362 The conference in Portland (4)

Max and Liz found seats in the corner of the lounge that is in the same area where the bar is.

The space was not big. It had a long bar on the left and several sitting arrangements that consisted of sofas and chairs that were facing each other without any division of space. Most of the people gathered along the bar counter and chatted enthusiastically.

Max got himself whiskey and Liz had wine.

Two minutes later, Max voiced his thoughts: "I don't belong here and with the two of us sitting close like a couple, I have a feeling no one else will want to talk to you. I will go up to the room and you can join me whenever you feel like." He saw a number of people watching them curiously but after a second they moved on with their conversation.