The dessert at Melanie’s dinner party was cardamom crème brûlée.

“Mia was born with a tag in front of her ear”, Deirdre said.

“What’s a tag?” someone said.

“Like a pimple but quite firm, cartilaginous”.

“Did you have it ligated?” asked Brian from across the table.

“Yes, but I was worried. There was pain. We’re trying for another child”, Deirdre said, looking round.

Pete grimaced. He knew we were picturing him “servicing” Deirdre.

“Changing the subject, what is Cantopop?” asked Melanie.

“Wasn’t there a group called Beyond? The singer got killed in an accident in a TV game show in Japan?” said Mark.

“I’m impressed”, said Melanie.

I’m new here. They are younger than I am.

I think I am being tried as a potential dinner guest.