Page 77 of An Unholy Affair
‘If that would work?’
‘Absolutely. I’ve put most of the fun stuff at a medium height, so it’s accessible. I expect I’ll be doing everything by the ceiling and the floor.’
Robert smiled. ‘Sounds sensible.’
They sat in a companionable silence, but Robert was breathing as if he was about to ask a question, then bailing before the words came out. Jack tried to make his own posture as relaxed as possible.
‘Jack,’ Robert began tentatively. ‘How do you do it?’
Do what?‘Er…’
‘Talk to women.’
Jack paused, getting the sense that this was not the time for a flippant comment. ‘In what way? Conversationally?’
‘Yes. I’ve spent most of my life only in the company of men. Boys’ boarding school, then working in remote areas around the world. You seem to be completely at ease around women and I wondered if you could share a few pointers?’
‘Have you tried already?’
Robert nodded, frowning. ‘It doesn’t go very well. Either I don’t stop waffling, or I clam up and don’t say anything.’
Jack understood. From his observations over the years, most men talked too much and ignored the words or body language of the person they were speaking to.
‘Well, I find the easiest thing to make a conversation flow is to ask questions,’ he said. ‘Maintain eye contact, listen carefully to what people are saying, and don’t interrupt. Then ask another question based on the first.’
Robert was silent, his brow still furrowed. ‘It can’t be that easy, can it?’
‘Oh, and if they hold strong opinions on something, be careful how you respond.’
‘Like what?’
‘Well, if they’re very religious, it’s fine to say that you’re not. But don’t say you think people who believe in God are deluded fantasists who need to stop believing in fairy tales.’
Robert laughed. ‘I hope you didn’t say that to the lovely vicar?’
Jack grinned. ‘Definitely not. And I don’t think that, anyway. It’s just an example.’ He took a gulp of tea. ‘Is there anyone in particular you’d like to talk to?’
Robert’s look of surprise was comical, but Jack kept a straight face.
‘Er… Yes, as a matter of fact, there is.’
Jack leaned forward. ‘And who is the lucky lady?’
‘Well, I don’t think I would describe her as “lucky”.’ Robert glanced around the kitchen, then lowered his voice. ‘It’s Shirley.’
Jack’s heart lifted. ‘She’s wonderful. Good choice.’
Robert’s cheekbones coloured. ‘Shehassmiled at me a few times, but I tend to run away if I think she’s coming to talk. I don’t want to mess it up.’
‘Do you think you can chat with her now? Or at least listen?’
Robert looked unsure.
‘I could be your wingman?’
‘Wingman?’
‘A friend who has your back and helps you pull—get to know women.’
