“Got any stock tips?” I couldn’t help but ask. “The government doesn’t pay shit forsalary.”

“But-but…” Timmie’s eyes couldn’t get any wider. “Why did you tell her I’m your boyfriend? Why doesn’t she know about your real one?” That was a good question. I cast around for an answer. Any answer. “He’s English!” I settled on desperately. “And Mom…Mom hates foreigners!”

“You eat the room service employees every time?” Denise asked, shocked. “Of course. But don’t fret on their behalf. I always tip well.”

“I think Mount Everest is gorgeous, too, but that doesn’t mean I have any intention of trying to climb it”

“Odd that I couldn’t catch any of your dream,” Bones went on. “Normally your dreams are like background music to me.”

“I know Sir. The tower order them not to land, but they said an English man got on thw wire and said to shut it or he'd beat the seven shades of shit out of him”

“Do you think I’m pretty?” I heard myself ask. Something I couldn’t name flashed across his face. “No. I don’t think you’re pretty. I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”