The moment

One movie plan in three short calls. First Liam invites Bella and she can't go. Then she calls back with a new idea. Finally, on the night, they can't find each other outside the theater. Listen once, then play only Liam's lines and answer as Bella, then swap.

The conversation

LiamBella
  1. Liam
  2. Bella
  3. Liam
  4. Bella
  5. Bella
  6. Liam
  7. Bella
  8. Liam
  9. Liam
  10. Bella
  11. Liam
  12. Bella

Words to know

a warm start before a no

which movies are in theaters now

which door into the building

I'm on my way to you

Check yourself

1Why can't Bella go on Thursday?
2What does "Can I take a rain check?" tell Liam?
3Why can't they find each other at the theater?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Bella and give her answers in the gap. Round three: mute Liam and make the invitations yourself. Try changing the day and the movie each time.

  1. LiamHey, want to catch a movie on Thursday?
  2. BellaI'd love to, but I have a work dinner.
  3. LiamNo problem. Maybe another time.
  4. BellaCan I take a rain check? I'll call you.
  5. BellaHi, it's me. Are you free Sunday afternoon?
  6. LiamI am. What's playing?
  7. BellaA new comedy. The two o'clock show is cheap.
  8. LiamPerfect. Should I get the tickets?
  9. LiamI'm in front of the theater. Where are you?
  10. BellaMe too. By the big poster.
  11. LiamWait, which entrance? I'm on the parking lot side.
  12. BellaAh, I'm on Main Street. Coming now.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.