11-19-2013, 09:40 AM
Claire's smile was like a drop of water on the lips of a dying man. All concern of the abnormalities fled his mind, along with caution.
He found himself caught up in the thrill of the delicate mental dance that was conversation. Granted, he had not had the chance to practise in a decade, so his expectations were low.
It was not his intention - he had almost forgotten the relationship between man and woman in his desperate days of darkness - but he seized the opportunity without hesitation. She was a very interesting woman, after all, and he found himself curious now that she had brought it up.
He beamed at her offer, as if it was the greatest gift she could give. It wasn't a lie exactly. That was the key - so he had been told. Never act without at least a grain of truth, or you will be called out on it.
He took half a step closer, oblivious to the unsteady movement, so intent on his objective. "It would ease my heart,"
he said, allowing Claire to see he was playing on her 'big brother' comment intentionally. "Claire, I can call you Claire, yes?"
He didn't pause for an answer, lest he overdo it. Again, not exactly a lie, he used his ignorance of American custom to fuel the fire. Let her know he was not oblivious, but still had a streak of naive propriety. Neither a swindler or a fool. "I'm afraid I don't have a phone with me at the moment though. Would you mind doing it the old fashioned way, with pen and paper?"
He produced both from his coat, turning the notebook to the last page of writing and handed it to her.
Even if she did see through his game, he thought she was the type that would appreciate it as harmless indulgence rather than any sinister attempt at deceit. Besides, he could not help flexing his rusty skills like a newborn kitten. Or reborn. Whatever.
Edited by Tony Soloyov, Nov 19 2013, 09:41 AM.
He found himself caught up in the thrill of the delicate mental dance that was conversation. Granted, he had not had the chance to practise in a decade, so his expectations were low.
It was not his intention - he had almost forgotten the relationship between man and woman in his desperate days of darkness - but he seized the opportunity without hesitation. She was a very interesting woman, after all, and he found himself curious now that she had brought it up.
He beamed at her offer, as if it was the greatest gift she could give. It wasn't a lie exactly. That was the key - so he had been told. Never act without at least a grain of truth, or you will be called out on it.
He took half a step closer, oblivious to the unsteady movement, so intent on his objective. "It would ease my heart,"
he said, allowing Claire to see he was playing on her 'big brother' comment intentionally. "Claire, I can call you Claire, yes?"
He didn't pause for an answer, lest he overdo it. Again, not exactly a lie, he used his ignorance of American custom to fuel the fire. Let her know he was not oblivious, but still had a streak of naive propriety. Neither a swindler or a fool. "I'm afraid I don't have a phone with me at the moment though. Would you mind doing it the old fashioned way, with pen and paper?"
He produced both from his coat, turning the notebook to the last page of writing and handed it to her.
Even if she did see through his game, he thought she was the type that would appreciate it as harmless indulgence rather than any sinister attempt at deceit. Besides, he could not help flexing his rusty skills like a newborn kitten. Or reborn. Whatever.
Edited by Tony Soloyov, Nov 19 2013, 09:41 AM.