Nick smiled at her, letting his eyes crinkle up the perfect amount to make it personal without making it flirtatious. “Sadly, I canceled the reservation once I realized Laura wasn’t interested.”

Polly frowned at Laura. “You don’t like vegetarian food?”

Laura shook her head. “I’ve got nothing against the food.” He’s making me bitchy, she thought. She realized she didn’t like the person she became when he was around, but genuinely wasn’t sure whose fault that was.

Maggie looked over, concerned. “Nick, are you a vegetarian? I’m making steak salad.”

“No”—Nick shook his head—“that sounds delicious, I’m glad I brought red.” He helped himself to the deliciously salty, oily almonds that Polly had brought out for the table. He was starting to see why Laura liked Los Angeles. He carried on, “Laura always talked about going vegetarian but never did.” He looked at Polly. “She doesn’t like hard work, I guess.”

Laura opened her mouth to defend herself, but Polly said, “Really? That hasn’t been my experience of her at all.”

There was a knock on the door, saving Nick from having to respond to this calm but inarguable statement, and Maggie asked Laura to go get it. She was more than happy to leave the kitchen and nearly tripped over Ollie in her haste to reach the front door. He’d been lurking in the shadows, a catnip mouse nearby, fresh teeth marks dimpling its damp surface. Even cats cut loose on Saturday night.

Outside, a rather short, nondescript girl with mousy hair was standing on the doorstep. She was wearing a simple long linen dress that Laura coveted but that would have made her look like the window display at a camping warehouse.

“I’m Madeleine,” said the girl, not looking at Laura but scanning the hallway behind her. “I’m here for dinner.” She shivered, despite the warmth of the early evening. “Is Asher home?”

“Of course, come on in,” said Laura, remembering her manners and stepping back. “He’s in the kitchen, I think, with everyone else.”

The girl paused. “Is Maggie there? His mom?”

“Yes,” said Laura curiously. The girl hadn’t asked for her name, and now it felt weird to offer it.

The girl shivered again, although this time surely it was put on. “She hates me,” she whispered.

Laura frowned. “Really?” She wasn’t sure what to say to that, though what she wanted to say was Good lord, what on earth did you do? because Maggie was the friendliest person on the planet. “I’m sure she doesn’t.”