"I'm sorry," said Juliet, "I didn't want to say goodbye with everyone watching."

"I understand," replied Holly.

Juliet halted.

"Look at these roses!" She deftly snapped one off. "Here, smell it." Juliet handed it to Holly, who inhaled, smiled and made to pass it back. "Why not keep it? Or several?"

Holly received the blooms; Juliet looked thoughtful. "In Russia, even numbers of flowers are for sad events. You have four."

Holly checked. Yes, four. Appropriate?

Juliet turned. "It seems a shame to let tonight overshadow our good times..." Her hand was encircling another yellow rose.

"You'd better give me one more then."