The expression of disbelief never faltered as he glanced down at the coffee again. "I wasn't aware that sugary sludge was drinkable. Guess I learned something new this morning." The drink wasn't sludge but he could only imagine what it tasted like with the addition of all that sugar. He'd take bitter. "No, that doesn't count."
He shut the menu and pushed it to the side of the table. "You're welcome and no, you don't," he said, shaking his head. "That wasn't your fault. If you'd gone out looking for her, I might hold you accountable for a few more drinks," he said, grinning. "But you don't owe me anything. Forget about it."