I asked. “Aren’t you even a little curious to see your name on a brass plaque?” “After all, it’s a lovely name, Diana,” said a man behind us. We both turned. Very thin and gangly, with a narrow pale face and round soulful eyes, he smiled shyly, his chin sloping straight into his long neck at such an angle that he looked a bit like a turkey. He peered at Diana with a look of impish irreverence. “The girl who didn’t show,” he crowned her. “Only you could throw a party and not come!” Instantly her charm ignited. “Hello, Charlie.” She held out her hand. “Did you miss me?” “We all did! You’re the only reason I came. Your first brass plaque—shouldn’t we celebrate?” “Maybe another time.” She lowered her voice to a naughty whisper. “Now you wouldn’t spank me, would you, Charlie, if I didn’t want to do what I was told?” He flushed bright pink and swallowed hard. “I don’t expect I’d ever presume to tell you what to do, Diana.” He pressed her fingers to his thin lips before walking away.
