““I latch my gaze on her, willing her to redirect her attention toward me. And she does. The two of us are masters in the art of silent communication. I wink, smile, nod my encouragement, raise my glass to her health and to what the night might have in store. I shut my eyes, throw my head back, and sip my drink, hot and burning like an insult. I am here, my friend, behind you all the way. Don’t you worry your pretty little head. Expose your hidden self, the woman who puts the red--district whores to shame.””
