Ensuring Arrangements

Who: Maya and Ian
Where: The Drake
When: 1pm

Ian checked his pocket watch against the large clock in the center of the hotel. One of the two was running a little fast, but that wasn't really a concern. He was still ready for the appointment, merely waiting on Maya Walker's arrival. It didn't surprise him that they'd use the Drake for the ball they were throwing, the place had come to be relied on for that sort of thing.

Out of habit he smoothed his hair and his vest one more time, trying not to seem impatient even though he was. This sort of thing, being bossed around like he was no one and had no clear idea on how to organize such a fete annoyed him. Still, Maya Walker was important and it would be necessary to impress her and yet not wow her at the same time. A thin line to toe, but he would have to do his best.

Maya had left her coat with one of the staff outside, along with her hat and gloves, so she entered the room in a neat neavy two piece, her hair swept back into an updo, looking almost professional - serious and together. that, however, was belied by the smile that she gave Ian as she approached him and held out her hand for him. "Good afternoon, I hope I didn't keep you waiting," she greeted, knowing that she was exactly on time for their meeting.

Ian fought the urge to check the large clock again as he reached for her hand, giving it a firm but gentle shake. "Not at all, you're right on time." Reaching into his jacket pocket he retrieved the small notepad that he carried around and the pen to go with it. "Can I get you something to drink from the bar or are you ready to get started?" Ian gave her his best polite and charming smile.

"I took the liberty of asking my assistant to have one of your staff bring us a bottle of 1928 Beaujolais - I hear it's an exceptional vintage," she told him, smoothly. It was a power play and she knew it - and she figured that he would know it as well. But she was on his territory here, and she wanted to leave her own mark. "So, we can get right down to it," she said, agreeably, settling down into a nearby chair and looking up at him, expectantly.

Inwardly Ian scowled. This is why he hated these sort of things, she was making plays, pushing into the territory as if she owned the place. All this he kept off his face as he took the seat across from her. "An excellent year indeed Ms. Walker, good choice." His voice was light and friendly. The Ian Sullivan most saw was just that, friendly and understanding. "Getting down to it," he checked his list even though he had the points memorized. The need to check gave off the impression of being both a detailed and hard worker and it played down his overall intelligence. "The ballroom has been set up so far the request you sent over earlier. We can go look at it a little later and address any last minute changes. Our chefs have prepared a menu and a tasting if you're interested." He handed over the menu, written out in calligraphy and already mounted on the menu board. "I believe they may have outdone themselves."

Maya took the menu carefully. In all honesty, she was a little bored by having to do this, but appearances had to be kept up. She would be highly surprised if anything was out of order, but she knew that one of the reasnos that nothing would be out of order was that she checked, and people knew she checked. Maya Walker with her finger in every pie going, particular about perfection. Half her mind was on the fact that she wanted to check in with the officer about her girl as she scanned down the list, maintaining an air of polite interest on her face. Her eyes ticked up to meet Ian's as she raised a dainty eyebrow. "Interesting choice for the fish course," she observed, handing the card back to him. She left it a beat before following up with, "I'm sure it will be well received. Though a tasting would be appreciated. I take it your sommelier has chosen the accompanying wines well?"

Ian nodded as he took the menu back. "Yes our new chef is a little young, but brilliant, and hell bent on trying something beyond the typical flounder." Glancing down he made a point of checking his notes again. "Yes ma'am," he answered her question with the utmost politeness. "There was concern with cost, so he provided to different lists, one is more extravagant than the other." Ian also passed her this list as one of the servers arrived with the bottle and two glasses.

Maya gave Ian a slight look as she took the list, clearly giving it only a cursory glance before handing it back. "I refuse for there to be any questions such as that when it comes to our fine boys in blue," she said, primly, though there was an undertone there. After all, 'the law' was really something that happened to other people - but appearances had to be kept. Outwardly, at least. "I trust your man would draw up a list based upon quality and suitability. Cost is not a question."

The smile on his lips was understanding, and held nothing of the cunning that was drifting behind his eyes. The separate lists had been his call, a reasonable request, but Ian wanted to see her reaction. He wanted to know if she'd go all out to keep up appearances or if she would be frugal when dealing with those of a less refined pallet. "Of course ma'am, he's the best in town. I'll let him know of your expectations. He poured her a taste of the wine with a skilled hand after giving the waiter a message to carry to the kitchen and dismissing him. Handing over the glass, he checked his notes again. "There of course is the question of security?"

"Are you expecting trouble?" Maya asked, innocently, taking a delicate sip of her wine and letting the question hang in the air between them, watching his face.

"I can't imagine so, what with most of the city's police force being in attendance," Ian answered eyes echoing the innocence in her tone. "But I didn't want to lower security without your input of course."

"Especially in these troublesome days?" Maya suggested, lightly. She was well aware of the O'Malley problems - she'd practically sung when she'd read that morning's papers. It was so delightfully delicious watching other people's downfall - she only wished that she could have more of a hand in things. But, unfortunately, in this particular case, she couldn't. But that didn't mean she couldn't sit back and enjoy the fireworks.

"Especially," Ian pointed out, giving her a look that said he wasn't the type to discuss "family" business in most quarters. It was something most people appreciated about him and part of what had earned him the spot at the hotel. In addition, most though he could be trusted to either not hear what was said around him or at least know better than to speak of it elsewhere. The O'Malley downfall had concerned him, one of his contacts had been murdered which would mean he'd need to start for scratch if he was going to continue to cultivate them. Provided there was anything left to cultivate when the dust settled.

Maya gave him a small smile at the look, one that suggested that his unspoken comment had gone entirely over her pretty little head, though it really hadn't - more, she was annoyed that he thought he had to give her that kind of warning, but then with the persona she cultivated, she was never entirely surprised when people thought her stupid. "Let's keep security on the discrete side, should we?" she suggested, moving them back to the original conversation.

Ian made a nodded in agreement and made a note with the rest of notes. He flipped a page or two over in the notepad, seeming to make sure he hit on everything. Looking back up at her, he smiled again. "That was all I had. Was there anything else you wanted to know about before we looked at the ballroom?"

"Of course," Maya agreed, remaining seatd as she would until he stood first. "And you can tell me about your arrangements for the music on the way," she added in, in a tone that suggested that she was sure he hadn't forgotten about that, but she was giving him a friendly reminder in any event.

It was never hard to bite back the scowls that would crease a normal person's forehead, but Ian was still surprised at the number of time so far in this meeting that he was forced to do it. He'd rather have a conversation with the chic cop of a cousin he had than this woman. Standing and offering her his hand to help her up he continued on as if the rage wasn't building inside him. "I've already hired the local orchestra, and gave them a variety of selections for playing. I was planning of bringing our regular piano player in for dinner music. He's very talented."

"If you could manage it, I would love a singer - preferably female," Maya requested, placing her hand in his and standing. The request was made sweetly, with a tone which suggested that whilst she would be terribly disappointed if he couldn't manage it, she wouldn't hold it against him. Really, that was because it was an honest request. She did, in fact, enjoy female singers and thought it would add a nice dimension to the evening's performance. It was a personal choice, rather than something poised to impress the guests, or to test Ian's abilities.

"Not a problem Ms. Walker," he reassured her with a bright smile. There was an idea drifting the back of his mind for a singer, but he wasn't sure he could pull it off. That would require another conversation this evening. Once she was standing he ushered her out and then led the way towards the ballroom, talking as he walked. "I've had them set up the ballroom as you requested, but I want to you take another look and be sure it meets your standards." Opening the large doors the ballroom, he held it for her, waiting for her to go in first.

"Mrs," Maya corrected as she stepped into the ballroom. Her husband may be dead, but she had kept the title - being a definite part of the Walker family was important to her, espcially since she was quite clearly not a member by birth. Adoption, and then marriage - each tying her closer to the family and name she loved. yet, as she stepped forward, she was imaginging the party scene in her mind, placing people mentally, a group here, a group there, who would need to talk to whom, the flow of chatter and gossip. She would have to subtly direct some people, she knew, to ensure they got where she wanted them to go, but she always adored that. Playing behind the scenes, making sure things turned out Right.

"I'm sorry ma'am," he apologized, making the note in his head. The ballroom was large, the largest in the city. A stage was built into one end, it was set up for an orchestra on one end, a podium for the recognition of the police officers on the end. The room was decorated mostly in blue and silver, swashed of fabric around the edges of the room, tablecloths and matching centerpieces. A few workers were still bustling about, setting up the last of the decorations that would go up the night before, ensuring everything was in order. "Is everything to your liking?"

Maya took her time, walking in a small circle, taking everything in before she finally turned back to Ian. "Everything is wonderful," she said with a wide, almost dazzingly, smile. "Thank you very much - I'm sure all of your hard work will be much appreciated by my guests."

Ian returned the smile with one of his own, the pleased worker smile and gave her a small nod of his head. "It was my pleasure ma'am," he told her. She was an interesting woman this Maya Walker. If she didn't grate on his nerves so he might consider finding himself in her company more often. Not that he had any right to pick and choose these days. The city was in more turmoil that usual and his normal marks were the first lot to stop breathing. "Do you have time for the tasting?" Ian asked as a waiter from the kitchen appeared along the side door of the ballroom and signaled him. "It would appear my chefs are ready."

"Of course," Maya told him, stepping into his side so that they could walk. "I wouldn't want to miss anything." Plus, she'd given over most of the afternoon to these arrangements, she had nothing else which required her immediate attention. The only other thing she had in mind for today was, well - keeping an eye on the delicious events unfolding across town. Duty, however, was more important than mere pleasure.

Nodding again, Ian led her across the ballroom and back into the busy kitchen. Most of the lunch rush had passed so most of the noise was rooted in the cleaning and prepping for dinner in the restaurant. Upon seeing him the three chefs snapped to attention. Along a table in the middle of the kitchen were the meals listed on the menu, each garnished as it would the night of. Ian took the menu board from one of the chefs and read off each item, giving Maya time between to judge both the appearance and then the taste.

Maya looked somewhat out of place in the kitchen, but held herself well. This really was the only time she saw places like this - she was far from domestic and she intended that it would always stay that way. Let other people do for themselves, she always intended to be in a situation where she had people to do for her. She assessed the plates set out before her, and stepped forward enough to daintily try the barest morsel of each. She would have preferred not to - she was highly controlling of what she ate, and this would be additional to her allowance. but, she could simply skip dinner later, she decided. Appearances had to be maintained - but so did her figure.

Ian watched her closely, noting again that she didn't really taste anything. He cursed himself for finding her interesting, mostly because his goal was to move away from the DiGiovannis, not closer to them. "I assume you find everything to your pleasing?" he asked lightly, with a hopeful twinge to his voice. Again he was playing the role of someone eager to please.

Maya was grateful to be able to put the fork down and step away from the food. It did smell delicious, but she refused to be tempted and she had an iron will with herself when it came to her diet. She would prefer to starve than give in to temptation. Anyway, she'd allowed herself an entire slice of toast with a thinly spread layer of marmalade this morning - and there was the cake she'd eaten with the officer the other day, which she was still making herself pay for. She may have to do things for appearances, but that didn't mean that she didn't have to balance things. "Everything is perfect - as I knew it would be," she told Ian, graciously, finally giving him a full on compliment.

Letting his cheeks flush slightly at the compliment, Ian ducked his head, avoiding her gaze in what appeared to be pleased embarrassment. "Thank you," he gush softly. He really did hate catering to these types. Seeming to gather his wits about him he finally raised his eyes to meet hers. "Was there anything else before you go? I believe we've covered everything on my list."

As he looked away, Maya considered him for a moment. It really was no surprise that he'd ended up as a manager here. He may be a DiGiovanni by blood, but with that inferior deference attitude going on, he certainly didn't have the personality to anything more important or edgier. At least they'd found a useful role for him. It was a pity, though, that he couldn't be anything more - he was a handsome enough man. Unfortauntely, looks certainly weren't enough, and they wouldn't get you very far alone with the games that needed to be played. "No, I believe that you have shown me all there is to see," she told him.

The grin he flashed her hinted that it would be larger if he wasn't in polite company, he motioned towards the door, intending to escort her out. "I'm very glad you're pleased Mrs. Walker. I'm hoping to have more events like this here and hoping your ball with inspire others to use the Drake for other such events." The words seemed hurried and excited, simple pleasures for a simple man.

"This hotel is one of the bright spots of the city - I'm sure you have no shortage of clientelle," Maya said, graciously, mentally noting his attitude - and the grin - though for different reasons. There was something suggested in the grin that didn't really fit with the rest of what she was getting from him, and that peaked her curiousity, though she acknowledged that she could be imagining things. His comments about the Drake, however, she noted because she did have to wonder - were there problems here? She should try and make some descrete inquries. After all, one never knew what information could be valueable.

"We do our best to keep it that way," he told her, giving the credit to his entire staff rather than himself. In actuality the credit fell to him and only him. Most of his staff were idiots, hired for a specific purpose and incapable of stepping beyond that. But the Ian Sullivans of the world weren't the type to claim all the credit. He guided them back through the ballroom, both so she could get another look and to avoid the rest of the kitchen.

"And your best looks very much as if it's more than good enough," Maya agreed, putting the very slightest bit of emphasis there to convey that though he may have been giving the credit to his entire staff, she thought it was down to soley him. She had made her plays earlier on, and she liked to balance them out with some sugar, to keep people onside.

Ian's knowing smile hinted that he caught the intention of her statement and he appreciated the compliment. An itching worry in the back of him mind made him wonder if perhaps she knew that he was the sole reason the whole damn building stayed upright, but he pushed the worry away. Few could decipher that bit of knowledge and he doubt she was one of them.

As he directed them through the main the lobby, the attendant who'd taken her coat was already waiting to hand it back. Just the sight of things moving like clockwork pleased Ian, but he kept it off his face as he always did. "Thank you again Mrs Walker. If you have any other concerns or request, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll take care of them personally."

Maya slipped into her coat and fastened her hat on once more before sliding on her white gloves. "Thank you - I do appreciate the time you've taken to see me. i'm sure you have a very busy schedule, Mr Sullivan," she said, politely. People who worked for a living generally did. Then again, she didn't work for a living and some days she really felt like she didn't have a second for herself, she managed to fill her days so completely.

"It was a pleasure ma'am," he reassured her. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night, if not before then." Reaching out Ian took the place of the doorman holding the door open for Maya. "Have a lovely day."

"Unfortuntely, I think both you and I will have our plates full until the ball," Maya said as she stepped through the door, her car waiting by the curb, driver ready to open the door for her. "So - until tomorrow night, Mr Sullivan," she said, before heading off.