"Let's find out," he suggests, touching his fingers to her back without thinking, holding one arm out in the direction of a free table. There's a waitress heading in their direction already, laying menus on the table John is moving toward, pouring water into the glasses already waiting for them and she's pretty, smiling at them both in welcome, but John's focus is on Karen.

It's barely a touch at all, just his fingers against her back, but he can't help but think how nice it is. He should know better, but sometimes he just can't seem to help himself.

"What brought you to New York?" he asks once they're seated, then smiles slightly. "You know I was trying to drink myself to death, but hopefully your draw to the city was a little more cheerful."