2/15

Man and woman seated at table, facing each other, in public space (bar or cafe).

Woman: So you believe in being straightforward. At all times. You won't even pretend to consider it? For the sake of decorum?
Man: No. Better to be consistent and truthful all the time. Then everybody knows where you stand. For example, if I asked you to sleep with me, you would say...
Woman: [Pauses, shrugs]
Man: That's your cue to say, 'Not in a million years,' or something to that effect. And then I would know where you stand. Wouldn't waste time trying to sleep with you.
Woman: And what if I did want to sleep with you?
Man: [...]
Woman: [Shrugs again]
Man: Well, I would think that the audacity of my question would render any such feelings moot for the time being.
Woman: [Getting up from table] You're probably right. But that disproves your original point. Sometimes subtlety is necessary. Sometimes even decorum comes in handy.
Man: [Paraphrasing Woody Allen] Don't you wish life was really like this?
Woman: [Shrugs and exits]