“Yes, thank you. Kind of you to notice.”
“It’s been quite some time since you’ve been to visit us.”
“Yes.”
“Of course! How stupid of me. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I miss Dr. Hunter a great deal. He was not only a good customer, but a wonderful human being as well. Please. Let me move you to a more comfortable table.”
“Thank you, Andrew. We’re settled in quite nicely here.”
“Yes,” Charyn confirmed.
“This plant,” said Andrew with a sniff, “doesn’t get in your way?”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Well, then,” said Andrew, mollified, “would you like a drink before lunch?”
“I’d like a glass of wine,” said Nona. “Charyn?”
“Yes, white wine, I think.”
“A bottle of Montrachet, Andrew.”
“Yes, Mrs. Hunter. Will that be all?”
“For the moment.”
“Very good,” said Andrew, bowing off.
