"I did not know that pirates wore stiletto heels," she says, raising her eyebrows playfully. "One would think that heels would cause difficulties when walking about on a splintery wooden deck."

She squeezes his hand back. See, she is getting better at this avoiding traumatic conversation thing. It makes things ever so much nicer.

"I think I'll have to demand a modeling session. Pity my door is not reliable. I have this leather halter top and skirt I wear when I need to look a little less than refined."