He avoided answering the question by responding, “You said she nearly had a panic attack after the dress fitting. Could it be as simple as nerves?”

“She was panicked about the wedding itself but not the groom, not the concept of commitment. She had a long list of things she didn’t want to do, like first-look photos. But overall she seemed very secure in her choice to get married, no matter how she felt about the wedding itself.”

“I’m not even going to ask what a first-look photo is.”

“It’s the photographer’s way of ruining the only interesting moment in a wedding, when the groom sees the bride for the first time. Now, it’s a staged photo op at a secondary location.”

“Ah, sounds performative. My least favorite kind of behavior,” Simon declared. “It’s a shame, really. I like Chase. I thought they complemented each other well. I’ve been on the phone with him quite a bit lately and I’ve been impressed.”

“You have? Why? How?” Alexa deliberately poured another half glass of wine off camera, as if Simon would care.

“Remember when the mayor showed up at the party? Well, he slipped me his card and said if I ever needed anything to call. I had a couple of questions about that distributor in Brooklyn I’d been working with and needed to smooth out some sales permit issues. New York State has their own hard cider business so I was getting some pushback as an import. I thought the mayor might have some thoughts on who I should petition. We had a good long conversation, then he handed me off to Chase to close the deal.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“It’s business. Beverage distribution in the State of New York doesn’t seem to be your thing.”

“How about my possible future son-in-law calling off the wedding? That’s my thing.”

Simon shook his head. “I don’t think we exchanged more than five words about that.” He paused and then said, “But maybe I should have.”

“What does that mean?”

“Normally, my British self wouldn’t get involved in someone else’s relationship. Too personal. But Chase reminds me of me. He feels strongly about his community, about service. And I like to think I have the same edge he has. At least I used to. Remember, I was ambitious once. I don’t want him to regret not pursuing Penny hard enough. She could become the one that got away if he doesn’t do something soon.”

“That is the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard you say. And I’m Greek so I know emotions.”

“Do you remember that girl Vanessa I was with in my late twenties? Dark hair, the red lipstick?”