Re: 8:25 p.m., by the food table - Alice & Isobel
"You've got dessert, then," Rafael said, nodding toward Alice. He motioned toward the waitress, mouthing his request for water. She nodded and hurried to respond. Rafael returned to the conversation as though there had been no break at all, not wanting to call any undue attention to Alice's markedly intoxicated state. "Baker's choice. I know we'll love anything you make."
He thought for a moment, chewing another few bites as he thought on what he might like to serve his guests. The prospect of a dinner party entertained him more than he could have anticipated. He felt outright excited, even knowing he had a great deal of cleaning and tidying to do. "There's a stew I really like, feijoada. Definitely not for vegetarians. But it's really good. Rice and farofa on the side..." He made a small, satisfied noise, and sucked sauce from the pie from his fingertips.
The waitress arrived, water in hand, and placed it neatly before the still-blushing redhead. "You need anything else?" she asked, one hand on her hip.