[ To this stranger's credit, he holds it steady even as she places cup after cup on. That does take a steady hand, and Fern's relieved that she hasn't entrusted her samples to someone who was going to send them all tragically falling to the floor.

At his suggestion, her eyes do flash with the promise of more food for a brief moment, but quickly dim as she shakes her head. ]

I suspect I've used up their good will by now. I'll clear a path for you. Carry that outside and we can eat there.

[ It seems only fair to give him one or two of the samples in exchange for his help, and she turns before he can say anything else, striding through the crowd with a glare on her face to ensure people make way. ]