Ren put a second plate on the table and reached for the serving spoon.
"Sit down," I said.
His hand stopped.
I had managed to make an invitation sound like yesterday's problem in two words.
"If you want to eat here," I added. "The food is already paid for."
"I agreed to meet Bram below after the meal."
"Then eat before you go."
He looked at the second chair, considered the time, and sat. The spoon stayed beside the dish. I moved it within reach of both of us instead of waiting for him to serve me.
Ren put his napkin beside the plate. It was the ordinary folded cloth from the cupboard, the same as mine. He had taken it out with the second place and still waited to see whether he would use it.
I reached for the water with my left hand. The jug was close enough. I filled my cup, then stopped with it between us.
"Water?"
"Please."
I poured his too. Some reached the table when I set the jug down. He moved his napkin toward it before stopping.
