Conversation

Sitting down to coffee with a few others.

I haven't said anything in 10 minutes. They'll think I'm weird. You don't know the guy, and you don't watch that show. Wait! I know! Nah. It's too late. The moment's passed. Hey that girl next to me. She's not talking. Maybe I could start a conversation with her. Alright. I could talk to her about a movie. You're drunk, aren't you? Didn't she want to go dancing? Definitely drunk. What should I say? How should I say it? Just let it come naturally. Naturally? Let what come?

"So, Dave. What have you been doing for that last few months?"

"Oh. I was in Seattle."

"Oh cool! How was Seattle?"

"It was nice. It's a cool city."

"Oh! Do you remember Jay?"

"Jay?"

"Sorry. I was asking John."

What the hell was that? What did you expect? A conversation? You don't know these people. Not sure I want to anymore. Just relax. How am I supposed to get anywhere if I can't... Relax. Okay. Okay? Okay!

"Dave, you were in Seattle right?"

"Yeah."

"What were you doing there?"

"Oh. I was doing an internship at Amazon."

"That's really cool."

"Yeah. I may actually be heading back out there for a full-time position."

"Nice. Congratulations."

"Thanks. So I may be headed back for a few years." Alright. You've got something going. "I was thinking after that I'd come back..." What are you doing? "and start my own thing." Stop. "I've always wanted to do that." Oh, dear.

"So, John. How's that band of yours?"

What? How did I lose her? Simple. You're a moron. What was wrong with that? You're trying to get her involved, not give her your life story. Well I just thought... Often the first sign of trouble.

After a joke.

See. It's not that hard. Uh Oh. She wasn't Polish was she? Oh no. I hate when they cry.

"You knew my dad was a priest!"

I just met her 5 minutes ago. Say something. What? Well, apologize at least. What was her name again? Amy?

"Amy..."

"Amanda!"

I knew it started with an A.

"It was a joke! I didn't mean anything by it!"

She keeps crying.

"C'mon. Let me buy you an ice cream."

Sniffles. "Okay."

A little later.

"Hey Dave. I'm headed out. You need a lift?"

"Sure. Thanks. I'll talk to everyone soon!" Well that went well. Look at the bright side... Which is? I wasn't anticipating a followup.