Thornton & Coombs Dinner Party (Closed)

[jamesthorn]

The table is set with the family's finest china. The candles lit, and doors are open at Thornton Estate this evening. While the estate has seen countless elegant affairs throughout its long history, there's never been one quite like this one. Tonight, the Coombs are coming for dinner as William Thornton's personally invited guests. Despite the recipe for drama, there's still a dinner to be thrown and William has spared no expense for his son's newest girlfriend, Amelie. Fine wine, gourmet breads and cheeses, fruits, and appetizers are laid out in gorgeous displays by the caterer. To be certain that no nosy members of the press learn of tonight's momentary truce, the invitations were hand delivered and the family's private staff are serving.

Promptly, at eight o'clock dinner will be served, but in the meantime, there's plenty of time for mingling...and drama.

OOC: I've always used this particular property for Thornton Estate even though I believe it's more traditionally furnished than the one pictured. However, if you want an idea of the layout, there are plenty of photos and even a movie on the link above, lmao.

William is played by Pierce Brosnan. Obviously he's American in the game. If you wanna talk to William one on one, Rachel and I both have control of that old fart.

Comments

[davin]

Sooo, this is new.

Davin has never been to a party like this. Ever. Sure, he's used to Siren Cove's more elegant affairs but this is like, a whole new level. He's sort of terrified. But it's okay; he can totally fake it 'til he makes it.

Step one: look the part.

Step two: alcohol? Alcohol. He's not going to get drunk because hello, he's not a complete idiot. But a glass or two of what he's sure is expensive as hell champagne will loosen him up a little.

He's lingering near the appetizer table with his long fingers wrapped around a champagne flute, but he hasn't touched the food. Last thing he needs is to spill caviar or whatever on his new pressed white shirt. This is so not his scene, and in another scenario he'd be more relaxed and ready to have fun with it, but he's not here as Davin the silly mechanic. He's here as Davin Kavanagh, date of James Thornton.

First date. First. He downs the last of his champagne and takes a breath, straightening his jacket and putting on an easy smile.

This will be fun. Well, interesting. It'll definitely be interesting.

[summersong]

Ah, wonderful. Somebody she's neither related to nor obligated to hate. Alodia snags a champagne flute off a passing tray - she's got no intention of drinking seriously tonight, but it gives her something to do with her hands - then injects a few more degrees of warmth into her smile, taking it from 'polite' to 'friendly', and glides over.

"You look like you're having fun," she says lightly. Davin Kavanaugh, she thinks. Dating James Thornton, if the rumors are true, which would explain why he's here. She's never met the man, but she's heard the name before, and the face matches the one she's seen in the pages of that absurd gossip rag. She's pretty sure she's right on this one. "It's Davin, yes?"

[davin]

"Aye, that'd be me." He switches his champagne to his other hand and holds his out for a polite shake, smiling at the woman. She's gorgeous, and the kind of person who makes Davin stand up a little straighter. And he thinks he may feel his magic tingling a bit, like it does in the presence of someone or something powerful.

He knows the Coombs are apparently the enemies of the Thorntons, one of which he's now dating, but Davin isn't going to let that cloud his judgement. He came to this dinner with an open mind and ready to formulate his own opinion about these people he's never met. "It's nice t'meet ya, but you've got one on me. I'm afraid I don't know your name."

Maybe he should have prepared for this. Made Coombs flashcards or something. He hopes he isn't coming off as rude.

[summersong]

Once upon a time she would have been offended when somebody didn't recognize her. Later, she would have been relieved. Now, though, Alodia just... doesn't particularly care. It means they move in different circles, that's all. The indifference is a nice change. Maybe she's growing up.

"I'm Alodia," she says, shaking the offered hand. "Amelie's cousin, but I hope you won't hold it against me." A bright smile, making it clear she's only joking. She's got no idea where he falls on the rivalry spectrum, or if he's even on it at all, but pre-empting any potential hostility certainly can't hurt.

[davin]

"Alodia, what a lovely name. It suits ya." He shakes her hand and feels a small spark, magic meeting magic, and ignores it as he lets it go. He'll need to ask his grandmother about this, about how his magic seems so responsive to the magic of others. He's always been able to get a sense for other powerful people, but it started getting stronger after his attack, and even more so after his trip to Ireland with Brigid. The shrine is incredibly powerful and it had accepted Davin, approved of him. That has to mean something.

"I'm not holdin' anythin' against anyone," he assures her, smiling softly and plucking a mini quiche from a tray. "I'm just hopin' for a nice evenin' for all involved."

[summersong]

"Well, thank you kindly," she says, sweet as anything. If Davin's working an angle, he's hiding it incredibly well, but if he's not, well, he's the only one in the room. Alodia's honestly not sure which is more likely here.

"Don't worry," she adds, taking a sip of champagne, "I promise not to set anyone on fire for the duration of the evening."

[davin]

Davin barks out a laugh and then he sobers up a little, not entirely sure she's joking. It is the second reference to setting things on fire he's heard tonight, after all.

"That's very generous of ya," he tells her, saluting her with his glass before taking a sip. "I haven't seen ya around town before. How d'ya spend your days?"

[summersong]

Alodia is, of course, perfectly aware that Davin isn't completely sure she's not serious. It's half the reason she said it in the first place. Sometimes it's kind of fun to have a family with such a notorious reputation.

"Oh, I'm in the family business," she replies. It should be self-explanatory - Coombs & Co. is a fairly well known establishment in Siren Cove, even if her involvement isn't. The perils of keeping mostly to the back of the store. "And I spend most of my spare time in my studio, so I'm afraid I don't get out quite as often as I might like."

[davin]

"Studio? Are ya an artist?" He isn't sure what exactly the Coombs family business actually is, so he skips that. Coombs Tavern he's familiar enough with, but not much beyond that.

[under_the_radar]

"You look about as comfortable as I feel." Daniel said, walking up to Davin and grinning. "You're going to be fine. Our Father doesn't actively hate you and everything you stand for." He said.

[davin]

"Comfortin'," Davin says with a laugh. Just seeing a familiar, friendly face is enough to relax him a little and he nods, reaching for another glass of champagne. "I'll be fine. I'm just gettin' used t'all this."

He lifts his glass and gestures around the room before taking a sip. "I'm makin' your brother take me out for chili dogs an' milkshakes t'make up for this. I've had dentist appointments less stressful than this first date."

For all he teases, there's fondness in his voice as he speaks of James and his cheeks go a little pink. This is all so unexpected, it's a bit of a whirlwind, but he thinks it will be worth it.

[under_the_radar]

"God what I wouldn't give for a chilli dog." Daniel said, groaning emphatically. "And yeah. That's about the level of dates you can expect from my brother." He said with a smile. "Too many years eating like a cop."

He watched Davin for a minute and then took a breath. "So can we take the mild threat about being good to my brother as read or would you like to do that whole posturing and machismo thing?"

[davin]

"Well, he's in luck if that whole stereotype about cops an' donuts is true," Davin says with a laugh. "I live above a bakery."

Daniel's being overprotective of his big brother makes Davin smile in a soft, fond way and he bites his lip before nodding. "Consider me threatened. An' just so ya know, I've been moonin' over him for awhile now. I don't really know what I'm doin', t'tell ya the truth, but I'll do my very best t'not screw it up."

[under_the_radar]

Daniel nods. Davin is a nice guy. He's normal and sweet and James deserves normal and sweet.

"Well, don't expect him to take subtle hints. He's kinda slow." Daniel teased. "You might want to find a copy of Pretty Woman, too. It's his favourite movie." It wasn't his favourite movie but Daniel was going to sleep with a smile on his face at the idea of his brother sitting through that to please Davin.

[davin]

"I've kinda realized that," Davin says with a laugh. "We can learn together."

He gives Daniel a skeptical look. "Pretty Woman, huh? Why do I find that a little hard t'believe?"

[under_the_radar]

Daniel shrugged and made a helpless face. "I don't know what to tell you. He just loved that film growing up. I mean, he'd never admit it, but he loves it." He said, oozing sincerity from every pore. "I guess everyone has their one film, you know?"

[under_the_radar]

William had been quietly watching the young man James had seen fit to bring with him interact for a few minutes, but it's the kiss that provokes the raising of his eyebrow. James was smiling and chatting away but the Coombs women were beginning to look over too.

Well William couldn't be seen to be a discourteous host. He made his way across the foyer and loomed over James and his...friend.

"The kitchen staff have questions." He growls at his son. When James leaves he smiles tightly at the young man. "You have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, but my son failed to mention you to me." Of course that was a lie. William had seen the guest list earlier this evening and the young mans was the only one he didn't recognise. Still, it didn't hurt to test his mettle.

[davin]

This is it. This is what Davin was worried about. William Thorton: the boss battle.

It's a good thing Davin works well under pressure, and the way William practically barks at his son makes Davin care a little less about how the man thinks of him. He raises an eyebrow when he says he doesn't know his name, because he doesn't quite buy that someone who was so meticulous about the details of this party didn't know every single person on the guest list. But hey, Davin is used to rich guys and their power plays. It's nothing new to him, not in Siren Cove.

"Well, he was quite busy with gettin' this party together. I think he did a lovely job, aye? Ya must be proud." He gives William a charming smile and holds his hand out to give him a firm shake. "Davin Kavanagh. Thank you for havin' me."

[under_the_radar]

The accent threw William a little but he rallied and focused more intently. He'd been expecting some foppish idiot, or maybe some rich kid looking to use his son. Davin seemed like neither of those things.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr Kavanagh." William said, grudgingly taking the young mans proffered hand. "And yes. When I instruct my children in the correct way to perform a task, the lessons tend to stay learned." The texture of Davins hands gave him a little more information. They were rough, workers hands. Somewhat like the gardeners when William shook the mans hand when he gave out the annual bonus cheques. Trade, then, not blue collar.

He sniffed. "Did you meet my son in your line of work or his?"

[davin]

Wow. A real charmer.

Davin grew up with two shitty parents so he has little patience for anyone else's. But still, this is the father of his date and Davin is a good person, so he'll be polite and respectful. The scrutiny he's given doesn't phase him in the slightest. He's used to it by now, from rich cocky businessmen and women who just can't believe this kid is the mechanic that came so highly recommended. Davin takes great joy in exceeding expectations.

He shakes William's hand firmly and stands up straight, regarding him with a pleasant smile.

"Little bit o' both, I'd say," Davin tells him. "I was a witness in a case he worked awhile back, an' then not too long after he brought that gorgeous car o' his in for a tune up. I run Oceanside Auto, ya see."

A waiter passes by with a tray of champagne and Davin is sorely tempted, but he's already had a glass and he doesn't want to look like a lush. So instead he keeps his polite gaze trained on James' father. "James has been a good friend t'me, sir. He's a very good man."

[under_the_radar]

"A friend." William says, catching the term and raising an eyebrow. He'd seen the way his son had greeted Davin and he'd seen the way Davin flushed when he had. Friends...of course. "Yes, James is very good at taking in strays." He said dismissively. "But you run your own business. That's very...enterprising of you."

[davin]

"Yes," Davin replies easily. "Our relationship may be evolvin', but that doesn't negate the fact that he's still a very good friend t'me."

His jaw ticks when William casually refers to him as a stray, but he shakes it off easy enough. It would be cool if James's father liked him, but hey. Davin's own father doesn't even like him, so he's sure as hell not going to lose sleep over someone else's feelings about him. Still, he keeps a neutral smile on his face, refusing to let William get to him.

"I don't own it, not yet, but the owner has put me in charge of the business, yes," Davin clarifies, feeling quite proud of himself. He's twenty-two and the most sought after mechanic in town, running a shop on his own. It's what he wanted; of course he's proud. "An' I love what I do quite a lot, so I'm happy."

[under_the_radar]

William had to admire the young mans guts. He wasn't being intimidated. Not easily anyway.

"You're somewhat of a surprise, Mr Kavanagh." He said. "Not as much of a surprise as finding out my eldest son is gay in the middle of a dinner party, but a surprise nonetheless."

[davin]

Davin is sort of surprised to learn that James' family, or at least his father, didn't know that he liked men. Davin thinks James is bi, anyway. Not that he'll say that, but still. James never said anything about it, and was obviously comfortable enough to invite Davin and not a woman, so he just assumed it was common knowledge.

"Well, sir," he says with a bit of a cheeky smile, keeping the surprise off of his face. "Maybe I'm just special."

Davin really isn't in the mood to deal with homophobia tonight. His attack is still a little too fresh on his mind and he's just sort of done with ignorance. But hey, at this point he's pretty much the opposite of intimidated.

He turns to load two appetizers neatly on their own napkin, holding one out to William. "Mini quiche? I hear they're quite tasty."

[under_the_radar]

William smiled tightly and shook his head. "Thank you, no. I think I'll go and see to the preparations. Please, enjoy the house. I know it must be overwhelming for someone like you but feel free to look around." He nodded to Davin. "Have a good evening." Turning on his heel, William headed for the kitchens to find his eldest and have a conversation James wouldn't enjoy.