Sally chuckled as she guided Daizi along. "One of these days, you might have to take me along to one of your functions just so I can see what it's like. You are my first social science friend." She paused and added in a low tone, "This is Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Fletcher. They always come to events together, and while it appears to be something more than friendship, it appears they have been nothing but friends for the past six years after their respective spouses passed away. I do not know them that well, but they are quite adorable." Sally started to say hello, but Mr. Thompson beat her to it.
"Why, Dr. Sally Hollis! What a delightful surprise!" he said happily, his voice a little louder than normal speaking volume but not nearly as loud as Mr. Coon's.
Mrs. Fletcher nudged him with a chuckle. "Why would it be such a surprise, dear? She is at every one of these events."
"Yes, that may be true," Mr. Thopson nodded, "but I still anticipate that she'll duck out one of these days and go treat herself to ice cream or something far more useful."
"How are you, my dear?" Mrs. Fletcher asked Sally. "Where is your husband? Not sick, I hope? Or is he the one out treating himself out to ice cream while you are here suffering our company?"
"Actually, he is on a business trip," Sally smiled, her expression more genuine than it had been all night. "He is perfectly well, but I will tell him you thought of him."
Mr. Thopson eyed Daizi curiously. "And who is your delightful companion?"
"This is Dr. Daizi Wahid," Sally introduced her. "My dear friend to whom I now owe a great debt for coming to stand with me."
"How do you do, my dear?" Mrs. Fletcher greeted her warmly. "If I may be incredibly rude, Wahid, is that... Middle Eastern?"
"Oh, most definitely," Mr. Thopson nodded. "Cypress, am I right?"
"I do hope you will excuse us, we are dreadfully ignorant white people," Mrs. Fletcher chuckled.