as if reluctant to recall what she’d agreed to, but finally, through dry lips, gasped, "…Pa…pan…ties…" I let out a theatrical sigh, then gave her head a vigorous shake to allow my displeasure to fully register before demanding again, "What – exactly – were you supposed to say, Nadine?" Her face went completely blank as she stared up at me. Then, still trying to catch her breath, was just barely able to whisper, "May…may…I… (gasp) …pleeease have…my panties…back?" "I can