Re: [Gunster Dinner]
Adrian took one of the beers, dragging the bottle opener over to himself with his fingertips when Patrick was finished with it. It poured a nice dark amber color into the glass, and nosed of strong alcohol and dark fruit.
Unable to see the pointy ears, Adrian had to agree with Patrick on his normality. In a good way, of course. Adrian felt a powerful yearning for normality. That charming wink also overrode any larger concerns about gender parity or making a good impression on Connie. When mixing with people who had known each other all their lives, it could be hard to know exactly what to go along with. It felt harmless, though, and he smiled back. It was just good to be at this table with the pair of them.
Adrian opened his mouth to answer when Patrick asked about Newt, ready with a quick excuse, but then Patrick rolled along, and he realized the question was purely rhetorical. Social situations. He would get the hang of them one of these days, he was sure of it. "I think I have to meet Felicity too," he said, once Connie was done summarizing her, smiling a little. His brow shot up, still smiling, as she began pretending to choke herself. Adrian looked for all the world like an amused audience member at a very entertaining show. "Or she has anosmia," he offered, as an alternate explanation. "You never know."
"I spoke with him only briefly," Adrian said of Jack, "But I'm glad to hear he has good sense." He filled his plate once the other two moved for the food, waiting for Connie to serve herself first. The cook should always eat before anyone else. He thought so, anyway.
The news that Connie was working at the facility caught him with his fork partway to his mouth. He hadn't realized how hungry he was before he sat down in front of a powerfully delicious smelling plate of food. "Oh." He had a bite, then followed his insightful declaration with, "I had no idea. That's wonderful news." It was sincere - the facility offered incredible opportunities for funding and research, but the few acquaintances and loose-knit friendships he had were all behind him in Europe. A friendly face he could rely on was a relief. "Working in what way? Trying to get them running?" He shook his head. "I never did hear the details of his work. Mom gave me a general sketch, but only what you'd tell a kid."