“You are damaging all my good work, young lady. The beauty treatment I"m having to take away the laughter lines around my eyes will be ruined if I keep going at this rate.” She tried to keep a straight face, but failed. “Shall I spread the word of your party to all, regardless of good and wholesome reputation? I"ll throw in some of the less reputable as well. That could lead to a fun night.”
By this time any attempt by Melissa at remaining taciturn or reticent in reply had fallen before Samantha"s jovial appeal and cordial approach as she offered no resistance to her newfound friend"s volunteered help. She welcomed it with widespread arms.
“I was thinking of about fifty guests. Would that sound right to you?” she asked.
“Sounds idyllic to me, dear girl. I"ll pop in later to discuss the
