the menu."

She pouts "You sir, have a rather unadventuresome palate"

"I'm sorry." he says sincerely, and to the waiter he says "I'm sorry, please take it away. I meant it to go to the gentleman on my left there. The lady will order for me."

"And please, make sure the gentleman's check comes to me."

Her mouth opens "August I .. oh my .."

but the waiter is already taking it away

"August, I didn't mean for you to do THAT" She blushes furiously

The nocker howeever looks confused, Sees Auggust, and looks.. a bit worried

August is focused on Leonora. "No, really, it's ok. Please." he offers a smile and his hand open to hers on the table "I know I'm not that adventurous. You guide me, tonight."

She blushes brighter, then takes a breath, and makes an order . Soon he has a variety of small dishes, Bisque (Oniony goodness), Pot-au-feu, some crepes to die for, and a slice of a duck delicacy in some kind of honey glaze "Okay that's more a house speciality.. normally duck is so dry, but when they stopped with the goose livers, they decided to push that and darn if it's not good"

She also offers escargo but doesn't push. Mostly has a bit of this, a bit of that set before him.

He will eat escargot if she orders it! And offers her bites of the dishes if she will take them; sharing.

And this appears to be something she likes. Sharing the food in small amounts.

A bit on a fork, a dab of napkin, a sip of wine.....

And a good meal is had. By the time they are almost done, the nocker looks to be ready to leave