"I must say Miss Mills, while ice cream is certainly not the greatest breakthrough of your time, it is indeed delicious. I do believe it is my new favorite treat." He smiles at her warmly.
'Guess I better stock up on ice cream for the next few weeks,' Abbie thinks. Crane had an insatiable sweet tooth. It was going to be the death of her...or at least the death of her meager income.
"I knew you'd like it," she says as she reaches across the table to wipe ice cream from his beard. He freezes at the motion. "You got a little something, Crane," Abbie says in explanation. She ignores his hesitation and continues to wipe his beard. "There. All better."
Crane sits quietly for a while, Abbie too distracted by something on her phone to notice. Finally, he decides to break the silence.
"Miss Mills, may I inquire as to what occupies your attention?" He raises his eyebrow at her, prepared for another explanation of some foolish modern entertainment.
Instead she hesitates. He catches the unsure look in her eye, then her guard is up. "It's nothing Crane, just checking some messages."
Again he raises his eyebrow, this time challenging her. They are both well aware of the transparency of her lie. He waits, hoping she decides to open up. Several moments later, with only silence between them, he sighs. "Very well, Miss Mills."
And for some reason Abbie feels that he's not simply accepting her lie, but referring to something else entirely.