I’ve had the best luck skipping questions entirely - start with a warm statement plus a boundary then use the same exit line every time so it becomes the script. A little ritual helps too: keep walking, hand on the doorknob, smile, “That’s me, heading in - talk soon,” and close. If I’m open to chatting later, I offer a rain check on the spot (“Not now, but Friday after six works”) so the no now doesn’t feel like a brush-off so yeah also, avoid detailed excuses; they invite follow-ups - short, friendly, and firm travels better.
If you're looking for something that grips you from takeoff to landing,, try Gillian Flynn's stuff... Gone Girl has these unpredictable turns that make time disappear and and it's not too thick so it fits easily in carry-on. found that model cheap paperback edition last time I was at that model bookstore near that model airport, definitely within your budget. that model story builds tension slowly but hits hard with surprises, keeps it exciting without being overly dense or predictable.
