[ even someone who could be as obtuse to human emotions as he could knew that he'd said the wrong thing there. he narrows his eyes and reaches for the coffee, fingers closing around it.

the ceramic is cold. ]

I'm sure Matthew takes no offense. I probably would have if I'd been turned away in lieu of a bird.

[ matthew would have been a better conversationalist, at least. he sits back, eyeing her steadily. ]

What were you out doing before this? Anything interesting?