Gideon nodded slightly, grin loosening up a bit at the edges. “No problem. Situation looked a little…” how to best put this? “Awkward. Or getting there.” Maybe not the most delicate way to put it, but close enough. And if the guy’s expression was anything to go by, he was probably right with the first one. “Perks of the job. You learn all sorts of fun conversation starters.” Gideon joked, “But honestly? If you can’t, grab the bartender. Most’ll take two seconds to help out if they can. Even just making doe eyes at ‘em can do it.”
He’d like to say he was joking but, honestly? Anyone who was both good at their job and had a spare second, could normally be counted on to read the people at their bar. And if someone needed a bit of a helping hand, most he’d met wouldn’t be too put out to step in. He wouldn’t start or end a fight for anyone, short of calling security, but, getting drunks on their way? That he could do.
Leaning back when Chad walked back up for a moment, he flashed a bright grin, tense in the corners again. What can he say - that service smile is an ingrained hardwire. He had to step back a bit - both to give them space, and to try not to laugh slightly at the exchange that followed. Even if the guy didn’t know how to suggest someone end the night early, he had the tactful avoidance down pat.
“So,” he started, drawing out the word as Chad walked out, “I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess...first night out drinking with the work friends?” he asked, tone light, clearly teasing. When the man basically confirmed it in the next moment, he had to laugh this time. “I dunno. Maybe suggest something different. I’ve heard paintball and laser tag do wonders for stress relief. Networking’s a lot more fun when everyone’s looking ridiculous.” Not that he’d actually know - having never worked a ‘normal’ job in his life. But, hey, he’d talked with plenty of business men, listened to plenty of them groan and gripe - sometimes justifiably, like now, sometimes...not so much.