Reuben needs a break. From his charge, from Vice, from Hiraeth, the list is growing longer than he could name off this week. He's aware that his childhood best friend is employed at Frenchie's, but Reuben is put out enough that this information doesn't rise to the surface as he pulls open the entrance door, a chime that's probably intended to be pleasant announcing his entrance. He's here to order lunch for Carmen, expecting to see one of those overly talkative roommates Lenianna moved in with years ago. There's no reason for him to have that particular bit of information, but (ignoring that) this is why the last thing he expects is a familiar brunette walking straight in his direction. What's worse is that he's momentarily stunned and she appears preoccupied with balancing a precariously stacked tray of dishes. At the very last moment, still not recovered enough from the surprise to even manage to call out her name, Reuben reaches out to stabilize the tray just before it crashes into him. If he notices that his fingers brush hers as he does it, well, Reuben doesn't say. "Easy," he remarks, careful to not let go until she's regained her balance from bumping into him. "Are you alright?" he asks, as if he were any more composed just moments ago.