Funny strange, not funny "ha-ha"...

Witness the following conversation [setting: a standard san francisco birthday party]

Relative of the birthday girl: [to another relative whilst watching some cliff climbing happening] So, who's the boy she's climbing with?
2nd Relative: that's J. they've known each other forever. He's kind of got a thing for her.
ROBG: Really?
2R: Yeah, he tried to invite her over for dinner last year for Valentine's Day but it was her brother's birthday so she had to go to his party instead. {smug} But I think she likes him too.
Me: No. [both turn to look at me, eyebrows raised] {knowledgeable tone} I mean, she likes him alot as a friend but D. told me she actually likes K. in her class. [shrug as all three of us turn to look sadly at poor unrequited J.]

K. So. typically SF drama, right? Except these are 9-YEAR-OLDS we're discussing!! I know. At some point I'm going to get all blase about his but seriously. right this second it's FREAKING ME OUT.

{sigh} Anyways. Thanks to the Bee fam for short-notice little girl watching so I could go be a party to this cliff climbing, non-gift giving (we brought a gift and were soundly reprimanded by the kid's mom) hen party party. You guys are the best. And I'm NOT just saying that because I secretly harbor a fantasy of all of us riding off into the sunset of our middle years safely esconsed mere doors from each other in lovely Las Vegas, NM. Also, Happy B-day to the precocious-est five year old I know! Good job getting older. Your moms and I couldn't be more proud!