Way to bolster a girl's confidence. Spotting that wrinkle of his nose, I carefully pull away and walk a few paces off to the side, because really, the last thing I want is to put him through my breath for however long we'll be chatting today. Not for the first time, I wish we had an endless supply of gum laying around.

"I should be trying even harder than usual to eat," I reply, wondering if he'll catch the hint. "But it's a gamble as to what stays down these days."