Dialogue Exercise

Two people on an awkward first date

Backstory: Michelle and Connor met on a dating app called bumble and decided to go out to a pub for a first date. Michelles friends followed her to make sure she was safe and nothing would happen to her.

“So what do you do for work?” Michelle quietly asked Connor while slowly taking a sip of her cloudy apple cider.

Connor nervously made eye contact and responded with “I am a stockbroker. I am basically like the London version of the wolf of wall street.” He gave a slight chuckle and nod while fidgeting with his glass. Michelle sat silently with that answer trying not to internally judge him for thinking so highly of himself.

“That sounds fun.” was the only thing that Michelle could respond with.

“Yeah it is. You should see me in my work element. It is unreal. I am always on fire and it is just go go go every second of the day,” Connor kept going, “We have a bring your girlfriend to work day so maybe you could join me. It is in February.” Connor suggested.

“Oh in February?!” Michelle surprisingly responded. It is only November right now she thought to herself. “I will definitely think about that offer.”

The waiter started approaching and asked “Would you like to start a tab?”

“Oh yes that would be perfect! Michelle do you mind putting your card down? I left mine at work.” Connor slyly stated.

“Oh um, actually I am good with just one drink thank you though.” Michelle retorted back. As if she was going to be the one paying. The waiter made awkward eye contact with Michelle and gave a short nod and a look of pity before scurrying away.

“You only want one drink?” Connor asked which Michelle replied with a short “yes”.

“Boring” Connor whispered just loud enough for Michelle to hear. She made eye contact with her friends and gave the signal, yet no one understood that it meant it was time to go.

Connor interrupted Michelles thoughts with “Do you want to get out of here? I could actually show you my office now if you want.” In which Michelle was in shock and replied “No I actually have work early tomorrow so I should get going soon.”

Connor was taken aback by the shortness of her tone and just said “Well I bet your job is not as hard as what I have to do every single day of my life.”

And with that a simple “You’re done,” left Michelles mouth. She threw down a twenty dollar bill to cover the tab, got up, and walked right over to her friends and sat down. Connor’s eyes followed her motions and filled with rage when she sat down with her friends while ordering another drink.

In response to this embarrassing moment in Connors life, he pushes his chair back, stands up, and abruptly walks to where Michelle is and said, “Well I hope you have a great life and get what you deserve because it’s coming to you.” He slammed his drink down in front of her and stormed out of the pub without looking back.