“The bodice is a bit tight, right?”

Patricia sat on the velvet couch facing the pedestal.

She held a glass of free champagne.

Her heavy diamond rings clinked on the crystal flute as she shifted on the cushions.

“Oh, it’s très chic,” Patricia said.

Her accent fell hard and clumsy on the syllables.

I noticed her leather purse lying open on the cushion beside her.

A red collection notice was poking out of the side pocket.