"I always thought this might be a lonely job."

"I always thought this might be a lonely job. You know, how much work you guys have to do, probably doesn't leave much time for a social life."

"No, it's true," she said, biting her lip as if weighing what to say. "It's been almost ten years since I've had a steady man in my life."

"So what? Probably another ten years before you're forty," you say, sensing an angle in flattery. She laughs and smiles, this time making firm, undistracted eye contact with you.

"Oh, how sweet of you to say. Since you're so sweet, I'll let you in on a secret: I'm actually forty-four." This comes as a surprise to you, you honestly thought she was older. As you try to think of what to say, you realize a great bit of time is passing as she locks eyes with you, wordlessly. A faitn smile begins to trace her lips. "You know, you're right, we do work too hard, and I've already seen this show once. Do you maybe want to go out for a drink to catch up?"