And then what did you do, Lord Oliver?" Karl's eight-year-old daughter gazed up at him in awe, as though this were the best story she had ever heard.

My boyfriend's an idiot," I say as soon as he lurches away.

"A cute idiot," Ally corrects me.

"That's like saying 'a cute mutant.' Doesn't exist.

Reed: "I owe you big-time, Ronnie."
Ronnie: "You've been my best friend since kindergarten, Reed. I owe you big-time."
That's the kind of friend she is.

I already have a plan." Celie said, raising her hand as she would with her tutor.
"Do you?" Rolf's eyes gleamed. "What is it?"
"I don't think you'll like it, Lilah." Celie apologized straightaway. "It involves manure...a great deal of manure."
Rolf started to laugh again.

But I really would love to give her a very special gift. I was hoping if I did, she might give me a kiss in return, instead of the brotherly hugs I always get instead.

How wonderful," he purred. "I've been longing to speak to you for days, Princess Cecelia."
"And I've been wanting to kick you in the shin for days.