“Well, I’ve already got a nubile partner,” Daniel said reasonably. “At least until she tells me otherwise.” He tipped his head to allow for part two of the admission. “Of course, I have no idea where she is on New Year’s Eve, which is probably a bad sign, but I’m not the type of guy to make assumptions.”

He gestured across the way.

“What about you? You’re a dapper guy, plus you’ve got the accent working for you. Where’s your classy lady friend?”