The grapes are smaller than I'm used to, and the skin is slightly textured. Is that dirt? I dip my napkin in water and dab at the tiny purple globes. It helps, but they're still sort of rough. Hmm. St. Clair and Meredith stop talking. I glance up to find them staring at me in matching bemusement.What?Nothing, he says. Continue your grape bath.
The narrator notices that the grapes are smaller and have a slightly textured skin, which makes them feel different from what he's used to. He questions whether dirt might be causing the roughness, so he dips a napkin in water and dabs at the grapes, which helps but doesn't fully smooth their texture. The unusual appearance and feel of the grapes seem to catch the attention of St. Clair and Meredith.
"Nothing," he responds when they look at him, while the others continue observing. The narrator's focus remains on the grapes, humorously engaging with the small imperfections and the unexpected tactile experience, adding a light, playful tone to the scene.
