High end steakhouse.

Dane waited in the vestibule at the entrance for Kerry. He was wearing clean jeans, Rockports, a light shirt, and a tweed jacket. It was clear that he was not overly accustomed to dressing up, even as casual as this, preferring the relaxed fit of his usual fatigues.

He was relaxed, as he sat there. He had one evening before insertion, and the prospect of spending a relaxing, enjoyable evening with a nice woman was appealing. He hoped he remember how to be social.

  Kerry arrived in a set of black jeans and a lovely top that had butterflies and glitter.  She was walking a standard poodle (pure black) with a large purple satin ribbon around her neck, and a 'service animal' harness on her.  She drove a little compact car, and parked it neatly.  She came in with the poodle in one hand, and a small black clutch purse in the other.  She spotted Dane, and arched one eyebrow.

Dane stood as Kerry approached, and grinned. "Nice arched eyebrow. Conveys curiosity, judgment, and vague disapproval without deigning to say a single word. Well done. Oh, and you look great."

He looked down at the dog. "I know there's a thing about petting service dogs. How do you feel about that?"

   She half smiled, and said "Satin knows her job, being petted won't distract her.  Of course, she is smarter than most service animals anyway.  She never needs a leash anymore, even when not in harness." She looked down at Satin, who was looking up at her hopefully, and smiled as she lightly stroked one ear gently, adding "She never bites unless it is to defend me, and if she grips your hand or wrist, she will have a reason, so go ahead.  She would like petted."

Dane knelt down in front of Satin, and extended his hand to her, to allow her to sniff him before reaching out to skritch her behind the ears. "Hey there. You're taking good care of your momma? Good girl."

After a few minutes he stood up, and said, "I got us a table outside, as promised. I'm hungry; hope you are too."

He signaled the maitre'd, who lead them out to the outdoor patio, festively lit with hanging teardrop string lights. Dane held Kerry's chair, and then sat down himself.

"Well, first, thanks for taking a chance and coming out tonight. I know you don't really know me from Adam, but thanks for taking the leap of faith."

  Kerry admitted "I do like steaks.  And it does me no harm to take a chance on a good dinner and hopefully interesting conversation.  Satin rarely gets invited along, so she's delighted to get to come too.  Most places will permit service animals, but that doesn't mean restaurants like having them inside."  Clearlym she considered that a rather big differential than permitting the animals, and she sounded like she knew far more about the service animal's point of view than most would consider.

Dane nodded, a light smile playing across his face, which faded as he directed a more serious question at Kerry. "So what things DO cause you harm? I got a vague explanation that you had what I can best summarize as 'mystical health concerns'. Your circumstances was explained to me, but I didn't really grasp it, honestly. Something about your life expectancy being completely unknown? Care to elaborate?"