"Such a beautiful day outside" White said, stretching out on a park bench near the precinct as he held his coffee.
"Yeah" Exley meekly replied, squinting in the bright daylight "Sometimes it does feel nice getting out of the office"
White flashed a somewhat mischievous smile at his partner.
"I have a better way of getting you out of the office" he said, grinning at his dumfounded friend "Well, Lynne is putting me up to this but it's for your own good"
"Let me guess" Exley replied, taking a long, measuring look at his partner "You and Lynne are tired of seeing me alone and single so you're setting me up with a girl"
"You are very smart" White replied, playfully punching him on the shoulder
"This better not be one of Lynne's friends from Fleur De Lis" Exley said frowning, "I pray for the poor soul you are setting me up with"
"Trust me" White said, finishing his coffee "She's not some poor soul. Lynne and I both think you will like her. In fact, Lynne set up a date for tonight at the Formosa. She's bringing her friend and I am to be bringing you. What do you say?"
"Look Bud" Exley said, matter-of-factly "I know you and Lynne mean well but I don't think it's a good idea"
"You're coming and that's final" White replied, narrowing his eyes "Lynne worked hard to set this whole thing up. Do you want this girl to think you're an asshole?"
"No" he replied quietly, looking tired "I suppose not. I just hope it won't be a waste of time."
"It won't be, Exley" White said, smirking "I think you two will be perfect together"
"All right" Exley relented, sighing "It better be worth it"
"This girl is just as smart as you" White said, describing her thoughtfully "And she is pretty. I met her once before, her name starts with a G or something like that"
"Well that IS a start" Exley said, also in a thoughtful mood "But how do you know that we will hit it off? What if this girl really is a Fleur de Lis girl?"
"Will you quit thinking about that?" White snapped, narrowing his eyes again "She was not and will never be associated with that Pierce Patchett bullshit. She's actually a very ambitious girl, don't underestimate her"
"So we're going to the Formosa after work are we?" Exley sighed, feeling apprehensive about the whole matter
"Yes" White smiled, showing even rows of white teeth "Brace yourself, kid, she will make you forget about any other girl you have had any sort of interest in"…