Brought

« Hello. Let’s enjoy some coffee. » Alain moved everything onto the table — two coffee-like concoctions, and some shell-shaped madeleines. A thick finger indicated the spread. « Help yourself. »

I lifted a cup to my lips, and was surprised. I was far from an expert, but liked how the salt reduced the bitterness, how the butter was savory. I took another sip, and felt a lump. « May I have a ‹ spoon ›? »