Small Talk

Rita came back with both glasses. Spencer thanked her before she sat next to him. After gulping the drink down, he said "So, you still up for making lunch?"

"Yeah. I need to eat too you know?"

Spencer smiled. "I guess, but I can respect if you need space."

"Appreciate it, but I'm fine Spence. Thanks."

"No problem."

"So, do you have work or anything?"

"I'm actually retired."

"Oh. Okay. You seem a bit young for that?"

"Yeah, well raising a daughter's enough of a full-time job as it is."

Rita laughed for a second. "I'm with you on that."

"So you have a daughter?"

"Son actually. Oscar. He's a good kid." Rita then stammered out a nervous chuckle. "A lot like his father."

Again, Rita's words stung Spencer, reminding of him of all the ways his daughter was growing up to be like Kirstin. Judging by the silence, Spencer could tell it hurt to say as much as it did to hear.

"What's your daughter's name?" Rita asked.

"Amy."

She responded with a nod. "Lovely name."

"Thanks." Spencer **** a smile as he remembered he had said those very words when Kirstin suggested that very name. There was another lull in the conversation. Spencer tried his best to come up with something to say, before finally speaking. "So how's the move been?"

"Alright I guess. No real troubles so far."

"Well if you need any help, don't be afraid to ask."

"Need something to do, huh?"

"Well, I mean I've just finished renovating my place so, yeah."

"That's where you learned how to fix things?"

"Yeah. I mean it took a few bandaids and swear words but I got there eventually."

As Rita laughed, she said "Only a few?"

"Okay, maybe a lot." Spencer chuckled, in which Rita joined in.

"So where do you live?"

"I bought a farmhouse just outside of town." Spencer proceeded to go into detail of his renovations, somewhat surprised with how interested Rita truly was. Still, he was glad to be talking about anything that didn't remind him of his past wife. After a long chat, the two agreed it was time for lunch. Spencer followed Rita to the kitchen, having agreed to help.

"So what are we making?"

"How do you feel about some soup?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Okay." Rita pulls out a binder and proceeds to flick through it. After a few pages, she glances at Spencer. "How spicy?"

"Uhh... Mild."

"Heh. Okay then."

Rita placed the binder down and then put Spencer to work. Within minutes the kitchen was alive with the aroma of pumpkin soup. Once Spencer got his first taste, his face lit up with a smile.

"Very nice." He said.

The two of them proceeded to eat lunch. After the meal, Spencer said "That was lovely. Thank you."

"No problem."

"Do you want any help with the dishes?"

"No. Actually I probably need to get back to some work."

"Oh of course. Well, it was a pleasure meeting you Rita."

"Pleasure meeting you too. I'll have to come see your place sometime."

"I'd love that."

The two exchange numbers before Spencer leaves, wondering where his new friendship would lead.