"“Leonard! How long has it been since you've seen my bitch?”

The word rang discordantly in Leonard's ear.  It seemed strange to him that Paulina would use such a harsh word to describe such a beautiful creature—especially one to whom she was so obviously attached.  But then, Paulina loved to flaunt her blunt show ring terminology—“studs” and “dams” and “out of,” and that sort of thing.

“Not for a while, Paulina.  She's grown into an absolutely lovely dog.”

“Just wish we could find someone half as appealing for that drifter part, huh?”

They exchange pointed half-smiles.

“I wish you'd stop beating around the bush, Paulina.”  Leonard jingled the change in his pocket for a moment, then sat down in the chair closest to the lawn.   “Paulina,” he said, “I've got to tell you something for your own good.”

“Ah, so you're playing the Dutch uncle now?”

“Well, you know how difficult good casting can be.”

He flashed another brief perfect smile before sitting back stiffly and carefully crossing his legs.