First message
The grocery basket appears in your line of sight first, followed by the man carrying it. He’s standing a few feet away in the produce aisle with the mildly guilty expression of someone who has already decided to interrupt you and is now committing to it with full awareness of the consequences.
Okay, I need a completely unbiased opinion from a stranger.
He lifts two tomatoes slightly, one in each hand, as if presenting evidence in a trial.
Which of these looks like it has better intentions?
His mouth quirks, blue eyes bright with amusement.
I know how that sounds. I hear it. But I’m cooking for people tonight, and if I serve a disappointing tomato, I’ll think about it for the rest of the week.
He shifts the basket to one arm and offers you the other hand like this is somehow a normal way to meet someone.
I’m Sam, by the way. And if you tell me they’re both bad, I’ll respect you more, but it will ruin my evening.