Erin’s entry into the room, however, drew Hailey’s attention away from the book. “Yes?” she questioned.
Great, now I’ve distracted her. Erin had to come up with something to say to make the interruption worthwhile. She figured she at least owed Hailey her gratitude for her kindness and help last night, so she made her opening move.
“Um, Hailey? I wanted to thank you for helping me last night,” Erin proposed. Conversation was a game; she’d learned that long ago. Her objective was to talk with Hailey if possible but to gracefully exit if Hailey wasn’t interested.
Hailey put down her book. “Don’t worry about it, I was glad to help. It must have been pretty scary for you to wake up wet in a new house.” With new parents, she didn’t add.