"Thank you right back," he said cheerfully. "And I don't mind one bit." He linked his arm with hers again to lead her out to the car.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Thomas and Lena were already there though they hadn't been waiting long. They had a quite booth, tucked away in a corner where they wouldn't really be bothered by other patrons. Lena rose to hug Piper immediately, squealing a, "you look gorgeous!" at her friend.
Thomas rose more slowly, but he extended a hand to Charles. "Nice to see you again, Mr Dodgson," he said with a smile. "It really is an honour."
"Ah, I do know you! Met you at Sappho's school." Charles knew Lena was aware who he was, so he doubted it would matter to use Sappho's real name. "It's good to see you again. And this is Piper."
"She's awesome," Lena piped up and Thomas extended his hand to her as well.