Allie liked to think she was good at reading people. When the objective was to snatch something valuable, a good distraction was vital. Stepping into that role, gauging someone's reaction, keeping their interest high, it was important to know which technique to use. If she came on too strong, she risked frightening the mark away. If she didn't come on strong enough, the distraction wouldn't be very effective. For Allie, it was more of an instinct than an act, and that was why she almost always got away with it. She had a genuine interest in people, which made her the ideal focus.
The shy, nervous ones were always fun. Having the chance to talk to a pretty girl, watching them blush. Allie had to stop and remind herself that this wasn't a mission of analyzing a target. It was a conversation with a friend of a friend. She couldn't suppress the need to be charming and impressive, though. It was ingrained in her DNA.
Seeing David's smile made Allie's grow. Maybe he wasn't so shy, after all. "Well, I should hope you wouldn't mind. It would make me pout if you said you had better things to do than chat with me for a few minutes." She drew her lips into a pout for emphasis. "I'm sure you will be." The smile returned. "I never tire of meeting new people."
Rae had been able to keep the laptop relatively steady, but David? It was clear by some of the jerky motions of the camera that he was more fidgety than he wanted to let on. Definitely nervous. Allie leaned back against the wall, hugging her blanket around her, eyes never straying from the image of David sitting in one of the rooms on Liberty Island. He had her full attention, and she hoped that would put him at ease. Relax him enough to realize that she found him interesting. Which she did. At least as much as she could, considering this was their first conversation.
When he said he wasn't sure if he'd be attending the party, Allie gasped and leaned forward. "But you have to come! Please say you will. It's going to be so much fun," she insisted. A nod at his next question. "I am. My brother and I. There's going to be a talent show and everything. You wouldn't want to hurt my feelings by not coming, would you?"