She's the receptionist for my insurance agent.

As I'm sitting in the lobby (waiting for my agent to finish a meeting), she says: "It's been a while." I keep silent and pretend to read on my phone, but my heart is thumping as my mouth dries and throat shriveles. Her comment has me thinking of our past (I now think it was intentional).

Five minutes pass. Neither of us speaks until I ask about a nearby restaurant (I felt like I had to say something because the lull was really awkward).

Me: "Have you been to ___________?"

Her: "Never been."

Me: "I had the lunch buffet. It was only $_______!"

Her: "Did you go alone?"

Me: "Yeah."

Her: "Cool. What are you in town for? Work?"

Me: "Yeah."

Her: "What do you do?"

Me: "Work."

She nods and turns back to her monitors, but I feel great that I didn't let anything slip like I would've in my oblivious youth.

After speaking to my agent, I departed without another word; I hope never to see her again.