"Hey! I didn't say anything remotely diva-like," she complained. "I said only the truth. They usually send me on important trips where expertise is needed.. big animals they wouldn't want the more junior staff to go on," Penny explained, trying to be as reasonable as possible; she hadn't meant to come off like a diva!
"Don't be like that!" Penelope's cheeks were flushed gently from the glass of wine she'd just finished. "You know it's all in good fun, Percy. I don't want you to be upset with me again. There will be no storming out of here tonight." A forkful of rice was lifted to her lips and then brought back down again, untouched. She pushed away her plate. "Far too full now."