[ A flip of her hand for "making it work" that could either mean of course I did or it was terrible and I don't want to talk about it ever again. ]

Perhaps I will be coy and see if he lets me.

[ Her sip is shortly followed by a small bite of strawberry tart, which serves to both improve the coffee and give her a little time to think before she responds. ]

I admit, I have little experience planning intimate affairs that are not, shall we say, intimate affairs.

[ Raised eyebrows over another sip that chases after the remaining taste of sugared fruit. Small quiet gatherings had been for subterfuge until she had made her first true friends, and after that if she wished quiet she had preferred to meet with people alone, each relationship in a little separate box; parcels of curated truth. ]

Perhaps a guest list, first?