“The Chinese, I think.”
“The Chinese? I didn’t know they had troops here.”
“They don’t,” I said. “Here you go.” I handed her a glass of wine.
“Thanks,” she said and then took a drink. “I wonder what they’re doing over there.”
“Probably mining.”
“Mining? What, like gold?”
“You sure do ask a lot of questions.”
“It’s my job. I’m sorry. I get curious. Maybe I’ll try my luck and ask Melvin about it later.”
“No, don’t,” I said.
She tilted her head. “Why not?”
“They’re just miners,” I said. “It’s no big deal.”
“But I wonder what they’re mining.”
“Rare earth minerals.”
“What are those?”
“The shit they use to make cell phones and electronics.”
“Oh, like platinum and what-not?”
“Yeah, something like that.”
We both stared out at the majestic landscape.
“It’s so beautiful. I’m at a loss for words,” she said.
“That’s certainly something for you,” I teased.
“Hey.” She leaned over and lightly punched me on the arm.
I laughed and took another drink, wishing we had more wine. “Refill?” I asked, picking up the bottle.
“I shouldn’t…” she said hesitantly.
“Come on. One more glass won’t hurt.”
“I’m not a big drinker. This one already has me a bit dizzy.”
“Well, more for me then,” I said.
“Okay, okay,” she relented, holding out her half-empty glass. “One more. A small one.”
I filled the glass to the brim and she pulled it away, giggling.
“So, how’s this for romantic?” I asked.
She stared straight ahead, nodding ever so slightly. “Yeah. It’s nice.”