Wright's ears ring. He can hardly make sense of what's just occured before him as he becomes aware that he holds a stranger's hand in his.
No, not a stranger. Apollo Justice, Gavin's new-hire that Wright had been looking into. Kristoph's protegee whom Wright had been questioning his friend about for weeks, and not getting anywhere with. He's shaking his hand. Kristoph Gavin lead Apollo Justice right to him.
"It's..." His eyes flit from Apollo's enthusiasm over to Kristoph. He feels like an actor that's forgotten his next line, who knows his cue is soon, but fears he's already missed it.
It is his line, isn't it? What was his role again?
"It's nice to meet you, kid." Phoenix finds himself responding to Justice first. "I've heard a lot about you, so trust me, I've been waiting for my introduction."
He gives Apollo a wink, hoping the awe will be enough for Wright to remove his hand from his. To allow him to turn his attention to Kristoph, the person who he had intended to have his undivided attention this evening.
His next line he knows by heart. It's easy to act across from Kristoph, maybe it's that they have natural chemistry, or maybe it's just because Kristoph always played his role well.
This is where Phoenix should gloat.
This is where Phoenix should dawn his best shit eating grin, and metaphorically look down at Gavin, tell the beautiful man in front of him to his face: You look like shit.
"You're here now, that's what matters." He mutters gently. He pulls out Gavin's chair from the table, and gestures for him to sit.
Maybe Phoenix was wrong about the kind of tale meant to unfold between the two of them. Kristoph never kicked him when he was down, how could he turn around and do that to him? His best friend.
"So, will Mr. Justice be joining us for dinner tonight?" He asks, not specifically to either of the men present.