milliways_bar | (no subject)

The man who walks in -- no, strides in, moving with confidence and self-assurance -- looks much, much different from the man who came in last night. It's amazing what couture can manage. In addition to much more upscale attire (names such as Armani, Cardin, and Bruno Magli come to mind for the observant), his hair has been properly styled, complete with product and arranged with artfully careless perfection. There's not a bead or a braid in sight.

Jack seems much more pleased with life today as he strolls up to Bar and says, "Darling, it's been too long. You know what I like, don't you? Venti, triple-shot, organic soy, extra-hot latte, and of course I know you won't forget the rum."

The drink appears instantly, and he runs a casual hand down the wood, almost absently, as he picks it up. "Merci. Be a dear, would you, and give me the latest journals? The Times -- Financial, New York, and London all three, I suppose, plus the Wall Street Journal and the Economist. I know the holidays are coming, but--"

Here there's a bit of a smirk.

"--business never stops. Especially in trade, and you know I'm not one to miss the opportune moment."

He takes the papers as well and settles at the nearest table, then begins to read the shipping news.

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The change is certainly noted. Appreciatively.

And no, she didn't feel the least hint of shame in letting her gaze linger. Linger for staring was uncouth. "I think..." she chuckled softly as she came up beside his table "...that I detect the work of a very talented pair! I'm surprise Hollywood hasn't scooped you up and hidden you away from us..."

Rachel? Well, she had never needed styling, oddly, it was an instinctive thing...but that didn't mean she couldn't appreciate sheer artwork.

"Rachel, darling, how are you?"

His tone is simply filled with concern.

"I've been so worried."

And she's delighted that he asked. Truly, she is!

"Oh, I've been so much better!" she enthused. "It's utterly horrible that I can't trust the people here, but you know how things are in such a low rent area, and even I can't work miracles overnight in respectability...so I've security being installed above and beyond common precautions..." she waved a hand dismissively though.

"But that unpleasantness aside, life has been utterly charming. Yourself, Jack?"

"I'm delighted to hear it," he says. "And of course the proper security never hurts -- are you working with the department here, or an outside contractor?"

His smile is just this side of wickedly knowledgeable as he adds,

"And I'm quite well. The restoration's almost complete, and the plans for Friday are going smoothly, and business is excellent. What more could a man ask for?"

"An outside contractor of course" she laughed "With such an...inbred...atmosphere as one finds here it's hard to ensure quality. The firm I've contacted came highly recommended by Bricht and Hamish." Yes, a little high brow for a simple coffee shop, but they were tennis friends of her father's, and such things tended to help...

"Oh, I'm delighted to hear it! I'm certain your party will be absolutely devastating darling. I've heard it is a complete replica? One must admit, when you take up a hobby, you do go all out don't you?" she seemed quite amused, even charmed by this fact.