Like a Speakeasie (Penny, casual)

[MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI]

Ever since that instant in Scribe, Hector couldn't get Penelope out of his head. Ashamed as he was at getting involved with someone so young, he couldn't quite help everything that was happening. She was beautiful, exciting to be around, far kinder than he...a perfect balance. Even though he had been terrified of rejection, Hector had called her up and asked to take her out. It would be a test run, so to speak, just to see if the kiss was a flash in the pan and nothing more.

Hector had taken time to plan the evening, calling to reserve a corner booth that had a great view of the jazz band but wasn't in the open for others peep in on them. He chose his clothes carefully, something he hadn't done in the past for a date. Black slacks, a dark red shirt; his beard was trimmed, his hair combed back just right and Hector felt like a fool for going out of his way to impress someone so young. Picking up Penelope exactly on time, a bouquet of pink Gerger daisies in hand, Hector decided to push out the feelings on insecurity. It was just one night, after all. If it ended in disaster the two of them would never had to see each other again.

Once at the jazz club, an old speakeasie that was renovated and reopened in 1980 Hector finally relaxed for good. The steady beat of the music, the smooth inflections of the trumpet, the dark and just a little corny 1920's decor...the pressure was off. He was sure to have a good time here. Hector let Penelope into the booth first, sliding in beside her and draping an arm over her shoulders, expecting her to tell him if she objected (she did with every matter so this one surely wouldn't be any different). The waiter brought a bottle of chilled red wine, like Hector had requested and left the pair to their own devices.

Pouring the drinks with one hand, Hector quietly inquired as to how Penelope had been as of late.

[PENELOPE LAFONTAINE]

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Penelope slid into the booth carefully. She still wasn't quite sure if she was in her right mind accepting Hector's invitation. The age difference was rather uncomfortable, yet she was aware of the care he took in planning this date. She liked that he appreciated her wanting to be with him. It meant that he went out of his way to treat her well, and with respect. She couldn't argue with that.

She accepted the bouquet with pleasure and quietly sipped her wine. She smiled when Hector asked how she was. It was typical of him to be so cordially polite.

"I'm just fine Hector. You don't have to be such a perfect gentleman all the time, you know. I much prefer when we talk shop, argue the merits of literature, and just bicker in general. It's so much more fun when we let loose, don't you think?" She chuckled softly and sipped her wine again, taking in the the scenery and the noise...

[MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI]

"Perhaps," Hector said, sipping his wine slowly. "But I'd rather not start with the bickering for a bit, if you wouldn't mind. I asked you out to get to know you sans sarcasm and witty remarks," Hector already knew that he was in trouble with the girl. He was tumbling head first into an already socially condemmed infatuation. Knowing that the press would crucify him if given half the chance, Hector figured that he might as well enjoy the trip down. Even though it was all perfectly legal and not at all shady, it would be considered a scandal and Hector knew that he stood little chance of being re-elected once Penelope's face was everywhere.

With a soft exhale, Hector turned his attention to the trumpet player on stage. The boy was quite talented, and couldn't be more than 22. The band behind him seemed to have a reverent respect for the horn player and let him lead the act. A wise choice since he was obviously the talented one.

Before hand, Hector had arranged the whole meal, that way they wouldn't be interrupted with a waiter wanting to take their order. That's why there were no menus on the table and that was also why the waiter was already bringing out the steamed clams and mussels appetizer.

[PENELOPE LAFONTAINE]

Penny grabbed a clam from the hot tray after it was set down on the table. she let the soft meat slide down her throat and took another sip of wine. She licked her lips and smiled like she always seemed to with Hector - a tight, suggestive smile, coy but pleasant.

"Of course it would be lovely to be civil to you, but my generation find civility so archaic. You can tell by all the romantic comedies we watch. Coutrship is gone out the window. It's all sex comedies and gender wars now. It's almost like it's ettiquette for a couple to bicker before they date. Hell, even Shakespeare got the memo."

She sipped her wine again and picked up an oyster and repeated the same manouver she used with the clam and let it slide down smoothly. She rested her head in her hand, elbow propped on the table, and continued to speak as she smiled softly at Hector.

"So, who do you think we should be tonight? Beatrice and Benedick or Claudio and Hero?"

[MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI]

"Well, my dear, you are on a date with an old man. Archaic is what I do best," Hector dipped a piece of bread into the broth in the dish and took a conservative bite. He wasn't normally a clean eater but he wanted to remain at least presentable throughout the evening. Then, he helped himself to a mussel or two. Penelope had described the younger generation to a 't'. They had no regard for proper courtship or even proper relationships. Penelope was of the 'friends with benefits' era, not like Hector. He had been raised in a strictly Catholic area; marriage first, sex later. Hector hadn't followed that doctrine at any point in his life but he still conducted himself with a modicum of control. He didn't wine and dine a woman just for sex, he generally did it for company.

Considering her question carefully, Hector considered the possibilities. A little bit of bickering followed by a sincerely happy ending? Immediate romance followed by betrayal, heartbreak and a superficial reunion? Considering Penelope's slight form and her brilliant hair, Hector opted for the former. "Beatrice and Benedick. They were the ones with the truly happy ending, no?"

As much as he hated to admit it, Hector felt something with Penelope. It was a dangerous feeling because he wanted to bring her close but that was a risk. His job wasn't something he could just introduce her to.