"The cherry's not done yet," Sallie jabs a thumb behind her to the stove; the LED readout on the display above it certainly looks like a timer, even if the numbers are in Chinese.

"It'll be waiting for you both when we get back."

Might as well feed your guests; pretend the reason they're here is anywhere near normal.

"I can just call you as employees o' mine. I got a reputation for the unusual around here anyhow." An attempt at humor.