[ 'How are you doing?' shouldn't be a stumper, and yet he seems to falter at the question as he moves farther into the store, approaching her. If he's honest, the answer is sort of complicated. But he seems to realize he's taking too long to respond and just defaults to the polite response. She's probably just making small talk anyway, right? ]
...I'm okay. I could use your help if you've got time for a new project.
Re: action;
...I'm okay. I could use your help if you've got time for a new project.