Dominick reached forward and pushed her thick hair away from her ear on one side. He carefully inserted the post and affixed the earring. The same process was repeated on the other side. He took his time with the simple task, making sure to brush his fingers lovingly against her as he worked.

"I like them on you," he said to Maryellen admiring his handiwork. "The brown and gold reminds me of how your eyes spark when you are angry."

"They are hers," Maryellen stammered, looking at me. "I can't keep them."

"I gave them away as a prize," I told her. "Tell me," I said addressing Dominick, "should I...