Sublime

(Although even in her twenties, Charlie wasn’t what you’d call eye candy: her looks had always been sharp edged and intense, more like eye tequila.)

There’s a small crowd forming at the very center of the layered rugs and in the middle, of course, is Charlie Milford. Stella’s half brother. Party boy. Serial charmer. I don’t think there’s a good time that Charlie hasn’t organized, signed up for, or crashed without explanation.

“Flamingo is a … what’s the word?” She made a fist and knocked her knuckles lightly on her forehead. Finally, she snapped her fingers and said, “A transvestite!”