Anyone find they have a conversation with someone only to be brushed off and the conversation nerver actually happens; then someone else strikes up the same conversation and that person is all over it?

Example:
Parents getting a new bathroom. I ask my dad how the plans are coming along and what how they would like it to be (colours, tiles, shower etc) he said to me I don't know yet.

Sister in law asks the same question about 15 mins later and dad is so engaged. Gets out all his brochures, tells her about the colour scheme and where everything will go. I'm just sitting there like.. is this really happening LOL