"Hopefully lacking a sequel," Sato smiled, reaching out to pour Mary's lemonade. It was fine, proper stuff, fizzy with floating lemon slices. She filled Jesse's glass next and deposited it with the unhurried efficiency of a veteran hostess. She took her own seat on the other side of the island with equal poise and picked up a pair of cedar chopsticks.
"Thank you for the compliment, mademoiselle. Now, come on: eat up. I trust you're not one of those simples scared of anything green? Nothing more disappointing than a cowardly stomach." She emphasized her point by plucking a cracker-crispy fritter between her chopsticks and transferring it to a small plate. "The best prelude for a good talk is a good meal. Besides the hotel management have expressively forbade me to further overfeed the doormen."
"I hear your family is expanding," Sato offered after a moment. "Please accept my belated congratulations. I've a small gift Laura, if you wouldn't mind conveying it with my regards...?"