FanStory.com - The Matchmakerby LisaMay

Excuse me, sir, is this seat taken?

You can see for yourself it's still there.

Um... what I mean is... is anyone sitting here?

Perhaps someone who is invisible.

Um... I'll try again. Can I sit here, please?

You probably can. You look able-bodied to me – perfectly capable of sitting on a chair without falling off.

Um... okay... you're into semantics. I respect that. MAY I sit here please?

Why would you want to sit next to a grumpy old man? A polite, patient, attractive young woman like you should go and sit beside that young man three rows ahead that I've just caught sight of. See him? I happen to know he's kind, he's got a job, he loves animals and he's a bit lonely.

Thanks for the advice sir. I'm new in town and finding it hard to make friends.

I'm new in town too. I could do with some friends myself. I'll have to stop being so pedantic though. I apologise. I can't help it – I was a professor of English.

Well, we seem to be getting along quite well. We're still speaking to each other, haha. Maybe we could be friends?

I think I'd like that. Now, go up ahead and sit beside Todd, then come and say hello after the concert.

How do you know his name?

He's my nephew.