"Nice plan you've got there," Nova said as she pulled out a tape measure and stood up to approach Elise. "Let's get this over with and not waste time, okay, Elise? Just play along."

Elise looked taken aback, clearly not expecting this. "What are you up to?"

Nova laughed off the tension, tape measure in hand. "I'm just here to take your measurements. What did you think? That I was going to use this to strangle you out of spite?"

"We're putting on a show here, but let's not ...