"No, no, nothing to be concerned about," he assured, straightening up a bit in his seat. "I'm sure you'll like it. ..Probably."

Though now that he thought about it, part of it wasn't strictly accurate. Would Newton focus on that, or enjoy the general message? It was a simple gift- what if Newton's was nicer? He'd told Dr. Brown it wasn't a competition and it wasn't, but now of course he was having second thoughts.

Newton should like it. He should. Perhaps he'd even be as delighted and flattered as he'd imagined.

Suddenly nervous, he nudged the box to Newton's side of the table. "Our food will be a bit. Perhaps we'll open them together then?"