"Pity." He gave her hand an equally firm squeeze before releasing it, but smiled his sincere regrets that he couldn't have the pleasure of her company. Fortunately, she suggested coffee before he could segue into it.
"I've got you one better," he said, sweeping his arm toward the door for her to precede him. "There's a mom and pop place about two blocks from here, makes the best coffee you've had in your life - you'd swear you were in Italy."