Poetry evenings and the tasks of preparing for them mattered less than Ivan's bathroom habits at that particular moment. In fact, Jo would have preferred to eat entirely in silence before excusing herself to the other room if it meant they wouldn't have to bury themselves under a mountain of meaningless small talk. However, her preferences could scarcely be taken into account when their daughter was involved. They had to maintain some semblance of peace for Ilona's sake.

"I hope it all goes well." Jo commented. A year ago she might've assisted him with the preparations. A year ago she might've seduced him in the back of the shop after a long evening of perfecting details, but that was the before. They were now in the after, which meant she had no privileges to discuss miniscule details about his livelihood.

"The table is fine. It'll be easiest to keep Ilona contained." Jo continued in her neutral, if not tired, tone. "Thank you for cooking."

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