[ karen's distracted, or else she probably would have noticed the jerky movements. the far too long stare. as it happens, the few interactions she and benny have had have been enough for her to let her guard down. and when he does speak, even if it's a couple of seconds later than would probably be normal, it has that same comforting drawl - even if it's lacking something else.

karen chalks it up to the fact they don't really know each other that well - coworkers, at best. he says hey there sugar and when she finally gives up on the coffee maker, she turns and sees the funny little hat on his head, and she smiles - welcoming, friendly. he leans against the counter and she wipes her hands on her apron. ]

That's what he said. How we got that low in the first place, I don't know, but I guess it could have been the night shift from the other day.

[ that's when she sees him take a couple of steps over to the napkin dispenser and pull a few out. it's... strange. weird. enough that her brow furrows a little as he tucks it under his arm and turns back to her. it's when he turns that she also notices the smile, and what had moments before been a curiosity now starts to feel a little less innocent. you're real pretty should be a compliment, and normally karen might have flushed at it. turned a little red and flustered. but something in his voice doesn't land, and instead she crosses her arms across her chest. ]

Thanks... [ the smile lingers, but it's more hesitant than anything. like she's afraid to let it drop, entirely, even as her eyes flick from the napkin dispenser under his arm and then back to his face. ] Hey...you feeling okay?