"Thanks for meeting me with an open mind, Rose. Next time, let's try less Spanish Acquisition and more Truth or Dare. Kidding. I promise. I use sarcasm and humor to deflect. It's a coping mechanism or so I'm told."
Alak was grateful for her trying to be nice about it all. He knew he wasn't anyone's first pick for a potential mate for their favorite relative. He assumed Jill had to be Rose's favorite relative for her to go to this much trouble only to meet a new guy she was dating. They weren't even dating that seriously yet so she had to really love Jill a lot to be so invested in her happiness, safety, well-being.
He stood to offer a hand to shake again to say his farewell and waited on Jill to have her chance to say goodbye before answering her question.
"I love the ballet. Classical music isn't something I invest a lot of time in but the athleticism of the dancers? That's admirable. It's dedication in a way I understand. I love music. I love it enough to leave my country. To betray my parents. To get disowned by my parents. Dancers have to be that dedicated to make it to the stage. I respect that. So when's our next date? I'm guessing you want me to go with you since you brought it up, but if you really just wanted my opinion on ballet---"
Alak let his voice trail off as he smiled at Jill.
This could actually work. For once, things were looking up for him.