[ Meaningless small talk. She doesn't obscure her readings, if she knows what is meant. People always say they can handle it. She shuffles, slowly and carefully. ]
Yes. [ The lie is smooth and practiced, but she still can't quite meet his eyes. ] Do you have a gift?
[Which is equally a lie, equally smooth, practice to the point of being rote. His hand hovers at the handle of his cup like he might take it and lift it to his mouth, but Michael's eyes remain locked on her face as she avoids looking at him; he doesn't bother with tracking the motion of her fingers or the gentle 'whsk' of the cards as she shuffles.]
no subject
[ Meaningless small talk. She doesn't obscure her readings, if she knows what is meant. People always say they can handle it. She shuffles, slowly and carefully. ]
Yes. [ The lie is smooth and practiced, but she still can't quite meet his eyes. ] Do you have a gift?
no subject
[Which is equally a lie, equally smooth, practice to the point of being rote. His hand hovers at the handle of his cup like he might take it and lift it to his mouth, but Michael's eyes remain locked on her face as she avoids looking at him; he doesn't bother with tracking the motion of her fingers or the gentle 'whsk' of the cards as she shuffles.]
Where did you get your education?