Well, she certainly seemed comfortable enough- that was a good sign. Shae snagged his own bowl and cup and sauntered over to the couch to join Cara, dropping onto the cushion at the opposite end and tucking his bare feet beneath him as he settled into place. He could tell from her posture that she was probably concerned with potential spillage, and he set the items in his hands down on the coffee table in front of them before reaching to untie the garish-colored apron still around his waist.
"Heah, try 'dis," he offered, holding the unfortunate-looking garment toward her. "Mebbe it' help you git mo' comfo'table." As if he could anticipate her next reaction, he added quickly, "One of mah nieces made 'dat fo' me. Serves its purpose. 'Dey know I lahk ta cook...prob'ly bettuh 'dan all mah sistahs combined. I learn' from Maman, mah grandmot'er."
He retrieved the cup and bowl and leaned back against the arm of the couch, facing his new neighbor. Apparently her innocent question had unleashed an avalanche of words from her host, and Shae blathered on as the steam rose from his food. "'Dat's got chicken an' Andouille sawsage, too, 'long wit' da shrimp. Give it extra flava an' textchuh." His fingers wiggled in the direction of her feet. "Feel free ta kick 'dose off at anytime, ma cher. 'Dis ain' exactly a fancy dinnuh."
Fancy was certainly not the word to describe Shae's living arrangements. The entire room was sparsely furnished: TV, couch, an extra armchair, a coffee table, and a long, low bookcase set against the far wall that seemed to house dozens if not hundreds of vinyl records in their sleeves. A scant few embellishments appeared on the walls, and the overall effect was simple and straightforward- this was a bachelor's home, and probably a temporary one at that. Decorating had never been one of his strengths, anyway- to be completely honest, it wasn't even on his radar. If he could sit on it, lay on it, listen to it or play it, there was a place for it in his apartment.
Belatedly he raised his cup at Cara, grinning lopsidedly as he offered up a toast in smooth French. "A votre sante." He took a healthy drink of the wine, then started in on his own gumbo, murmuring at his guest between bites. "Said you' from New Yohk? How da hell you end up heah?"
Right, as if the same couldn't be said for himself.