He believed what he was saying, but she could still hear the intention to deceive, to conceal wrapped around his words. His attempt at a diversion certainly didn’t help either. Still, it was clear he didn’t want to talk about it, so she let him change the topic for the time being, uncomfortable pressing the issue. “I think we should, there was a d-double batch today. I’ll bring one over with um, with your coffee if there are.” She watched him for another moment, and then went on her way to retrieve both.
There were, in fact, two blue berry muffins left, and she placed one a plate before making the espresso. Her mind wandered back to the bruises as she packed the grounds into the machine and watched the dark liquid stream out. She knew he wasn’t telling the truth, and with everything happening in the city lately…It wasn’t any of her business, but he was so young, and the marks looked far too much like the ones her father used to bring home.
She carefully walked the plate and the mug back over to him when the coffee was ready, setting them down gently next to the laptop. “You uh, you got lucky today. It was one of two.” Then, taking a deep breath, Sara pushed some hair out of her face before trying again. “That uh, that doesn’t look like nothing. Certainly n-not like, well,just a scuffle, even a bad one. Are you- are you sure you’re, okay?” She wasn’t sure what she was hoping for, but that need to be helpful was burning in her chest again, so she had to try.
"i guess today really is my lucky day.” it was the little things that seemed to improve them. whether it was a smile from a stranger on the street after passing endless glares, an extra hour off work, the sound of music blaring from the apartment upstairs... or in this case, the familiar aroma of a freshly made blueberry muffin. god, he couldn’t remember the last time he had one. irwin grew tense as the questions persisted. he didn’t have it in him to argue. as a matter of fact, he didn’t want to. even without his daily intake of coffee and lack of sleep the night before, he wasn’t going to snap at her for showing concern. on any other day... maybe. but not today. he was too exhausted to even consider it.
“alright, you got me. it was more of a fight than just your average run in...” he explained. the intention of manipulating it to his benefit remained prevalent, but he was honest. that was enough to leave him with a clean conscience. he leaned back in his seat, turning to look at her. “but i’m alright. i’ve got everything i need right here.” he gestured toward the table, carefully trying to avoid accidentally knocking something over. the last thing he needed was a broken laptop and more bills to pay. “i got my work, a cup of coffee, the world’s best blueberry muffin and wonderful service. what more could a guy ask for?”