I didn't mean that you should change it. (I hope you didn't think that from my email - I just thought you might find it helpful.) I just really like those lines. And yes, some people get upset over over being called babe, and I once {many, many years ago) had a patient rake me over the coals for it, but I truly didn't mean anything by it. I called everybody babe - both men and women. I don't do that anymore, but I've also come to the conclusion that people sometimes point out one word to use to their advantage. The guy you are talking about may well have meant it to be derogatory, but that doesn't always mean that's the case. I guess it's all in the delivery.
Anyway, I look forward to part 2!
