"Hey." Neal flashes her a smile when she emerges, glancing past her to see if Macaroni is following. Yes, the indoor half of the swordfish is for him. Or at least half of it is, though Neal has no earthly idea how he'll keep Mac from eating the whole thing if he leaves it all out.

"Mixing things up a little. I figured out a vegan Bahn Mi recipe that's not bad. Vegan meatballs with sriracha aioli, pickled daikon, pickled carrots, jalapeno and cilantro."

He glances her way again. "You're not one of those people who can't stand the taste of cilantro, are you? I haven't tossed it in yet. Figured I should check first."