pleasure doing business
who: eris and robert
where: the agency
when: morning
Robert hadn’t planned on attending the gala that evening, after a trying week at the office he’d hoped to have the weekend to himself, a chance to unwind. His mother however had other plans and at breakfast that morning, one of his twice weekly meals with her, insisted that he attend and, as always, he acquiesced to her wishes. His mind however had balked when talk turned to the various eligible young women that would be attending the event, thoughts racing behind his polite smile as she carried on. That was why he was visiting Miss Stockard’s agency, hoping she might have someone available that evening who could accompany him; having someone on his arm wouldn’t stop his mother from throwing girls in his direction but it would hopefully dissuade them from coming up and speaking to him of their own accord. He’d used the agency a number of times and the girls had always been pleasant enough company, I just hope it isn’t too short notice he thought to himself with a frown. He quickly replaced it with a neutral expression as the elevator chimed and strode out when the doors opened heading for the office.
Eris was just about to leave for the hospital when Robert arrived. She set down her bag and coat, smiling at the man. "Mr. Dansworth." she greeted smoothly. "How can I help you today?" And can it be done quickly? I have someplace to be. she added mentally but didn't share. She didn't even appear to be rushed with her demeanor.
“Miss Stockard,” he replied with a smile. “Apologies for dropping by unannounced but I find myself in need of a companion for the gala this evening and I was wondering if any of your ladies were available?” Normally he would have made some polite small talk but he could see that he’d caught her as she was trying to leave and feeling slightly on edge himself, as was usually the case after seeing his mother, he was grateful to not have to.
Ah, you need a cover. Eris thought. She knew Robert didn't actually like women, so much. Or, not in the way that was socially acceptable. He had other preferences. But she provided for him a feasible cover whenever she could. "Of course." she said warmly. "I have a few girls who will be attending either way, and I believe Rachel is free. Would you like to pick her up, or meet her there?" she asked, ever ready to accommodate. She was always accommodating with clients. And so long as everyone followed the rules, no one got hurt.
He relaxed as soon as she said there was someone available, a feeling as though a weight had been lifted from his chest and once again he could breathe easily. He did however take a sharp intake of breath when he was provided with a choice and his mind began to flit between the two possibilities like an agitated bird on a branch. “Whichever suits Rachel best is fine with me,” he said, hand going to his trouser pocket where his watch sat, the cool metal against his fingers calming his thoughts for the moment.
Eris smiled smoothly at him. "Mr. Dansworth, our girls are here to accommodate your needs, not the other way around. Besides, it'll depend on how you'd like things to look to others, yes?" she provided. "So, is it going to look better to people for you to bring her through the gates on your arm, or to meet her there?"
Idiot, of they course they are Robert thought to himself as he returned Eris’s smile with an equally smooth one of his own. The way she was presenting the facts of the matter though did help clarify things and he was grateful that he’d been fortunate enough to meet her when he had; Eris knew how the game was played better than most and her advice was usually second to none. “Of course, of course,” he acknowledged, pulling the watch free and idly winding, the repetitive action almost as soothing as the presence of the time piece itself.
“So, I’m assuming you would rather arrive with her.” she said. “What time shall she be ready for you?” she asked. He might want to take her to dinner first, who knew. It would depend on how good of a show he wanted, really, for the family. Or whoever he was trying to convince he was a heterosexual man.
“Yes thank you,” he replied, the decision having been made by her meaning it wouldn’t linger over him the rest of the day. The question of time was much easier to deal with, Vivienne having already told him she expected to see him at the park at seven. “And six o’clock please. I’d like the chance to chat to her a little before she has to deal with my mother.” Eris was hardly a confidante but she knew more than most and could could keep a secret which was something he certainly valued in a person.
"Consider it done." Eris said, knowing she'd fill Rachel in a little herself, though it'd mostly be just the ropes of 'stay away from any inflammatory conversation'. When she was going to be dealing with people the likes of Mr. Dansworth would be mixing with, she might need at least a slight word of advice or two. But she had confidence that Rachel would be able to handle it just fine. “As always, a pleasure doing business with you.”
“And you Miss Stockard,” he said pleasantly, tucking his watch away. If only more of his dealings could be with her, or people like her, then his life would probably be a whole lot simpler. “I hope I haven’t kept you too long.”
"Of course not." Eris told him smoothly, even if she really wanted to rush out the door. But that wasn't how you did business. And Eris knew how to do that. It was what she'd built her empire on. You did things a certain way. You never let anyone leave your presence feeling like they interrupted or were an inconvenience. You had them leaving feeling like they were in good hands, that they were well taken care of, and all their desires were being met. Then, the next time they had needs to be fullfilled, you were their first thought. Brain damaged she was, but that didn't mean she didn't know how to step into her old shoes when she needed to.
Robert smiled again, a real one this time that softened the sharp lines of his face and made his eyes seem warmer. “What would I do without you?” he said, taking her hand and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles before turning and heading out the door, not needing or expecting an answer when they both the truth of the matter. She was the assistant to his magician, providing the misdirection so he could continue pulling off the trick of convincing the world he was something that he wasn’t.