"Vanessza," he repeats, careful with the pronunciation. "It's a pleasure."

He follows her gaze, eyes darting to the glass held behind her. "I haven't had that many," he offers, apparently a confession in return, "and I was already considering a running start. It would be less than chivalrous of me not to offer to conduct the experiment in your stead. Or at the very least to hold your drink and your shoes, should you so wish."