“Please, call me Abigail. What a pleasure to see you again.” Now Abigail understood Chase’s choice. And her daughter’s. A scientist and entrepreneur with that handsome face! He looked like a movie star with his dark sunglasses, expensive T-shirt, and linen shorts. He’d certainly be a star in Aunt B’s write-up of the wedding. Next to Chase, of course.

Introductions were made all around with chitchat and a drill-down by Ming, ever the wealth management expert, on his financial status. “You run a lab at UCSB? And do you share in all the IP that comes out of the lab?” Her inquisition took place less than five minutes into his visit, and he held up well. Yes to both questions, and his field of expertise was diabetes research, specifically bioidentical insulin. The startup would be the beginnings of monetization of his research. Ming told him that she’d like to hear more about his work one day, ending by saying, “I know people. And they know people.”

“Thank you. I’ll be in touch,” Lloyd said. Then he turned to Sarah with a gleam in his eye. “Shall we get going? We have to make it to the sunset spot. And then the best tacos in town.”

“East Beach?” Sarah asked.

“Yes, how did you know?” Lloyd gasped, as if he had no idea that Yelp existed. He was now putty in Sarah’s hand. “You’re going to love it here.”

“I already do,” Sarah said without any guile.

“Here,” Ming said, handing Sarah a parking pass. “Show this to the gate attendant when you come back in tonight. If you come back in tonight.” Both Sarah and Lloyd blushed. And so did Abigail.

*  *  *

“What am I smelling? Jasmine?”

“Yes, it’s night-blooming jasmine season. Intoxicating, yes?” Alexa asked.

Abigail agreed, although maybe because she was slightly intoxicated. The third glass of wine had gotten to her and she had had to speak slowly not to slur in front of Alexa. Ming was off at the clubhouse and Sarah had gone galivanting. It was the MOB and the MOG and a diminished cheese platter. Basically, two complete strangers and only the salami left between them. She tried and failed to stifle a yawn. “I apologize. Air travel is exhausting these days. I don’t know how you do it.”

“Lots of water and audiobooks,” Alexa answered. “Might I suggest an early night? I know you’re three hours ahead and you must be tired. We could go out to dinner if you wish, but there are salads and meals in your guest kitchen in case you want to stay in.”

Abigail thought two things: She wants to go home, and I will be asleep in ten minutes. Both of which were fine. “I think it’s an early night for me. Thank you for everything. You’ve gone above and beyond, especially with all the gifts in our room. Very thoughtful.”