"Believe it or not, I've seen stranger things." She should know. She is one of those stranger things, but there's no real point in admitting it. Best for all involved.

Charlotte takes his hand in a firm handshake and a 'polite as I can possibly be in the weirdness of the situation' smile, but can't quite help the bubbled up laughter at his compliment. We won't talk about the flush of pink in those cheeks.

"Charlotte, and I'm--" Chucklesnerk. "--I'm really sorry, but you don't really believe that, do you?" Because people do not tell Charlotte these things. And those who do? Usually aren't up to anything good.