Present Day

John unfurled his napkin, placing it on his lap and smiling at the waiter when he took the menu. Anna's eyes had yet to leave him and he tried to pretend he took no notice. His focus, instead, was on the man across the table who had paid him no mind after their initial greeting.

"Jack tells me you work everywhere in the global supply chain." Anna cut in, breaking the momentary silence and stealing looks at him over the top of her menu.

"I do." John brought the menu down enough to meet her ocean blue eyes, "When I started the business I realized I didn't want to limit myself."

"And why should you?" She smiled at him, "There's too much to do in business and life to limit ourselves."

"Like you would know." Both turned to Green, taking a moment from his phone to glance upward. "I'm sure you'll just bore Mr. Christian with the details of your charities and non-profits."

"On the contrary," John smiled toward Anna. "I believe that those who greatly receive should give just as generously."

"I remember you saying that in an article I read when you opened your philanthropic wing." Anna closed her eyes, as if trying to remember the exact wording of the article. "That we remember those whose positions could be ours but for the grace of God. It is only chance which has separated us and we must act accordingly."

"That's right." John laughed, "I think you said it better than I did."

"Nonsense."

"She's a parrot for the phrases of others, Mr. Christian." Green flipped a page on his menu, "Without thoughts of her own the only things in her head are the words of others. It's why she's without success of her own."

Anna blushed, holding her menu higher and burying her face in it while John white-knuckle clutched his napkin in his lap, attempting to keep his tone civil. "Memory would be a poor thing to waste in anyone's case, Mr. Green. Isn't there success in answering the needs of someone else when only mentioned once?"

"She's not good at answering needs."

"She's the face of your philanthropy, Mr. Green, and that's a task in and of itself given the international recognition your company has." John focused on Green, "You must believe that her skills, no matter how limited you view them, are a boon to your work given the success of your own family business."

"Business is a means to an end, Mr. Christian. Just as her work solves immediate needs and nothing more." Green did not look up from his phone. "The transactions I operate are for no more purpose than to serve our pleasures."

"Don't you derive pleasure from your work?"

Green snorted, "What pleasure is there to be had in numbers and ledgers? It's nothing but time wasted away from a yacht or a gaming table."

"Then you're a gambling man?"

"I take the gambles I like, yes." Green snapped for the waiter, "Where is the drink I ordered?"

"Your wife asked us not to since the last time your card-"

"I don't care what she told you. Bring me the bottle."

John glanced at Jack, noting the red tinge to the boy's cheeks and the flush deepening on Anna's. He held his hand to the waiter, "That'll be my treat."

"Mr. Christian-" Anna tried to argue but John waved away her argument.

"I intruded on your family dinner and I'd like to congratulate Jack here on his fine work. It's truly my treat."

The table settled and they ordered, handing their menus to the waiter with Green belligerently demanding they make changes to the meal he ordered and even sending it back three times before satisfying himself with what they gave him. Once they started eating Green only picked at his food. The constant buzz of his phone rattled the utensils and John noted the way Jack maintained a stranglehold on his fork while his jaw clenched.

Green paid them no more mind, focused entirely on his device while the other three ate quietly.

"If I might be so bold," John finally spoke, cutting through his meat and turning to Anna, "How did you get into philanthropy?"

"It was a passion of mine at University. I studied international relations and international development."

"Fascinating. Did you graduate?"

Anna coughed, "I did. It just took awhile."

"I ruined her plans a bit." Jack interjected, setting down his utensils. "She took care of me until I was five and then went back to complete her studies."

"That's very noble." John nodded his head, "I don't think there's anything better a mother could do for her child then raise them."

"I disagree." Anna sipped at her drink, "I think it's an instinct. It took no thought at all. Not like what you've done for Jack."

John shook his head, "I've done nothing for Jack that he couldn't have done for himself or wouldn't have done for himself with the right tools."

"You would have to be a mother to appreciate how you've opened his horizons, Mr. Christian. I know that I couldn't ever fully repay what you've done for him in only a month."

"Please," John dabbed at his mouth, making sure none of his food found its way into his carefully trimmed beard. "I'm sure another month and you won't even remember my name."

"It'd be hard to forget."

"The mind's an interesting place." John set his napkin on the table, "I once had a girlfriend who forgot I existed within three weeks of our separation."

"That's unfortunate." Anna drew back for a moment. "I'm sure that broke your heart."

"The heart, thank goodness, is a muscle like any other and heals with time." John turned to her, "And you, if it's not too personal a question, have you ever lost someone?"

"It's funny you should ask that." She went to speak just as Green stood up from the table.

"Sorry to cut this dry conversation short but I've got an appointment."

"Dear," Anna looked from side to side, trying to maintain a calm tone. "We won't be seeing Jack again for weeks and you haven't spoken to him at all."

"He understands." Green shrugged, "It's a man thing, you wouldn't get it."

"Maybe not but we've a guest."

"Mr. Christian'll understand," Green waved at John like he barely noticed him, "He's a business man and it's a meeting I can't miss."

"What could you possibly've scheduled?"

"It doesn't matter. It's got to do with work. I couldn't change it last minute for a dinner."

"I told you about this dinner two weeks ago."

"And I'm sure Jack forgives me." Green turned to Jack, "Don't you?"

"Yes sir." Jack swallowed, nodding. "I understand completely."

"Good." Green gave John a curt nod, "It's been a pleasure Mr. Christian. We probably won't meet again."

"I wouldn't be so sure." John stood, waiting for Green to leave before retaking his seat. "I seem to have nosed in on your family dinner and rather spoiled the evening for you. I should go."

"No," Anna rearranged her napkin on her lap, "Please stay."

"Alright." John took a sip of the wine at the table, "I believe you were about to say something, before your husband left."

"Was I?"

John held up a hand, "If it's too personal…"

"At this point it's hardly that." She shifted her jaw, "I'm just not sure I should anymore."

"May I ask why?"

"Well, it's rather a sad story and given the tenor of our evening I think it would only lend to the dismal ambiance."

"I happen to find that those things that make us sad should be aired to give room for any joy to leak through instead."

Anna narrowed her eyes at him before nodding, "You're not wrong, Mr. Christian. There are things I think we need to expose to the light of day instead of leaving to the darkness to fester."

"Exactly." John took his drink in hand, "At your leisure then."

Anna wiped her mouth on the napkin before beginning, "See I was engaged to someone, before I married Alex, and it ended rather badly."

"Oh?"

"He…" Anna coughed, "He died."

"I'm so sorry." John put a hand over hers, biting his tongue to keep from reacting to the electric thrill that ran up his arm at the contact. "If it's too much-"

"No," Anna patted over his hand, slipping hers free. "It's a long time ago. Before Jack was even born."

"If I'm not being too bold, how'd he die?"

"In prison."

John widened his eyes, "Prison?"

"I see I've shocked you." Anna tried to laugh but John shook his head.

"No, I don't see you as the kind of woman to put yourself in harm's way."

"I'm not and I didn't." Anna shrugged, "From what little I could tell of the case it was more a marriage of convenience for those seeking a swift end to a case they really didn't have a case for. Unfortunately."

"But he never got out of prison?"

"From what little they told me he was killed there. Some prisoner stabbed him rather badly with a knife or something and he died since there was nothing they could do." Anna gave a bitter laugh, "I still don't know almost anything, even after all the inquiries I made because there's only so much they'll actually tell you when you're not family of the victim. Since we weren't married when he was arrested and incarcerated the leavings were all I ever got out of the Ministry of Justice."

"Her Majesty's Prison Service is part of the reason Mum took to philanthropy." Jack rubbed his thumb over his mother's hand. "She wants to make sure there aren't others forced into positions like that."

"I've followed your work in that regard."

"I know." Anna wiped at her eyes, "I've tracked the donations and I'm grateful for the contributions you've made."

"It's what I could do." They were silent a moment before John turned to Jack, "But you're lucky to've found Mr. Green and have Jack here so it's not a total loss."

"No," Anna smiled at Jack, "Jack's the light of my life. Fifteen years of wonderful experiences."

"Fifteen?" John raised his eyebrows at Jack, "I thought Mr. Green the younger was sixteen."

"No. He's sixteen early next year." Anna ruffled Jack's hair, "But he says he's older because he's smart enough to be and otherwise no one takes him seriously."

"Mum, I think we might be disappointing Mr. Christian with the drama." Jack laughed, holding his mother's hand.

"Not at all. I don't usually have the luxury of conversations without another motive so this has been rather refreshing, if you don't mind me saying so."

"No and I should be sorry to've dumped this rather sad story on you like this." Anna waved at John, "It's just… you remind me of him and I guess the memories came back. I apologize."

"Don't apologize." John shushed her, "The bad memories come with the good so we must endure a measure of pain for pleasure."

"Too true." Anna raised a glass, "To the pleasure we enjoy through pain."

"To pleasure."

Sixteen Years Ago

John counted his change, focused on the bills in his hand, and bumped into a petite woman just moving past him. The world moved in slow motion as her drink spilled and John found himself drenched in something fruitier than he usually drank. Or ever drank.

He turned his head to look at the woman now covering her mouth with a shaking hand. "I'm so sorry I wasn't paying any attention and I've-"

They both went to address his shirt and the rest of her drink turned over her. With a beat of silence they both laughed, choosing the moment to bask in the lunacy of the event for a moment together. John recovered first, grabbing a stack of napkins, and handed some to her while addressing his own shirt.

"It's an old kit anyway."

"Do you play?"

"Only in my dreams," John pulled the jersey down, "I wish I was good enough for Ireland to ask I represent them at the next World Cup but I doubt they come knocking on the doors of English literature students."

"Are you studying then?" She took the wad of used napkins and tossed them into the nearest bin, though John could still smell the waft of fruity drink over the two of them.

"Almost done. After exams next week I'll be ready for the real world."

"If you don't mind me saying," She bit her lip, "You seem a little older than the others in the graduating crowd."

"I took a few years off to serve." John stood straighter, "Can't you see it now?"

She laughed, "I can rather. That's a very professional bearing you've got there soldier."

"It was Captain but yes, I'd say it rather is." He pointed to a table, "Mind if we sit. I've got to air out my bills before I try to give them to the bus driver."

"Of course." They squeezed together into a tight booth and she tried to hide a giggle. "Sorry."

"No," John separated the bills with care, "What is it?"

"I'm just imaging what could be going through the mind of the driver who gets ahold of a bill covered in a fruity cocktail from a man as manly looking as yourself."

John joined her in laughing, "What, don't you think I could get myself a bloke in here?"

"I've no doubt you could but I don't get the feeling that's really your style."

"Oh really?" John leaned over the table toward her, "And why would you think that?"

"The obvious answer is that you're in here talking to me and the other, possibly embarrassing answer, is that you've been at attention since we started talking." She tried to hide her laughter as John shifted in place. Reaching over a hand she covered his, forcing him to meet her eyes. "I take it as a real compliment, by the way."

"That's good. I've met more than one woman who found it rather… awkward."

"I could see why people might but I don't." She jumped as her body seemed to vibrate. John jumped with her and they both gave nervous laughs when she pulled out her mobile. "I'm sorry. I've got to meet someone."

"It's not problem. They've dried enough." John collected his bills but as he reached for the last one she snatched it. "I need that for groceries you know."

"I'm not stealing it." She wrote something on it, "But since I don't feel like risking this getting on your hand and you losing it I thought I'd risk defacing a bill."

"That's the face of the Queen you're ruining."

"Do you think I'm worth it?" She grinned, passing the bill back with her number and name scrawled in a corner.

"After the conversation we just had I'd be an idiot to think not." John tore the bill in half, stealing her pen, and wrote his number on the other half.

She took it, her mouth open, "I thought you needed to buy groceries."

"I do. But I might have to risk a meal or two so you've no excuse to ignore my calls-" John peeked at the name on his side of the bill, "Anna."

"You're sure of yourself-" Anna took a look at her side before frowning, "Captain? That's all you'll give me?"

"It's Captain Bates." John tapped the torn side of the bill, winking at her. "If you agree to a date then you'll get the rest of the name."

"Will I now?" Anna pursed her lips, "Fine. I give up."

"You want my name that badly?"

"Well," Anna ran her tongue over her lower lip a moment and John had to cough to cover the shift he made in the booth, grateful for the table covering him. "I'd feel bad calling you 'Captain' since I'm pretty sure that kind of title belongs on the parade ground or the bedroom and since we're not in either of those places…"

"John," He managed in a half-strangled voice, "My name's John."

"See," She patted his cheek. "That wasn't so hard… until now."

"You're terrible, you know that."

Anna put a hand to her chest, faking indignation, "You've only just met me. I'm not sure you can say that."

"Oh yes I can." John lowered his voice, "Anyone who immediately suggests what you do on a first meeting are pretty naughty."

"Take me out on a few dates and you'll see how naughty I can be." Anna winked, "And call me John because otherwise I'll wonder if it worked."

With a kiss to his cheek, she was out of the pub faster than John could control his reactions. He took a few calming breaths before going to leave the bench. As he walked outside he heard his name called and turned toward it.

A smile split his face, "Alex! What are you doing here?"

The man looped an arm over John's neck, "I'm rescuing you from a night on your own so we can paint the town together. What'd you say?"

"I'd say I've got exams to study for."

"Nonsense," Alex waved a hand, "You've got loads of time for that. Don't waste it all sitting in tight corners with your books."

"You'd know more about it if you didn't already have that glass, corner office in your Dad's building." John eased himself out from under Alex's arm. "We're not all luck enough to be a Green."

"No," Alex leveled a finger at John, who finally noticed how unsteady his friend was on his feet. "But one day you could be."

"I don't think so." John shook his head, "But if I want that internship then I've got to work my ass off and I'm not doing that standing here."

"Please, if you want it then you've just got to ask. I'd-" Alex stumbled forward and John barely caught him, righting him with an arm under Alex's shoulders.

"Come on Mr. Green. Let's get you home."

"No," Alex moaned, holding onto John. "We're going out."

"You're already smashed brother." John waved down a cab. "And I'm getting you home."

"You're always so good to me." Alex mumbled into John's shoulder as he situated them both in the cab, giving directions to the desired address. "It's why my father wants to hire you."

"I'm sure that's why." John patted his arm, "I'm sure that's why."

Present Day

John settled with the woman at the host station as Anna emerged from the coatroom with Jack on her heels. She went to argue but John cut her off. "I'm sorry but I won't hear a word against it. I interrupted your family dinner and it's the least I could do to pay for it."

"That's not necessary Mr. Christian." Anna tried to argue but Jack put a hand on her arm.

"I think we'd be poor recipients of his generosity if we made a show of arguing now Mum." Jack extended his hand toward John, "Thank you, Mr. Christian, for your kindness."

"You're more than welcome and it's nothing." John waved his hand at the building, "I didn't want to mention it before but I own the building and therefore the restaurant so the only person I have to account for on behalf of this evening is the manager and my accountant."

"Then I'll offer my gratitude with my son's." Anna put her hand forward and John shook it, biting back his reaction at the repeat of the buzz in his blood. "Though, if it's not too forward, would you walk me to the cab queue."

"I'd be delighted though," John looked at Jack, "Isn't your son going with you?"

"Jack's got plans with his friends for the remainder of the evening because some of them are going back to Leeds and Manchester in the morning and they won't see one another until half-term."

"Then it'll be my pleasure. But, please, let me offer you a lift home."

"I couldn't further impose on your generosity, Mr. Christian."

"It's on my way, I assure you."

Anna eyed him, "You don't know where I live, Mr. Christian."

"I'm actually a rather well-informed individual and I know that the Green family penthouse is in my direction." John shrugged, "I've attended a few of the parties thrown there."

"Then, by all means, I'd be grateful for the lift." Anna turned to Jack, kissing his cheek, "Not too late, remember you've got packing still to do and it'd be rather a poor repayment to Mr. Christian for you to be late tomorrow."

"Yes Mum." Jack kissed her back, "I won't be too late."

"Good."

"Mr. Christian," Jack shook John's hand, "Thank you again for dinner and everything this evening. It's been a treat beyond measure."

"I was touched to be invited and humbled to be of service." They watched Jack leave the building and John opened his arm to allow Anna to precede him through the open door as he held it. "After you."

"Ever the gentleman." Anna waited for him as another couple passed through the door, and then kept pace with his hitched gait. "Might I ask what gave you that stride?"

"I shattered my knee in an accident and then suffered some nerve damage to it later." John patted it. "Through some intense physical therapy I regained most function but it's scarred and twinges in a light drizzle."

"I imagine it's awful in a downpour."

"I'm almost an invalid in those cases." John laughed, waving Andy off as he opened the door for Anna. "After you."

"Again with the gentlemanly demeanor." Anna waited until John joined her in the car before continuing. "If I weren't married I'd think you were setting a very good impression on a first date."

"And if you weren't married I'd say I was."

They sat in silence a moment as Andy joined traffic, guiding them through the streets toward Anna's home. She spoke after a moment, "Might I ask you something rather personal?"

"Given the personal nature of the conversation I forced from you at dinner I'd say it's only fair." John opened his hands to her. "Ask away."

"Do you have any family in the area?"

"What an odd question."

"I'm sorry," Anna fumbled a moment, "It's just… you look an awful lot like someone I used to know very well. It's almost frightening really."

"Is this the man you said died in prison?"

Anna nodded, "My fiancé. At least, he was going to be." She swallowed but John noted the tears on the edges of her eyes. "He was arrested on our year anniversary and I had every hint he planned on proposing that night."

"What gave you that impression?"

Anna shrugged, "Some of the evidence from the scene, that I saw in pictures in the newspapers, were roses, a box of chocolates, and a card."

"And you assumed proposal from that?"

"Maybe it was wishful thinking." Anna rested her elbow on the window of the other door, leaning her chin on her hand a moment before turning back, "But I was convinced we'd spend the rest of our lives together."

"I understand." John waited a moment, "But how long, after he was arrested and taken away, did it take you to marry Mr. Green?"

Anna turned to John, a few silent tears making tracks down her cheeks. "I don't think you asked me a fair question, Mr. Christian."

"Didn't I?" John shrugged, "I thought that, after the way you talked about the man you hoped would marry you, you might've waited some time between his death and marrying another man."

"There were other circumstances involved." Anna wiped at her eyes, "You wouldn't understand."

"Probably not. I've never been the one to abandon, only the one to be abandoned." John sighed, "But we've reached your building Mrs. Green."

John got out of the car, holding the door open for Anna to step out. After a moment she emerged, looking every bit as put together as she had been in the car. She took a step toward her building before turning to face John.

"You know, I think you answered my question, Mr. Christian."

"Did I?"

"Yes." Her jaw set, eyes hard. "You couldn't be related to the man I loved because where his heart was full of nothing but compassion and understanding I don't think there's anything in your heart but grief and bad feelings."

"If I have them then I'm entitled to them."

"I'm sure that gives you great comfort in the dark of your nights." Anna nodded at him, "I'm sure we'll see one another again Mr. Christian but I do hope you'll keep your distance from me. I wouldn't want a repeat of tonight."

"I'll keep that in mind, Mrs. Green." John nodded at her, watching her back as she went into the building. "We wouldn't want to get too close."