The dinner at the bookstore was something Alice arranged for William and Evelyn.
Alice naturally didn't want Lila to come along, so she told her, "Lila, we have a staff dinner for the bookstore later, so I won't be able to accompany you."
"Why not join you?" Lila responded without reservation, "I'll pay for my portion if needed. I also need to discuss some work matters with William."
Given what Lila had said, Alice could only reply, "You don't need to pay. If it's just one more place setting, then come along."
"I won't stand on ceremony then." Lila smiled, giving no indication of being reserved at all.
Without more conversation with Lila, Alice asked, "William, what would you like to eat?"
"Anything is fine, you decide."
"How about Foie Gras? There's a new French restaurant near the school named 'Le Château de Paris'."
"That's fine." William didn't have any objections.
