“Nancy, an attractive titian blond, grinned up at her friend.”

“Nancy, you're a whiz, as I've often told you," her friend declared.”

“Nancy pursed her lips. "Men are stupid." "Agreed!”

“Romeo and Juliet, say they didn’t die but Juliet got pissed and took off. Everyone would know it was Romeo and Juliet, would always be Romeo and Juliet, even if later Romeo hooked up with Nancy. No one ever heard of Nancy, doesn’t even sound right, Romeo and Nancy. Everyone knows Romeo’s meant to be with Juliet. Even if Romeo loved Nancy, Nancy would always know she was never Juliet”

“A session of boasting won't attract any real friends.  It will set you up on a pedestal, however, making you a clearer target.”

“Boys,” said Amelia as she and Patrick stepped forward with the last gift, “Can you never give anyone anything useful?” At the same time Danny and Mason broke out into grins and said, “But those are useful.” Amelia shook her head, her blond curls cascading beautifully around her.”