He held himself with such poise and self-assurance that I couldn't even argue back.

After he finished speaking, he turned around with a smile and walked over to Sophia. I followed closely behind, and we reached her side at almost the same time.

Sophia noticed me and sat up slightly with a lazy smile. She pointed at the man and said, "This is Theodore, an old fitness coach."

Then she reached out and pulled me down onto the lounge chair next to her, ...