James was surprised with himself. He actually delivered a compliment quite well. She seemed very pleased and his feeling of foolishness faded. He liked her sweet nature and at the same time she played uninterested. Not returning a compliment, but she was working and that meant she was simply being professional. He would make sure to not let go of a beautiful waitress.<br/><br/>“No problem. And that breakfast sounds fine, and I’ll have my coffee dark too,” James said. He knew that he had to be making some kind of impression, since her smile glowed a little brighter. He noticed the salt and pepper shakers right in front of him and pushed them to the side. He wondered how far he could go, how much smooth-talking could be in him. He didn’t want it to be too cliché, but at the same time, if it worked out that he could make a good conversation with her, get to know her a little more, he would be greatly satisfied.<br/><br/>The way she wrote on her tablet, the way her voice sounded. She was an inspiration, his muse. He could feel a painting coming into his vision. He smiled, sat back in the booth, looking relaxed and looked into her eyes. “And could I ask a favor of you?” James said, hoping that he was playing his cards right.<br/>