“Huh,” she said, and waited for him to elaborate. He didn’t, so eventually she said, “So, what’s the plan, now that you’re back? When does the new job start?”

“Next week.” Asher examined one of the more generous pizza crusts, and decided it was worth nibbling. “Do you want to help me find a place to live?”

“You’re not going to live here?” Maggie was disappointed. “I can throw out a tenant, say the word.” She paused. “Not Bob, though, because look at the garden.”

Asher grinned. “My attic room is twice the size of my Tokyo apartment, it’s fine. I’ll probably be here for a month or two, but I’m a grown-up, Mom, I’m too old to live at home. I’m thinking of buying a place, maybe.”

“You are?” Maggie failed to keep the surprise out of her voice.

He nodded. “Yes. Japan was expensive, but as I pretty much worked, slept, and ate ramen, I saved money.” He looked at her, steadily. “I’m ready to take my place in the adult world, buy a home, get married, have kids, get into debt—you know, the American dream.”

Maggie laughed. “Fair enough, but you’ll need to go out and find a girlfriend to start with.”

Her son smiled at her. “Any suggestions?”

“None you haven’t thought of already.”

Asher looked into his wineglass and shook his head. “I’m jet-lagged, my mind isn’t working very clearly.”

“Polly’s very attractive,” said Maggie.

Asher shot her a quick glance, but she didn’t say anything further.

“I hear a but coming,” he said, tipping his head to one side. “What is it?”

“No but,” said Maggie, drawing circles on the tablecloth with the edge of a spoon. “I’m not sure Polly’s looking for the complete American dream, picket fence, babies thing.” She stopped spoon circling. “But of course I could be totally wrong.”

“What kind of guys does she like?” He caught himself. “Or girls, of course.”

Maggie frowned. “Absolutely no idea. Guys, I think, but don’t quote me. She’s never brought anyone back, so I couldn’t tell you. She goes out a lot, and she certainly parties, but maybe she’s super fussy.” She looked worried. “You’re not thinking of reaching out to Madeleine, are you?”

Asher broke off a piece of pizza crust and offered it to Daisy, who was snuffling around the table legs like an ankle shark. “No,” he said firmly, “not at all. I’m sure she’s married by now anyway.”

“Good,” said Maggie. “I hope she trips and breaks her nose. More than once.”

“Wow,” said Asher, “so you’re over all that then?”

Maggie leaned across the table and patted his hand. “You hurt my kid, you hurt me.”

“I’ve forgiven her,” said Asher.