Much as I enjoy being selfish, perhaps we can compromise, instead? Let me buy you a meal? Or perhaps another drink? [ He does still owe her one, on that count, anyway. It wouldn't be even, but it would be something.

Besides, it'll take him an age to settle on something for himself - the clothing on display isn't entirely unappealing, in its riot of colorful patterns and flowing cuts, and the jewelry is bound to fascinate him long after her polite interest fades.

He laughs, maybe a little self-deprecating again, under his breath. ]

It would take a lot to fix these, let alone bring them up to such a lofty standard. We might as well look around.