Re: Dinah & Bruce & Open
Turning at the sound of his name, Bruce looked Dinah over and gave a slow smile. She may not have been dressed for the party, but he knew well enough that this was the most socially acceptable outfit she had. And, while she looked lovely, he rather preferred her in slacks. They were honest, more reflective of who she was, appropriate or not.
The gentlemen he'd been standing with were waiting expectantly to see how he'd respond to the woman who'd interrupted them and who clearly wasn't a member of their social set, but Bruce was simply thrilled to have something to think about besides the guests.
"Ms. Dinah," he greeted her, ignoring both the appropriate title and her married name. He could hear the subtle rise of his companions voices behind him as he touched his hat in a brief gesture of chivalry but it was something he was accustomed to. And they should be used to him by now, too. Widow she may be - he'd even known her husband - but he was only following her lead as far as conventions were concerned. Conventions he gave barely a damn for to begin with.
He did, however, still believe in courtesy. "We can adjourn to my office, unless you'd prefer the salon?" There would be people there - not as many as here, but at least it wouldn't be private. They'd been alone together plenty of times, but to be seen enclosing themselves in a room during a public function was different than her visiting his office at work.