"I know nothing about dresses." Except how they come off, but that seemed rude and inconsiderate, so he didn't say it. "I like the idea of dining like royalty." The smile grew a little more. A funny image, especially in this place, but he needed to find something, anything, funny.

Perry was surprised at the hand holding. The last time he'd held hands with someone like this was with Julie. And he had jerked his hand away from her. Which is what he did right then, but only a little, before holding her hand, tight without hurting.

"Sorry, reflex." He should have held Julie's hand.