He can't really decide if the toothpick-chewing is grating or endearing; either way, zeroing in on it in public isn't the best idea. "Ah, it's nothing. They're free." Because clearly his thoughts on giving her cheesy gifts would change if they cost money.

He pauses, then shrugs. "Reluctance to cook, I suppose. Or inability, or lack of time. When you don't associate it with a hardship, it probably feels like you're coming home to a meal that someone's cooked for you. Marginally, anyway."

He stops for a moment, thinking to himself, and lets out a small laugh under his breath. "Know what you mean, though. Took me until a decade ago to enjoy rye bread again. Did you see they have 'artisan' rye bread? Oxymoron. And the price... how droll, really."