“I’ve had a drink,” Luther says, “but it can take a lot of them.” He’s still fighting the broadness of his own grin.

He glances at Neil then, looking just as relieved as he is surprised. “Oh,” he says. “I guess it’s surprising, maybe. We could figure this out. Are we going on a date now?” He’s only mortified by his own awkwardness for a few seconds, at least. “I just could ask differently, if I need to. Next time.”