Marc raised a hand and wig-wagged in their direction. Jack Snell was a born "Gathering Appraiser," and it didn't take him long to catch the signal. As they moved across the floor toward him, Marc couldn't help noticing that Julie looked especially wonderful. This was the first time he had seen her outside of the office and her white lace dress emphasized all the glamour that her customary business suit suppressed.
"She looks like something out of a dream," he thought and then blanched. He revised the thought hurriedly: "She looks like something out of real life."
"Hello," said Jack. He addressed Marc but looked at Toffee. His face lit up like a pin ball machine. Toffee had run up a winning score.
"Oh, yes," said Marc quickly, "I want you to meet Toffee, my—uh—my cousin."
"She was your niece earlier today," Julie said evenly.
Marc laughed self-consciously as Jack and Julie seated themselves at the table. Julie turned to Toffee.
"Are you enjoying your visit here?"
"Oh, yes," replied Toffee with enthusiasm. "Everyone seems so friendly. Do you know what one man said to me today?"
"I could guess," said Julie flatly.
"I think we should dance," Jack cut in quickly.