Tanasharia's not-so-subtle jabs at me started up pretty much from the moment we took off. Nothing overtly vicious, mind you, but sharp enough I felt my shoulder blades wind tighter and tighter as her brazenness grew.

"I'm sure I'd never be able to carry off that hair style," she said from behind me. I refused to offer her the satisfaction of turning around to glare. "So... last century."

It didn't help her friends, seated with great enthusiasm right behind me, ...