To Anson, Thomas Keller seemed like a smart person, similar to Banksy.
The key here is accent.
In the UK or France, if you speak the local language fluently and without an accent, you'll earn the admiration and approval of locals and quickly blend into their life. But in the U.S., this isn't the case. Locals don't necessarily reward you for speaking without an accent. Quite the opposite — they tend to like accents.
Of course, it's a bit more complicated than that, but the point is that a French person speaking fluent English isn't particularly impressive. However, a French person speaking English with a noticeable accent? That can be quite charming.
That's why some French people — and Spaniards, Italians, and Argentinians — even if they can speak perfect English, might deliberately keep their accent. It adds a certain appeal.
Take Sofia Vergara, who plays Gloria in Modern Family. In the show, her Spanish-accented English is part of her charm, but in real life, she can speak perfect standard English.
In interviews, Sofia half-joked, "This skill is basically a survival tool for every Colombian in the U.S."
Accent, of course, carries with it certain stereotypes and even discrimination. But sometimes, those stereotypes can be used as tools to enhance one's position in life.
It's like how Hollywood blondes often play dumb to fit a stereotype, all while cleverly hiding their intelligence.
Right now, Thomas was doing something similar.
He didn't try to hide his French accent. In fact, he leaned into it, playing up the stereotype. Whether it made his guests more comfortable or added to his allure, the seemingly humble Thomas was, in fact, in control of the social dynamic.
Rumor had it that Thomas was arrogant and socially clueless.
But from this brief interaction, Anson suspected that might be a mask the chef had cleverly crafted.
After all, someone truly oblivious to social graces wouldn't have been able to run a high-end private restaurant in New York.
Of course, this was just Anson's speculation.
After some casual small talk, Thomas shifted the conversation. "…Mr. Wood said he wouldn't mind if I came over to say hello."
They had assumed Thomas was referring to Lucas, but to their surprise, he turned to address the other Wood.
"Anson, you're even more handsome in person than you are on the big screen."
The greeting felt a bit odd and out of place.
Nora glanced at Lucas, while Anson gave a quick sideways look in his direction too.
Outwardly, though, Anson remained polite and flashed a bright smile. "Thank you. I hope my appearance tonight isn't breaking any of your restaurant's rules."
In formal French restaurants, especially for dinner, proper attire is usually required.
At the moment, Anson was wearing a hoodie, which would normally be unacceptable. Without a suit jacket, he'd likely be shown the door — that's the norm in New York.
Anson had initially assumed the relaxed dress code was a feature of this private restaurant. But now it seemed there was more to the story.
Thomas tilted his head slightly and gave Anson's outfit a once-over. "Let's hope no one else sees you tonight."
The disdain in his voice was real.
Anson didn't mind. "Well then, I'll have to trust in your restaurant's privacy measures."
A clever retort.
Thomas raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised, but then relaxed his expression. "Now I understand why everyone says Anson Wood has a sharp tongue."
"Hah, if that's all it takes to be considered sharp-tongued, the bar for witty conversation must be really low. I think I owe all the stand-up comedians out there an apology."
Self-deprecating humor and wit in one.
This time, Thomas gave Anson a closer look.
His eyes showed a touch more sincerity. "My daughter really, really likes you. She's collected all your works. I was wondering, would you mind signing something for her?"
So that was the reason.
It wasn't Thomas who was the fan — it was his daughter.
Anson nodded cheerfully. "Of course, no problem at all."
Thomas finally brought his hands out from behind his back: a copy of Midnight in Summer.
It wasn't a movie poster or DVD — it was an album.
Anson was pleasantly surprised. "Now I'm convinced she's a true fan. You know, this is the first time anyone has brought one of my albums outside of a tour. I'm truly honored."
Thomas quietly set the album on the table. "I won't tell you that we have two full boxes of them at home."
Anson laughed. "Haha, sounds like we should go big with our dinner tonight, then."
That response made Thomas chuckle. "I'll make sure you have a great time, especially since you just got back from France. Do you prefer something traditional or a little rebellious?"
Anson smiled. "Surprise me. That's what Chef Keller does best, right?"
Thomas looked at Anson again, for the second time tonight, with a newfound respect — all within just three minutes.
"Of course. I'll do my best, after all, that's why you're here at Self-Serve, isn't it?" Thomas straightened up proudly, without any trace of false humility.
As Anson had suspected, Thomas was a smart man, far from the socially clueless figure the rumors suggested. All of it was just a disguise.
Thomas noticed Anson's knowing look. This time, he didn't hide it, meeting Anson's gaze head-on, offering a knightly nod, silently acknowledging his presence.
"Charlotte Keller," Thomas said, handing over a marker to Anson.
Anson didn't say much more, instead focusing on signing the album with a flourish.
Thomas turned to Nora. "Please forgive my unprofessional behavior tonight."
Nora, beaming with pride, had been quietly watching Anson. At Thomas's words, her smile widened as she turned to face him. "No, I should be thanking you as a mother. Thank you for appreciating Anson's work."
"Tonight, I don't mind being Anson Wood's mother. My son gives that title a special shine. I'm sure you understand, Chef Keller."
Thomas thought of his daughter, Charlotte, and in that moment, a mutual understanding passed between them. "Of course, I understand your pride. Though I try not to expect too much from Charlotte."
Though Thomas didn't elaborate, Nora got the message right away. "I just want him to be happy."
Thomas gave a knowing nod. There was no need for further words. The two had reached an unspoken agreement.
Then both Thomas and Nora turned their gaze toward Anson.
Without looking up, Anson quietly said, "Please stop staring at me, or I won't be able to write."
Haha.
The room filled with warm laughter.