[ she'd fully expected riza to be the punctual type, so she's not surprised when the woman shows up. and she's not pleased, precisely - after all, this is a simple modicum of courtesy, isn't it? the bare minimum. but she's not displeased by a long shot. so she nods to the woman as she comes in, indicating the chair across from her. ]

Take a seat. This pot is nearly done brewing. [ a beat. ] It's one of the more fragrant whites they have. If you'd prefer something else, I'll handle the expense.

[ inside, it's easy to see why someone like one likes this place: softer lighting, a middling temperature, and no sounds blaring over a loudspeaker. the only sound in the room comes from the workers at the counter - a single dominant and submissive pair - and a small stream of water running around the edge of the room. like this, one can speak just above a whisper and be heard perfectly clearly. ]