Harry hugged Briseis back with one of those fake one-armed hugs, mostly because he was embarrassed and could feel Michael's questioning eyes on him, even if the man hadn't said anything. He knew what Carpenter was thinking. It made Harry blush, and look around awkwardly and anywhere but at Briseis for a moment. Harry shot Michael and scathing look before long then looked at the woman once he'd got the color to cool on his face.
"This is Michael Carpenter, a friend of mine from home. Michael, this is Briseis, she uh.. owns the bakery." He gestured from one to the other and offered a smile to ease the tension that was all Harry's imagining. Right?
Right.
"You have some of those doughnuts with the sprinkles? And some coffee. Or a coke. Or both."