"Miia, there's no reason to think you're alone. Hey, you've got me," he said with a cheeky yet charming smile. He was tempted to touch her now that the brine taste had dissipated, but he thought better of it. As much as he would have meant it to be comforting he was all too aware even the most casual touch could be misconstrued.

"And, you know, maybe you're not getting married today, but that's okay, right? Come on, let's have some tea. There's a great little vendor just over there," he said, pointing to an open common area full of the safety of a crowd.