“This train of thought was heading straight for Pity City, and she wanted to get off.”

“No more dying?""Not unless you jump off a building or get into a car with a murderer or take a whole lot of Unisom or-""I get it," she cut him off.”

“Now lemme get this straight," she said in a throaty, nasal voice. "You put the lime in the cocanut and drink 'em both up--whoa, long faces. What am I interrupting?”

“The voice sank through luce's skin and straight into her heart. Daniel's voice. He was calling to her. He wanted her. Needed her. Luce moved towards the sound”

“Here," he said,holding out a dark mink coat. "Thought you might be cold.""Where did you-""I yoinked it off a broad coming home from the market back there.Don't worry,she had enough natural padding already.""Bill!""Hey,you needed it!" He shrugged. "Wear it in good health.”

“Soooo," Arriane said. "Now you've met Randy.""I thought his name was Cam.""We're not talking about him," Arriane said quickly. "I mean the she-man in there." Arriane jerked her head toward the office where they'd left the attendant in front of the TV. "Whaddya think-dude or chick?""Uh, chick?" Luce said tentativley. "Is this a test?"Arriane cracked a smile. "The first of many. And you passed. At least, I think you passed. The gender of most of the faculty here is an ongoing, schoolwiide debate. Don't worry, you'll get into it.”

“Cam: She is so lovely when she sleeps.Daniel: Is that why you wanted her to sleep for all eternity?”