Sophie watched him with the quiet intensity of someone who had staked something precious on his verdict.
"Well?"
"The one you made is so good... From now on," he said, "make the dipping sauces yourself. For everything. All future meals."
Her face lit up, pure, undisguised, and she had to look away, pressing her lips together as she gazed out at the skyline. When she turned back, her smile was softer.
"I'll take that as approval."
"That wasn't approval. That was an instruction."
"An instruction. From the man who didn't know fries required steps."
"The instruction stands."
She laughed, the warm, low one, and picked up the serving dish to plate his portion properly.
She was halfway through transferring the chicken when she paused, frowned at the fries, and made a small face.
"What."
"The fries are slightly over-salted. I tasted one in the kitchen. I was going to not mention it, but you'll notice, so."
"I wouldn't have noticed."
