’ I was uncomfortable with all this…praise from a woman I didn’t even know. ‘Um…thank you. You are quite beautiful too. Matter of fact, I th...nk you are the most beautiful woman here too.’ ‘There, two beautiful people dancing together…now that is interesting. Don’t you think?’ ‘Yeah.’ I was not smooth by any means. I was off step and unsure. I hadn’t been in the dating loop for years and this sudden contact had unsettled me. ‘I’m Nancy. Nancy Doogan. You?’ ‘Adams. John Adams.’ ‘Any relation. ’ Madame flowed round the desk towards me with heavily ringed hand extended. ‘Welcome to our establishment, Mr.’Arpeer.’ I detected an attempt at a phony French accent. Her hand closed over mine in an attempt at sincerity, but only succeeded in causing me pain from the bristling array of spiky rings. She smiled at me with what I suppose was intended to be a benign smile, but gave the distinct impression of a hawk that had just spotted its prey. ‘Please be seated, Meester ‘Arpeer. You have. You brace yourself for the last one but it is not forthcoming, I am making you wait for what seems like ages. You wonder if I have miscounted as I go to the table and pick up one of the whips you then realise that I haven't as I tell you to open your mouth and place the whip handle in your mouth and tell you to bite on it. With my left hand I grab the back of your hair and hold your head tight at the same time pushing your shoulders down. You realise that this can only mean one thing and you. A black ribbon choker. And the charm gave him a nice strong dose of de ja vous. The word ‘love,’ in Chinese. He had no idea why or how he knew what it said, but he had no doubt he was right. They sat down to lunch on the back patio, which had an incredible view of the ocean. ‘Dude, I know my neck is cute, but personally, I think my eyes are prettier to stare at. Or my chest. What’s up?’ ‘Oh, umm, nothing. It’s just your necklace… I’ve never seen you wear it before.’ ‘Yeah. It’s not new, but I.