Glasses and dinnerware clink, laugher mixes with murmurs within the edible background noise. We are waiting for our plates to arrive.

“I’m really trying to work on my dialogue.” I gave a half hearted smile. “I want to make it more natural.”

She chuffs. “I really don’t think I’m the right person to be studying for that.”

My eyebrows raised in a height that she apparently could recognize. She was smirking at me as I tried to velvet the words. “-I could study you all ni… what, heard that one already?”

“Of course I have. You think you’re the only two-bit writer in town?”

“Is two bits all it takes to get a date with you?”

“We’ll see where that attitude takes you, buster.” A glimmer of flame in her lime iris makes the comment flirtatious.

I find myself fingering my silverware. “You’re doing a pretty good job so far.” I demurr.

“Hah. Speaking of good jobs,”

my face brightens

“-yours is getting away the more you keep opening your mouth.”

my aspect pulls an eclipse. Then the steak arrives, thank God.