#fenixtj

"I prefer an informal setting, Omet."

"then I shall set informally" he says Deadpan

"Thank you."

"So.. " A pause "What kind of music do you like?"

"Oh, um. Will you think less of me if I say Calabaceado isn't.... really my favorite?"

"Not in the least. Everyone has their own preferences. So what is more to your taste?"

"Some of the indie stuff is good. I like instrumentals."

"I enjoy them too."

"Indie stuff, or instrumentals?"

"Both. I find wood winds annd the like soothin in parrticularr"

"I, um, I'm not that specialized."

"Versatility is fine..." He fidgets a bit "Maybe we could listen to music you like sometime? "

Caught between a rock and a hard place, she nods "We could."

A nod "Yes. When would be... good for you?"

"Um. There are not many occasions to hear live music now."

"You have ttwo troubadours' He reminds "Have them play your favorites for us sometime. Over a dinner another night?"

A deep breath. "Yes."

"If your people are willing to accept it?"

"I am allowed by my people to see women at dinner " A slight lip twitch

Jessica frowns with confusion. "I... am not sure of your meaning."

"You asked if my people would be willinnn to accept us having dinner and music?"

"Um, yes. Ok, yes. I see."

"How they will feel about your..declining my proposal, I don't know but I don't think it will be a grievous insult"

"Um. Ok. But... if we go together to listen to music......."

"That would be.. a date? I think?"

Uncomfortable. "Some would call it that. Yes."

"Do you object to a date?" He asks

Cauiously

"No. No, I don't....it's.... no."

"Then, It is a date" A nod

"Or, maybe, just... people enjoying things together?"

"Doesn't a date include that?"

"It can. But people enjoying things together doesn't have to be a date."

"So, nnot only do you not wish to marry me, you do not wish to date me" a brow

"Otem.... we have only met. Just now, a little."

"Is it the custom of your people to bind themselves to those they do not know or understand?" a genuine question.

"It's a date, not a binding"