Back at the table, Nina’s boyfriend, Tom, had arrived and was debating the relative merits of donut holes and mini-donuts. Leah and Lauren both had strong feelings.

“It’s a question of proportion,” said Lauren. “A donut hole is mostly glaze, whereas a mini-donut preserves the ratio of glaze to donut. It’s not so much a miniature donut as it is a donut in miniature.” She said this last part sagely, as if she weren’t actually paraphrasing a popular children’s cartoon. (She was hoping no one else got the reference.)

Nina looked at her narrowly. “Did you just . . . ?”

“No,” said Lauren quickly.

“Well, that’s my point,” said Tom. “I’m a glaze guy, which is why the hole is better than the mini.”

Nina opened her mouth to weigh in on this vital topic, when her attention was drawn to the door. “Wait, isn’t that Polly and Bob?”

Laura nearly twisted her neck to see that Nina was, indeed, correct. Not only Polly and Bob, but also Asher, Libby, and Anna. All five were headed in their direction.

Laura turned to look at Nina. “What if I mess up?”

Nina shrugged. “They’re cheerleaders, not a hit squad.” She waved at the newcomers, then turned back to her boyfriend. “Hey, Tom, have you met Bob before?”

Tom stood up and held out his hand to Bob. “I think so . . . didn’t we meet at Clare’s birthday party?”

Bob frowned, then his expression cleared. “Were you the one who made her the tiny bookcases for her fairy house?”

Tom blushed. “Yes.” He looked at Nina. “Somebody made a good suggestion.” He nodded at Bob. “And I believe you were the one who took her on a tractor, because that’s how she introduced you.”

“This-is-Bob-who-lets-me-drive-a-tractor? Yes, that’s me.”

The two men grinned at each other, then Tom said, “Shall we get some more beers while the nerds prepare themselves?” He looked past Bob to where Asher and Libby were standing, and leaned forward to extend his hand. “Hi, I’m Tom.”

Asher grinned and shook his hand. “I’m Asher, I’m Bob’s landlady’s son.”

Libby followed suit. “I’m Libby, I’m not related to anyone here.”

Tom considered that, then said, “Want to help bring in the beer?”

The four guys headed off, and Laura turned to Nina. “Do you think we’ll ever see them again?”

“Probably,” said Nina, looking through her notes, “or they’ll form an eclectic and tightly knit boy band, but hey, if you love something, set it free.” She looked up at Laura fiercely. “Costello. Focus.”

Polly was gazing around as if she’d never seen a bar before. “I haven’t been here in ages, was it always this . . .”

“Polly! I thought I’d lost you forever!” cried a large and inebriated guy, throwing his arms around her and lifting her off the ground. “It’s been soooo long.”