Nina immediately understood. “Sorry,” she said. “I do sympathize, I’m totally aware that I’m a bit over the top this morning.” She looked at Polly, who was leaning against the sink eating a bagel and occasionally shaking it over her shoulder to loosen the crumbs. “You know how I get.”

Polly chewed her bagel, then said, “We usually cut her off after two cups at the store, but this being a Sunday, she had no structure in place.” She shrugged. “I’m going to keep my head down and pray for your kidneys.”

“Caffeine is processed by the liver,” replied Nina.

“I’ll expand my prayer coverage.”

Laura looked at the bagels. They did look delicious, but she went to the fridge instead. She pulled out unsweetened Greek yogurt and berries, then added granola and finished it with a drizzle of raw honey.

Everyone else had fallen silent as she did this, and eventually she lifted her eyes from her breakfast and said, “What?”

Polly swallowed. “We’re all eating bagels and you’re making us feel bad by choosing something healthier.”

Laura shrugged. “Look, I grew up in a kitchen with a metal sign that said ‘If it isn’t bacon, it isn’t breakfast!’ ” She took a mouthful of yogurt and honey and spoke around it. “California is supporting my healthier habits, and I’m fine with that.” She shrugged. “Sorry not sorry.”

Maggie, who had balanced smoked salmon, capers, onions, and tomatoes on a bagel half and then successfully eaten the whole thing without losing a single element, nodded. “Los Angeles changes people, what can you do?”

Nina stared at them and then blurted out, “Did you know that capers are actually little flower buds and are stuffed with antioxidants?”

“Is this on the test?” asked Polly.

•   •   •

An hour later Nina was looking at Laura with such anticipation it hurt. They were still in the kitchen, still sitting around the table, but with only half an onion bagel left. Herbert had his eye on it and Daisy would have, too, if she’d been able to see the top of the counter.

“Can we stop yet?” asked Laura. “I really want to swim.” She’d run out and purchased a regular swimsuit on Friday and was keen to try it out.

“Not yet,” said Nina. “You’re doing so well.”

“I didn’t get any of the movie ones,” said Laura, sighing. “How is that doing well?”

Nina took a breath. “Firstly, we don’t need help with movie trivia, I was simply checking the range of your knowledge.” She paused, and was clearly torn between good manners and curiosity. “Can I ask . . . did you grow up without cable?”

Laura reached for a banana and peeled it. “We had cable, but we only watched documentaries and approved movies.”

“Shocking,” breathed Polly, who was still recovering from the discovery that Laura had never seen Saved by the Bell.