A Series of Conversations #3: Small Talk

***A Series of Conversations is intended for adult readers***

“Do you watch football?” I asked casually. 

I was in the break room after a recon mission, and found myself sitting on the couch with Neveah. She was killing time before a routine meeting with her team. Both of us were enjoying a cup of coffee; mine hot, hers iced. 

She smiled, bemused. “No, I don’t watch any sports.”

“What do you like to watch?”

“I like to watch movies.”

“What’s your favorite movie?”

She took a sip of her coffee. I was worried she wasn’t interested in talking, but the small smile she gave me as she responded reassured me.

“I don’t know if I can pick just one. Last night I watched The Roundup, have you seen it?”

“No, what’s it about?”

My heart fluttered unexpectedly at the sight of her eyes lighting up as she launched into a passionate description of the movie, telling me everything from who the director was to the other movies the cast had been in, to the editing choices, to the fight choreography, and the true story the movie was based on. I had never seen The Traveler so animated and passionate, and I found her so very alluring in that moment. 

I was prepared to listen to Neveah talk about movies for hours, but Ernestina came to get her for a team meeting. I felt flustered by my disappointment at Neveah’s departure and by my irritation at Ernestina for interrupting us.

“See you later, Alan!” Neveah called over her shoulder as she disappeared out the breakroom door with her teammate.

I hid my displeasure well enough when I told them both goodbye, or at least I hope I did.

“I think I might be in trouble,” I whispered to myself as I finished the rest of my coffee in one long, lukewarm swig.