Business Dinner with a Client: Small Talk and a Toast

Graham, welcome to Chicago! I hope you found the place okay.

I did, thank you. What a lovely restaurant!

It's one of my favorites. The steaks here are amazing.

Brilliant. After that flight, I could eat a horse.

So, have you decided what you'd like?

I think I'll have the burger with chips.

Ha, careful! Here, chips come in a little bag.

Wait, really? So what do I ask for?

Just say fries. Chips are what you call crisps.

Fries it is, then! Lesson learned.

So, is this your first time in the States?

No, but it's my first time in Chicago.

Actually, I walked along the river this morning. Stunning!

Oh, I'm so glad! You picked a sunny day.

So, um, about the delivery dates in the contract...

Oh, let's not talk shop just yet!

Tell me, how's your family? Did your daughter start university?

Yes, in Edinburgh! She's studying marine biology.

Wow, that's impressive! You must be so proud.

I am. And what do you do to relax?

Believe it or not, I've just started the cello.

No way! My wife plays in an orchestra.

Really? Oh, I'd love to hear her play sometime.

Well, next time you're in London, you're invited.

Okay, now that we've got dessert, about those dates...

Ha! I wondered when you'd bring that up.

Honestly, I'm confident we'll sort it out tomorrow.

Me too. I think we're on the same page.

Before we go, I'd like to propose a toast.

To a long and successful partnership!

Hear, hear! And to fries, not chips!

Ha! I'll drink to that. Cheers, Graham!