He looks like I’ve startled him. I try not to laugh, since he does look extremely miserable, or did, before my talking has interrupted his thinking. I give him a polite look, deciding instantly that he seems, not only miserable…but has a quiet sort of face. Maybe it’s the white in his hair.

"I...I'm sorry?"

“Oh!” I lean toward him with an indulgent smile and try to speak a little louder.

“I was just wondering how long we were to let our drinks sit before consuming them? Seems like yours has been sitting there a while, and with the way you are staring at it so intently, I figured I should ask before I rudely tuck into mine. And perhaps I can ask you a question?” Already I’ve asked him quite a few.

“What is it we are drinking?”