<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">Upon shaking hands with Xavier and parting for the evening, Dexter had sank back into his chair, waiting until the other man had cleared the door before seeking his phone and ringing Elizabeth. Despite his occupation and the nature of his dealings with the older woman, he maintained a unique sort of friendship with her and, in general, had come to enjoy her company. The pair often exchanged non-business related texts throughout the day, and it wasn't uncommon for them to share a meal without falling into bed together. In his way, a very strange one at that, he had grown rather fond of her.<br/>
<br/>
"I take it you accepted his offer?" she queried upon bringing her phone to her ear.<br/>
<br/>
"In a shot," Dexter chuckled, cradling what remained of his drink. "You knew I would, you devil."<br/>
<br/>
She laughed, a sound that had come to make him smile despite himself. "Come now, Dex. His needs are so minimal and I've never known you to pass up on an easy paycheck."<br/>
<br/>
"Tch. You have me there."<br/>
<br/>
"I know he can be a bit- ah, how do I word this delicately...?"<br/>
<br/>
"Short? Clipped? Socially awkward?"<br/>
<br/>
A pause. "... Direct."<br/>
<br/>
"I didn't intend those as negatives, Lizzie," Dexter mentioned, a half-grin lingering on his lips as he gazed into his glass. "I like a man who knows what he wants."<br/>
<br/>
"Easy, tiger," Elizabeth cautioned. "Xav is a dear. Play nice with him."<br/>
<br/>
"Don't I always?"<br/>
<br/>
*<br/>
<br/>
The following Saturday, Dexter woke early to prepare for the wedding. As per his own set of regulations when he had a full day on the docket, he had refrained from staying out late the night before, ensuring he was fresh and bright the morning after. In that way, he had more discipline as a self-employed man than he ever had as a university student.<br/>
<br/>
Per his client's request, he had fished out an ensemble to match him; a sleek ebony suit straight from Savile Row, paired with black shoes and a tie knotted in a full Windsor. On a personal level, he greatly preferred suits with a bit more flash, as plain black suits tended to remind him more of business meetings and funerals. Regardless, he had always made a point to dress as a client requested for these sorts of things. Xavier had an image of the boyfriend he wanted to show his family, and Dexter intended to give him exactly what he had paid for.<br/>
<br/>
Pocketing keys, wallet, and phone, Dexter hopped in the lift and headed downstairs, slowing long enough for a few friendly words with the doorman before he approached his client's Mercedes. "Lovely car, dear boyfriend of mine," he chimed. Instinct called for him to reach for Xavier's waist, to pull him in for a suave peck on the cheek, but he refrained. That wasn't what the man had asked for; he had to remind himself to save the flirtation for the reception. "Shall we?"<br/>
<br/>
Slipping into the passenger seat, he waited for Xavier to join before offering a thought aloud. "I meant to ask if you had any preference for how I introduce myself to your relatives, in terms of an occupation. I imagine old money would be more impressive than the <i>nouveau-riche</i>."</span>