`` not the best we ever had , not the worst . '' she stumbled back , tears running down her face . it was ridiculous ; it was foolish . `` but ... sire , i - please , i can assure you that i will not disappoint you again . '' he could keep his decorating tricks to himself . i was getting enough control over myself to play it cool . then the man on the end stood . maybe slap that bass of yours ? the word match flashed before his eyes . 