"In my defense, it's not as though I have any experience with anything like this," he gestured vaguely at the room around him. "I don't know what the proper protocol is, and honestly I didn't expect anyone to willingly show up, even with explicit bribery. That said, thank you for your help."

He carefully selected a croissant from the bag on the counter. "Just outside, preferably underneath the tree since there's supposed to be snow in the forecast and while I hope to be done before then, things rarely go the way I plan."