Deanna shook her head, still smiling, and picked up the corkscrew James had set next to the platter.

James: "Find anything good?"
Deanna: "Plenty. I think this one will be perfect. So… you said you had something you wanted me to listen to?"

James: "Yes. However, we really need to eat first, I'm starving. That doesn't need to breathe or anything, does it?"
Deanna: "Not even for a moment."
James: "Excellent. Cheers."

James picked up his glass, clinked it against Deanna's and took a sip.

James: "Wow, that's quite good."
Deanna: "It ought to be. That bottle probably costs at least three hundred dollars. How long have you been building this collection, anyway?"
James: "Let's just say 'a while.'"
Deanna: "Obviously. You've done quite well for yourself."

James: "That's what happens when you have a lot of time on your hands, I suppose. That and a few lucky investments."
Deanna: "Extremely lucky. You and Tristan must have similar portfolios. I've never come across any of our kind who planned for the future like the two of you, which is pretty ironic when you think about it."
James: "It probably could've gone either way. When you think you've got all the time in the world, it's hard to worry about things, finances included. Tristan and I made a good team. He was the down to earth one, convincing me to invest at all, and I was the one who insisted we follow the most ridiculous and unlikely investment tips."
Deanna: "Good tips. Mind if I get the number of your broker?"

Deanna smiled and took a sip of the ice-cold wine.

James: "Would that I could, Dearest, but she's long gone by now and the tips have run out, if that's even what they were."
Deanna: "This sounds like an interesting story."

James smiled wistfully.

James: "Not really. I barely remember it, actually."
Deanna: "Then why are you smiling?"
James: "I have absolutely no idea, to be honest with you. So, are you still up for listening to-"

The phone rang, interrupting him.

James: "Do you mind? The ringing seems to have that late night urgency to it, like there's a disaster on the other end."
Deanna: "Not at all."

James hurried to the hallway, quickly answering the phone.

James: "Hello?"

He made a motion to Deanna, signaling he'd just be a moment, and then walked into the other room. Deanna took another doughnut from the stack and chewed on it thoughtfully until he returned less than a minute later.

James: "Fine, I'll be right over."

He hung up the phone, glanced longingly at the doughnuts and wine, and then picked up his car keys.

James: "Deanna, I'm sorry, I need to go. I'll be back as soon as I can. Do you want to stay here, or would you prefer I drop you back at your place?"
Deanna: "What's going on? How long will you be?"
James: "Nothing, everything's fine. I just have to take care of something. I'm not sure how long."
Deanna: "I'll stay here if you don't mind. I don't much feel like going home yet."
James: "I'll see you when I get back. Make yourself at home."