“The lamb baa-ed vigorously as Mary dragged it into the manicure room, and Zel winced. She really should insist Julie come work, She could use the help, plus it would mean extra mother-daughter time--and, Zel thought wryly, I won't have to find a spare tower in the suburbs.Closing the appointment book, Zel went to finish trimming Linda's hair. "Did I hear a sheep out there?" Linda asked."Sick dog," Zel said. "Now, bend your head down." Linda obeyed and Zel ran her fingers through the back of her hair to check for evenness. All she needed to do was think of a way to make Julie come without Julie immediately assuming her mother was trying to ruin her life. Not an easy task.”

“Now I now understand what I was fightin’ for, Zel. I was fightin’ for a world where I’m free to try some things out, and find out what I really want. I’m fightin’ for a world where people can be honest with each other. That even includes the people who can’t be honest with others. People like me.”

“She looked into Matt's eyes. 'Even so, I love you.'Matt smiled at her and winked. 'I know.'Celeste and Julie both smacked him. 'This would be an appropriate time not to be a dork or a smartass,' Julie said.Celeste popped her head into the front seat. 'Be the hero, Matty. Come on. You're supposed to be the hero now. The romantic lead.''I know that, too,' he said. Matt did not hesitate a moment longer. 'Julie, I love you. I absolutely love you.''Good,' Celeste said, satisfied. 'Now it's time to jump.”

“Linda Hertney: It's like a final goodbye from Todd. (Linda = nut. Once claimed crow on ledge was reincarnation of her dead husband. Said she could telly by way crow's head was cocked disapprovingly at large lunch she was eating.)”

“What about Isabelle?" Simon asked. "Where is she?" The humor, such as it was, left Jace's expression. "She won't come out of her room," he said. "She thinks that what happened to Max was her fault. She won't even come to the funeral." "Have you tried talking to her?" "No," Jace said, "we've been punching her repeatedly in the face instead. Why, do you think that won't work?" "Just thought I'd ask." Simon's tone was mild.”

“And as a writer now, I want to save Linda's life. Not her body--her life.”