Eclairant
The rooftop dining area of Eclairant consists of two sections. The first is a glass solarium which allows diners to enjoy the view of the city, without fear of the elements or pigeons ruining their meal. The second is a row of tables meant for couples set out between the solarium and the carefully placed wrought-iron railing.
The decor up here is much the same as that inside, with one major exception — the tables and chairs are made of crafted wrought-iron, with Egyptian blue seat cushions and table cloths to give it that air of class. Soft lights twinkle from the railing, with glass candle holdeers on each table. A small, crystal chandelier hangs from the center of the solarium, but is always kept dim so diners can enjoy the night sky.
Characters
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| Chance Harper | Jenna Donovan | Rhett Harper |
It's been a rather big day, the Sunday before Chance's birthday. Jenna would have set everything up on his actual birthday, but the Yankee's game was Sunday afternoon. In the skybox that her grandmother got him, she arranged a large party with their friends, his friends from Columbia, the law firm, and his old baseball team. She also invited a few other guests; family. Mainly his.
Well, mainly his grandparents.
She did tell him about the surprise guests before the party, if only because she didn't want there to be any issues.
After the game, a small party, meeting the team, and snacks, she has one other surprise.
Dinner for his family at Eclairant. She worked it out with Kieran to have the rooftop again, and the night off.
Tessa leads them to their table, overlooking the city.
"Thank you, Tessa."
—-
All in all, the night so far has been pleasant. Rhett had his doubts when he learned his father and stepmother would be in attendance. Surprisingly, both have been on their best behavior, or at least haven't said or done anything exceptionally rude and offensive. Rhett quite enjoyed watching Mother try to look like she fit in at a baseball game, wearing designer jeans, real leather boots, and with a Chanel purse on one arm. Eclairant is more her style, and it's clear that the woman is happy to be in her designer dress and in the 'proper environment.'
Chance is a perfect gentleman, holding out Jenna's seat and not sitting before the ladies do. He's waiting for his grandfather or grandmother to say or do something that will show their true colors, and he keeps sneaking glances at his father because of it.
"Charming restuarant with a rooftop view. Extraordinary," Mother says, looking over the city. "Perfect ending for a perfect day."
—-
"The rooftop has always been my favorite location at Eclairant. Perhaps if dinner doesn't run too late, you can stop in at the gallery downstairs. The artwork there is superb." Jenna smiles at Chance's grandmother, and then looks over at her boyfriend. She figures that his grandparents are aware that she works here, but she doesn't let on that she does.
"Your dress is extraordinary, Mrs. Nash. Might I ask who the designer is?"
—-
Chance smiles fondly at his girlfriend. He'd honestly rather be anywhere but here, with anyone but his grandparents, but he senses this is important to Jenna so he will grin and bear it. It doesn't stop him from taking her hand beneath the table and briefly stroking his thumb over the back. Just hoping she'll pick up his affection.
"Oh, how thoughtful of you to say so!" His grandmother gushes and primps a bit in her seat. "It's Donna Karen. New line. It hasn't even been released yet, but I have a friend who gets me sneak peeks."
—-
Giving Chance's hand a squeeze, Jenna turns and offers him a shy smile. It's important, only because she knows if she doesn't make the effort to get to know this set of grandparents, it could cause problems later on, and she's planning on being with Chance a while.
"Oh! That's very lucky. I've heard that she keeps her new lines under lock and key until the shows in Paris are over."
Beat.
"It's stunning though, and looks as though it were made with you in mind."
—-
Chance is impressed with Jenna's bearing and grace. He'd never have thought to say such a thing; of course, he'd never really care enough to say such a thing, so it's a good thing someone here has proper poise and grace. "What did you think of the game, Grandfather?" Chance asks, just to avoid getting into a conversation about women's clothes.
"The Yankees won, so that was something."
"I think they played well," Rhett says. "Even if they got off to a rough start."
"Thank you, sweetheart," his grandmother says to Jenna. She gives Chance a look. "She's a good one. A proper lady. Would make an excellent wife for a lawyer."
—-
Impressing the grandmother is a step in the right direction, but she knows that the grandparents that actually matter to Chance already adore her. Still, it does allow Jenna to relax.
"I'm glad they won. It's the first game I've attended so it was nice to see the home team gain some ground." The empath doesn't know much about the sport, but she had a fun afternoon and was happy to surprise her boyfriend with the little party.
There's a slight blush at what Chance's grandmother says last, and she looks down momentarily.
—-
"Mother." Rhett looks at her over his glass of wine. "They're kids. Don't put pressure on them and don't rush them." It's bad enough that Flores keeps trying to marry the pair off; Rhett would like to see Chance and Jenna find their own way without any outside influence or pressures.
"Children? Oh really, Rhett. Dustin is about to go off to law school, he's hardly a boy anymore -"
"And he really doesn't want to get into a marriage debate," Chance interrupts with a smile. "Jenna has enough on her plate with being maid of honor for her best friend, and I need to focus on my studies when I get to law school." Chance gives Jenna's hand another squeeze. He wants her to know that it's not her or commitment, but it's really not a conversation he wants to have with his grandparents.
Chance's grandfather raises his brow and clears his throat. "That would be your brother's wedding to the Knightley woman?"
Chance gives his grandfather a look. He really doesn't want this to turn into that sort of conversation, but he's also not going to let the man be disrespectful. "Her name is Siobhan. Her father is Robert Knight and she's a Donovan now. She's also my friend and Jenna's sister-in-law, so if this is going to turn into a witch-hate-witch-hunt, we're done."
—-
Reaching across the table, Jenna sets her hand atop Mrs. Nash's. "I'd like to see Chance focus on school right now. We've only known each other a year, and I don't want him to lose sight of the profession in front of him." Squeezing Chance's hand in return, she smiles at her boyfriend. "We've got plenty of time, but it means so much to me that you think we're good for each other, Mrs. Nash." Turning back to the grandmother, she smiles at the woman.
Beat.
"Yes, I'm the Maid of Honor for Siobhan's wedding. I know that it's likely a blackmark against me for being friends with a witch-sorcerer, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. She's a wonderful person, and a good friend. Besides, I can hardly choose who my brother marries, that isn't my place."
Jenna really hopes that Siobhan will forgive her for that, but her friend does know how sorcerers can be, and she's trying to keep things on a friendly and even keel.
"Are you two heading back to Texas right away, or will you be in the city for a few more days? I'd love to take you to the MoMA, and perhaps arrange a show for you."
—-
"A very wise approach," Rhett smiles at Jenna. "Both of you, keep your focus. Everything else will fall into place."
Chance smiles a saccharine sweet smile at his grandparents, though his words are directed at Jenna. "No, you can't, but she has been your best friend forever, and I'm sure when we get married, you'll return the favor by having her as the Matron of Honor. Maybe Siobhan and Harper will even want to be godparents?"
Rhett has to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine as he takes a swallow. Chance has never been one to pull punches, but that was relatively tame for his son. "I think wedding plans and god parent decisions can wait a while, don't you, Chance?"
There's a split second where it looks as though Mr. Nash has swallowed a gnat covered lemon, but it passes quickly. "I'll be spending sometime at the office with my son, overseeing a few thinks, but my beautiful lady would probably love to see the museums and galleries."
—-
It's the when we get married that has Jenna staring at her boyfriend with wide, blue eyes. It stops her from saying anything for several seconds, and all she can do is nod. "Maybe they will, if they don't have too many children of their own," she replies quietly.
"Oh! I do hope that you'll be returning to the city again some time, Mr. Nash. My brother has an internship with Nash Aerotek, and I'm quite certain he'd love to meet you. He does Aerospace Engineering."
Beat.
"I would be honored to escort you, Mrs. Nash, to whichever galleries or museums you wish to see."
—-
It's sheer force of will that Chance doesn't choke on his drink. He's willing to make a good sized wager that Harper does not want to meet any man who will treat his wife like a second class citizen.
"I've seen his portfolio and read his papers, and submitted essays for the internship. He's actually quite gifted, very talented. Exceptionally intelligent, and not the sort who'd make a bad choice on a whim," Rhett says. He gives Jenna and Chance a wink. It's a subtle nod of approval to Harper's marriage, and by default, Jenna's friendship. Not that the empath needs it, but his parents do need to hear it. "I think he'll do very well and move up very quickly."
Beat.
"It's too bad the corps performers for the NYC Ballet are on tour," Rhett continues. "Mother enjoys the ballet."
"I haven't seen a talented, well done performance in so long, I'm beginning to doubt that they exist," Mrs. Nash sighs. She smiles at Jenna, ignoring the lingering tension between the men. So long as Dustin isn't marrying a witch, all is well. "However, I do love to visit the galleries."
—-
A warm, thankful grin is tossed in Rhett's direction. There's a reason she chose to open up to him about everything, rather than anyone else when she needed to talk. He's not just well spoken, he's thoughtful too.
"I hope he does. Mother and father are very proud of him for obtaining such a coveted internship all on his own." Without using his connections or friendship with Chance.
"Oh! That really is a pity. Sleeping Beauty is one of the best ballets I've seen the company do. Perhaps when they stop in Dallas, you'll have the opportunity to go? Chance and I would love to arrange the tickets for you, and whomever you wish to take with you."
Beat.
"There is a gallery downstairs, and we can go to several of my mother's and grandmother's favorite galleries. The artwork within them is superb."
—-
"There's nothing wrong with a little name dropping now and then," Mr. Nash says. "In this world, it's not what you know, it's who you know."
"There's also nothing wrong with having the talent, know-how and confidence to get it without nepotism," Rhett counters. "Jenna, your parents have every right to be proud of him, and I hope that Harper is proud of himself, too."
Mrs. Nash smiles at Jenna, "That would be lovely. I did catch a glimpse of that little gallery downstairs. I'd be delighted to take a peek."
—-
"He is. Of course, he also didn't know of Chance's relation to the Nash family until after he ran into you at the interview," Jenna tells Rhett with a grin. "Grandmother would have preferred if he took the job at NASA that she had arranged for him, but he would have missed the city far too much."
Taking a small sip from her glass of water, she says, "I will definitely see if the gallery will stay open for us this evening. I have no idea what the hours are on Sundays, but the woman who runs the gallery…" Is a vampire. "… leases the location from Mr. Collins who owns the restaurant. I'm certain if she generally closes early, she'll be more than happy to stay open for us."
—-
"Probably better that he didn't. It showed that he was quick on his feet and sharp as a tack even when hit with the unexpected," Rhett grins. He's not surprised that Mrs. Forbes had a job arranged for her grandsom, because that is the way things are done.
Rhett nods and sips his wine glass. "Ms. Roche is quite passionate about her business endeavours. I'm sure she'll be accomodating."
Mr. Nash looks over at his son. "You know the propietor of the gallery?"
"I also know the owner of the restuarant," Rhett responds. "But yes, Ms. Roche and I met years ago."
—-
It's on the tip of Jenna's tongue to point out what the gallery owner is, but she knows where and when such conversations should be had. At dinner with his parents is probably not the best place to point out to Rhett that he's got an association with a vampire.
"I'm glad. Harper has always had an amazing work ethic." There's a sense of pride there for her brother, one that she doesn't show often. "I know he'll be a great asset for Nash AeroTek."
Beat.
"I always do love how New York is such a small city, considering the population."
—-
If Rhett knew what Jenna was thinking, he would laugh. He'd laugh and then try to soothe the poor girl's worries. There are many people and things in the city to be afraid of and worried about, but Rhett doesn't put Serafine Roche on that list. He knows what she is, and what she's capable of, but he firmly believes her humanity isn't faked. Jenna's boss on the other hand? Rhett's not entirely sure he's safe.
"It truly is a small city. That's what makes it interesting."
—-
That is what makes the city interesting. No matter how large it is, it's so easy to run into someone who knows someone that you also know. It's how she met Chance, after all. At least really met him. Through Quinn.
The server comes by to take their orders, and delivers a complimentary appetizer to the table.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Chance's uncle earlier this spring. He mentioned something about a family barbecue? Is that something you do every summer, or is there a special reason for this one?"
—-
"It's a yearly thing. The weekend changes, but we like to get together once a year. Twice a year preferably, but once a year sometimes has to do with business requirements and all," Mr. Nash answers. "I heard you'll be bringing Miss Jenna with you, Dustin?"
"If she's not occupied with a show on Broadway and my internship permits," Chance shrugs. He's not making any promises.
—-
"I think it's lovely that you have a family get together at least once a year that doesn't occur on a holiday. It's so difficult to get away at the holidays sometimes." Jenna smiles across at the man, and blushes a little.
"I would love to attend, if our schedules permit. I've never been to Texas, and I did hear something about horses?"
—-
"That would be Rhett," Mr. Nash says. "He breeds horses."
"I'm not as hands on as I used to be, but it's still a relaxing pleasure to visit the ranch and unwind." Rhett nods toward Chance. "If Jenna likes horses, you really should take her to the ranch sometime. Hector and Lissa would love to see you, I'm sure."
"Hector and Lissa run and manage the ranch for Dad now that he's here in the City," Chance explains. "Dad taught me to ride, but Hector taught me to break horses. Or, tried to teach me."
—-
"I love horses. Grandmother ensured that I had lessons when I was younger, and I still go to the stables outside of the city as often as I can." Which, with her currently busy schedule is next to impossible. Though the ride through the canyon in Arizona was amazing.
Jenna turns and smiles brightly at her boyfriend. "I would love to go when we can both get away."
Beat.
"Is the ranch close enough to where the family barbecue is taking place?"
The empath is aware that Chance really doesn't want to go, but if they have a place where they can retreat to and have privacy, he may be more amiable toward it.
—-
"It's only maybe an hour's drive," Rhett says. "Not far at all, all things considered." He thinks that he knows where Jenna is going with her suggestion and it's a good one. It's not a terrible idea for Chance to come around the family, especially if he has an escape.
"If you love horses then you'll definitely have to go down."
—-
"If we can manage to get away," Jenna tells Rhett with another grateful smile. "I appreciate the offer of the ranch, and would happily stay there for as long as we can."
Squeezing Chance's hand again, she quietly says, "I'm sure the law firm wouldn't feel too terribly put out if you took some time off this summer. After all, you're graduating soon and I'd say you earned at least a week of R-and-R."
—-
After a bit more discussion of whether or not Chance and Jenna will try and get away for a week or two in the summer, the conversation turns to other topics. Other, less inflammatory and possibly offensive topics and dinner goes pleasantly well. Over dessert, Rhett excuses himself, and when he returns, he announces that he called in a favor and Miss Roche will be keeping the gallery open for them.
Once the plates have been cleared and the check taken care of, the small group wanders downstairs to the little private gallery, where they are greeted by the proprietress.
—-
Jenna is much delighted and thankful for the change in topics, and slides easily into conversation. While she knows that she's an 'approvable type', she also knows that she's got two huge blackmarks on her as far as the Nash's are concerned. One; she wants to work. Two; she's besties with a witch.
When dinner is done, she takes care of the cheque. She invited everyone after all, and it's Chance's birthday.
As they reach the gallery, she pulls Chance to the side and lets the adults go in first.
"Vampire," she mouths at him.
Clearing her throat, she holds up a little silver key with a red ribbon tied around it. "Also, this is another birthday gift. You're over at my place often enough, you should be able to come and go as you please."
—-
Chance gives her a little frown and glances around. It takes him a few beats to figure out that his girlfriend is talking about Miss Roche. He gives her a nonchalant shrug, and mouths back, 'I know.'
A huge, ear-splitting grin breaks out across Chance's face. "You're giving me a key to your place? Are you sure your roommates will approve of this?" Leaning in, he gives her a tight hug, and whispers in her ear, "I'd rather not walk in to Pres and Coop going at it over the back of the couch."
—-
"Oh."
Jenna has no idea who knows what when it comes to supernaturals, but it only makes sense that maybe Quintin told Chance at one point. Though Rhett did say he knew the woman, so him knowing that way would make sense as well.
The grin she receives though is totally worth it.
"I talked to Pres, and he promised to keep his shenanigans to the bedroom. Shiv'll be moving out in a few months, but she was alright with it. Like I said, I want you to be able to come and go as you please, even if I'm not around."
—-
"Good then. As long as I don't have to worry about that." Not that it would be a bad show, however, given that he considers both men to be friends and he's not Cooper, it would be awkward for Chance.
"Thank you, my little Magpie," Chance gives her another big smile and then brushes a light, quick, sweet kiss across her lips. It's not too much for a public venue, and he'll thank her properly later.
Peering over his shoulder, he watches as Miss Roche leads his grandparents on an animated tour of the gallery with his father following closely behind.
With a flick of his wrist, he puts up a privacy spell. "You really want me to blow your mind?" Chance teases. He gives his head a nod toward the vampiress. "Dad dated her."
—-
"What?"
Jenna stares at him, then glances where everyone has gone. "Did he know? I mean, at the time? I don't know if I could ever do that. I mean, I'd be asking if they sparkled in the sunlight or whatever." The empath tries to make light of it, but she does know the privacy spell is up.
Brushing her fingers over his cheek, she teases, "When we get married? Was that just to throw your grandparents off?"
—-
Chance snorts at her reaction. Considering it was his reaction, he can't really fault her for it though. "Apparently, he did. He says that she's one of the very rare good ones." There's a shrug. "I guess she can't be all bad if Bryn's dating her, and The Priory isn't up in arms about it." He's not sure how much Jenna knows about Bryn Blackwell, or The Priory. It's odd, but they are both steeped in the supernatural world, but never really talk about supernatural things.
"I meant it." Chance's smile fades and he gives her a very serious look. Reaching out, he strokes his fingers on her jaw. "Jenna, I don't know why you have such a hard time believing me, but right now? I can't possibly imagine being with anyone else. I'm not ready to talk wedding dresses or buy you a ring, but when I finish law school in a few years? I really hope to change that."
—-
"There are good vampires?" That takes a bit of believing, because Jenna can't see it. Vampires are dark, and that's what she was terrified of when she first met Chance down in the Undercity. "Maybe Mr. Blackwell just has… odd tastes? I mean, can't vampires lure you in or something?"
The serious look on Chance's face sobers her a little. Glancing up at him with bright blue eyes, she blinks once.
Then she's throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly.
"I'm not in a rush, you know I'm not. I'm just… it's just…" Kissing his cheek, she squeezes him again.
"I believe you, Dustin Chance Harper, with all my heart. I just hope your grandparents don't try to pressure you."
—-
Chance laughs. "This isn't a bad horror movie, Jen. According to my father, vampires are more like Interview with the Vampire than Lost Boys or Dusk to Dawn. They have a code, and while most of them just think of us as food, they don't want to drain us all and take over the world. I mean, Quin's a werewolf right? He hasn't gone all Howling on us has he?"
Beat.
Chance looks over at the older adults, and he can tell from his father's stance and actions that he's flirting with the vampire in question. "Yeah, I've heard that they can, but, look at her. Do you think she has to lure anyone in?"
Tightening his arms around her, Chance gives her a little twirl. He sets her back to her feet and kisses the top of her head. "It's my life and my choice. They can't pressure me to do anything I don't want to do. We'll take that plunge when we're ready and not a moment before."
—-
"I don't know. Louis was alright, but Lestat was an ass."
Even so, Jenna trusts what Chance is saying. For some reason, the witches and sorcerers seem to be a lot more in the know than she is, and that's fine.
"Yes, but he's so…. Quin. I mean, can you honestly see him acting like that?"
Beat.
"No, I guess not. I mean, she's beautiful."
Squeaking at the twirl, she laughs. "I love you, you know. We should go join them. I know both your dad, and your grandfather can tell you put a spell up, and I don't want you to have to explain yourself."
—-
"No, I really can't see Quin being anyone but Quin. Then again, there may be some truth to some assumptions. The majority of sorcerers are assholes." He almost comments on his family as a case in point, but bites his tongue.
"I'll just tell them I wanted to steal a few quiet moments with my beautiful girlfriend." Chance kisses her cheek again and then dismisses the spell. He knows that Jenna is familiar enough with the gesture that she'll know the spell is gone.
Slipping an arm around her waist, he leads her toward the group.
"Oh, good, you're both here," Mrs. Nash says when the young couple approaches. "Please talk some sense into my husband. He thinks this sculpture is … attractive. I find it repulsive, and Rhett is sitting the fence on it, and of course, Miss Roche is the consummate artist herself and has been able to charmingly agree with both of us. So please, a fresh set of young eyes would be most welcome."
—-
The empath would agree; for the most part he does have a lot of assholes in his family. However, his uncle and grandfather seem to at least be polite to her. They'll just have to get over a witch being her best friend, because that isn't going to change any time soon.
Blushing as the spell is let down, she leans against him. Once they reach the group, she instantly looks toward the sculpture. Her head tilts from side to side as she studies the lines in it, and then reaches out to delicately touch the side of it.
"I don't know. The artistry is superb, but I don't think it's something you'll want in a main room of your home." Though, having not seen their home, she can't say that for certain.
"If he's absolutely set on having it, perhaps he should keep it to his den, or office? That way, you wouldn't have to look at it."
—-
"I was going to say that it looks like a nightmare threw up, but we can take Jenna's answer," Chance says honestly. He notices that his father ducks his head with a laugh, and knows that his grandparents won't approve of his less than sauve answer, but he's only being honest. He's not an art critic.
"I think that Miss Donovan has come up with a perfect solution," Sera says with a warm smile at the young woman. She turns her attention to Mrs. Nash, "Perhaps you'd like to look around a bit more? Maybe there's something you would like that your husband could buy for you in exchange for your indulgence in this?"
—-
Biting her lip, Jenna brings her hand up to her mouth and clears her throat in order to hide her giggle. Sometimes art isn't about how something looks to everyone else, it's about what draws the person. That she knows from all her forays to MoMA. She's seen people scoff at critically acclaimed artwork, only to find the most disgusting sculpture made of trash interesting.
"Surely you'll find something that will suit your parlor, Mrs. Nash. Or perhaps a sitting room? If not, maybe Miss Roche will be able to put you in touch with an artist who can do a custom piece for you."
—-
Chance watches his girlfriend with a swell of pride. She's so very good at handling people and situations, and honestly, he doesn't give a damn what anyone wants or thinks. She's the one he wants to be with; if his family has problems with her family and friends, then they can all go fuck themselves.
"Why don't you take a look around, Mother? I'm sure Father won't give you too much fuss," Rhett says with a smirk.
Mrs. Nash seems pleased with that idea and taking her husband's arm, leads him further around the gallery.
—-
Turning toward Chance, she smiles. It's rare for her to get all the feelings from him, but once in a while they push through his natural barriers. Dipping her head down, she nods.
"That's an excellent idea! If you need another opinion, feel free to come find us, Mrs. Nash."
—-
"Actually…" Chance wraps an arm around Jenna's waist. "It's been a good night, but I think that Jenna and I were going to get going. We both have to be up early in the morning." Not so early that they need to leave now, but Chance has had his fill of his grandparents. He loves his father, but he'd really like some alone time with his girlfriend now.
—-
"Oh, well, alright." Jenna smiles over at the disappearing adults, and shrugs. She'd call out for Mrs. Nash to call her the next day, but she figures if the woman wants to go to the museum she'll contact her.
"I did forget that I have class in the morning."
Beat.
"Let's go, birthday boy."
