The Thirty-Minute Window

I’d read that micro-dating was efficient, so I suggested a 30-minute coffee. She agreed and set a timer on the table. Visible. Face up. At minute 12 we were getting on brilliantly and I relaxed, which was my first mistake. At minute 26 I started a really good story about my uncle’s boat. At minute 30 the timer went off mid-sentence. She stood up, shook my hand and said, “Thanks, that was very useful.” Then she sat down at the next table, where a man was already waiting, and reset the timer. I never finished the boat story. My uncle has since sold the boat.

She didn't run out of time. She ran out of you at minute twelve, and politely let the clock finish the job.