You don't like the- blaring horns and screaming drunks? [He makes eye contact for half a second before lowering his head and looking away, a small smile directed at seemingly no one in particular. She can probably still catch glimpses of what Maria had seen in him back when they were still dating.

The poorly executed joke gives him some time to consider her open invitation. He had it in him to turn her down with a flat refusal, but. More likely than not he'd walk past her door without knocking and come straight for the flowers. It'd be like Frank the Gardener visiting her without visiting her. Could make for an interesting new look.]

I could get you a pet cricket? It'll drive you crazy screeching all night, guaranteed.