Irene blinked at this unexpected comment, then nodded. "Pancakes are divine," she agreed amicably, linking her ankles under the bottom rung of the barstool.

Like Gabe, Irene was perfectly happy to strike up a conversation with any stranger - particularly male strangers, but she wouldn't be too particular in her current state. "What do you think of this place?" she asked. "I take it you're not a local." Her eyes scanned him and his decidedly un-pink attire.