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None of that helped Hector to know what to say right now, though. He was still so far beyond confused that he was beginning to wonder if this was a dream or something. Or possibly a nightmare.

“Not that it looks bad on you or anything,” said Lynn.

What was she talking about? Oh, the Scarf. Right. Agh. He had to say something. She was going to think he was a weirdo if he just kept sitting there in silence.

Well, she probably already thought that.

But what was he supposed to say? Nothing was coming to mind. All he could think about was how much he was fucking this up, right now.

Shit.

Perhaps Lynn grew tired of waiting, because she pulled back a little. “In any case... it’s good to see you again.”

Had she really just said that? Even if she was just being friendly or polite, Hector was over the moon. Did she actually mean that?

He had to say something in return, though. He had to.

“It, uh--” C’mon, he told himself. This shouldn’t be that hard. “It’s good to--er... to... I...”

“It’s good to see me, too?” said Lynn. “Is that what you’re trying to say?”

For a moment, Hector just stared at her, trying his hardest not to look like a wide-eyed idiot. He managed to nod, though.

“Well, thank you,” she said with a demure smile.

Good god, this woman was incredible.

“On second thought, though, maybe you’re not as different as I thought,” she said.

Hector didn’t know if he should take that as an insult or a compliment, but after a second, he realized he didn’t really care. It was clear enough from the tone of her voice and smile on her face that she was enjoying herself.

Yeah.

This was the best dinner ever.