[ Turnabout's fair play, and he keeps his face as impassive as possible. When he can't, he hides it behind his glass and the hand that supports it, mouth scrunching up a little to keep from peeling up in any particular direction. ]

That's close.

[ He acknowledges finally, like a concession. ]

I'll give you that. It's pretty close. I do have a couple regular places, but they're usually coffee houses rather than restaurants.

[ Because coffee dates are easier, they're shorter, they feel like less somehow. Less intimate, less obligation. ]

The walking's good, though. Spot on about that. There used to be this botanical garden near where I lived. Really good place for it, makes it a little, you know, more interesting than just walking. Something to look at.

[ In case the conversation fell flat - something it rarely ever does around Ian. Still, a constant source of talking points. Plus, he could rattle off facts about the plants because he'd been through it so many times.

He doesn't make it to fifth dates. There's no if, no exceptions in recent memory.

He hasn't brought anyone to his place in years. He goes to theirs.

No romantic partners go to his favorite place. Only friends, which tend to have a longer shelf life.

He doesn't correct that, though. ]