[He doesn't know precisely what she's wearing, but he can tell the fabric by the sound it makes against her skin as she moves. He knows the scent of her, how her heart beats. He holds a hand out for her to guide to her arm so that he can take it. When she does, he leans in to kiss her cheek hello. It lands a bit higher than her cheek, but the intention is there.]

Hi. Well, I figured I'd have some lofty standards to live up to, since I'm sure you always look good. Plus, I just came from my law office. My partner would frown on it if I went to work in sweats. [A beat.] I guess we did things a little backwards, but hi, Stella. I'm Matt.

Probably not, but I won't pretend there aren't some days when I really wish I could. Sometimes I get away with wearing jeans at the office if it's on the weekends.

And it's very nice to meet you, too.

[He lets her lead them inside, one hand holding onto the crook of her arm. His walking stick is held out in front of him. Immediately inside the familiar scents and sounds hit him. Music and laughter, glasses clinking and food being eaten. The place is lived in and homey, a true neighborhood bar. Josie behind the counter yells out a hello to him.]

I'll let you pick either sitting at the bar or grabbing a booth. Ladies choice.

I am envious of your weekday jean wearing. You'll have to text me how nice it is so I can live vicariously through you when you do it.

[He happily lets her lead them to a booth. He folds up his walking stick and sets it to the side on the table, folding his hands. His head is tilted in her direction, a sincere smile on his face.]

Well, I'll do everything I can to make your full attention feel worth the while, Ms. Rowe. How about we start with how our days went?

Good, I appreciate your indulgence in my vicarious living.

[He smiles at the touch, turning his hand so it's palm up under hers.]

That sounds like a great day to me. I spent the morning doing depositions, then had a meeting at a bank, then rehearsed an upcoming cross-exam with my partner.

[He gives a small laugh at the TV show comparison.]

Just know it was a long day, a sometimes frustrating day, but not ultimately a bad day. Did you eat more than a banana today?

Law school is definitely a pain in the ass. I enjoy learning, but those classes were not fun. I bet your classes are a lot more engaging.

I... will be eating more than breakfast by having dinner and drinks with a lovely lady.

[He smiles sweetly, saved when a waitress comes to take their order.]

It gives you a very unique perspective and advantage, I'll grant you that. Though translating involves more than just being an eyewitness, so there's still room for talent and skill. Was it harder or easier to translate the parts that included you?

[Matt orders a regular whiskey, smiling and chatting with the waitress for a minute or two. He's friendly and kind with everyone, getting her opinion on what they should order tonight and asking about her mother who he knows has been sick. After a brief talk she moves away to put in their order. He's also gone ahead and gotten some tempura and wings as an appetizer for them, and anything Stella might have wanted in addition to that.]

I guess we all want to be acknowledged for who we are and the things we've done.

[There's a look of quiet understanding on his face despite his unfocused eyes. It's easy somehow to find connection and common ground with Stella. Matt didn't enter law for praise and accolades, but he won't deny it feels good when people tell him he did a good job and that he's a great lawyer.]

My dad was pretty known in the Kitchen. He was a local boxer. Even at that level, which was pretty small, there were stories told about him. I always wanted to correct them when they were wrong, and to make him seem bigger and better like he was to me. He'd just say 'Matty, people are gonna talk shit.' Pardon my French.

I think it matters, though. That there's truth in stories. Maybe not always all the facts have to be followed perfectly, but that the spirit is there.

There I can't relate. It was just my dad and I until he passed away. No siblings. Though maybe being less known also gave you a little more freedom? I don't know if that's the case, and I'm sorry you felt overlooked. Just trying to find a positive out of it.

[Their drinks and appetizers came soon afterwards. Matt thanked the waitress and let Stella pick what she wants first before he dives into eat.]

It's not the healthiest or best-made food here, but there's something about it that I still like. Might be the nostalgia. And the drinks are great.

[He gives her hand a squeeze in return.] I'm glad you at least had the freedom, even if you deserved more attention.

[He lets go once the food comes. Sipping his drink, he then happily also dives into the wings and dipping the vegetable tempura into the sweet chili sauce.]

That's true. Plus fried food and drinks just goes well together. I do know a great Greek place though that we can try some other time. You can tell me how close they actually got it since I've never been to Greece. Do you still visit it?

I'd like to see it. It's on the list, along with Paris and Rome. A lot of places. Can't beat getting a personal tour, though.

Things will calm down. There are people in this city who are willing to fight back. Who are fighting back.

[A beat. No, they were in a crowd. He'd ask if she wanted to join them in private.]

We could. It's certainly a nice thought.

[Whether he'd actually take a vacation was more of a question, because Matt did have a hard time stepping away from either of his callings. Even when he'd visited LA for the first time, it had been because of a work case.]

They are. There's something I would like to talk to you about later. For now though... after we eat, you up for a game of pool?