“I’ve seen worse!”

Paolo beckoned Sofia to sit on the only uncluttered chair. She removed her coat and sat down as decorously as possible. Paolo looked away lest he take unfair advantage of anything she might inadvertently display in the process.

That was duly noted by Sofia. It indicated that he was aware... and interested. She looked around the room and also noted that there were no telltale signs of woman anywhere she looked. Another encouraging sign, she thought.

Paolo, now fully recovered, then took the initiative. “I’m sure you didn’t come here just to see me....”

“Well I’ve seen worse!” Sofia interjected.