Me: Isn’t the countryside beautiful at this time of year? Kev took that photo when he was out walking with Dave and Harriet yesterday evening.
Nell: Yes, it’s lovely. Could you stop taking photos of me, please?
Me: I’m trying to get you to look at the camera.
Nell: And I’m trying to clean my paws.
Me: Dave and Harriet never mind me taking photos.
Nell: David doesn’t like it either. Look at his face.
Me: He’s fine. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: You never respect anyone’s privacy.
Me: Are you doing anything nice this long weekend?
Nell: Rupert and I are going out for Sunday lunch at the pub.
Me: Kev and I are doing that, too. Maybe we could share a table?
Nell: I think not.
Me: Why?
Nell: Rupert has reserved a quiet table for two.
Me: It’s never quiet on a Sunday.
Nell: We’re sitting outside in the garden.
Me: Kev and I thought we might do that if the weather is nice.
Nell: What did I just say to you?
Me: When?
Nell: You never respect anyone’s privacy.
Me: I do.
Nell: Rupert and I would like a quiet lunch on Sunday without you taking photos of us.
Me: I won’t take any.
Nell: Yes, you will.
Me: I promise I won’t.
Nell: You’d better not.
Me: Unless there’s a particularly romantic moment when he takes your paw and you gaze into each other’s eyes.
Nell: Stop that right now.
Me: I’m only joking. Kev and I will eat inside. I understand completely that you two need some time away from us all.
Nell: Thank you.
Me: You do know the Whippets Institute Big Band are playing there on Sunday, don’t you?
Nell: That had better be a joke, too.
Me: It isn’t. Sorry.
