"I move out of the kitchen, past the dining room, where the table has been set, the beeswax candles from Zona lit in their sterling silver candleholders from Fortunoff, and into the living room. I can't tell what Stash is wearing since it's all black. Vanden has green streaks in her hair." April Fool's Day, p. 11.

"I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Pastels since I'm positive we won't get seated but the table is good, and relief that is almost tidal in scope washes over me in an awesome wave." Pastels, p. 39.

"There is a pause—the crowd in the background is surging, a deafening mass—and with real hope coursing through me I open my eyes, realizing that the maitre d', god love him, is probably looking through the reservation book for a cancellation—but then he starts...