"Oooh, a private escort. I'm flattered." And apparently, with his regained bearings and slightly eased heart and soul comes the flirting, and with a vengeance.

Another few munches, and he thinks he's ready-steady enough to try standing on his own two feet. Up he goes, bag safely tucked into the hook of his wrist. (Very manly) traveling suitcase, check, coat, check, everything else, check checkity-check.

"After you, kind Sir."