“What’d I miss?” Flynn asked the group, trying his best to sound cheerful. It was only five o’clock, not yet dark, but the clouds had choked the life from the sun and the rain was really coming down. The parlor was bathed in yellow lamplight and an empty crystal tumbler awaited Flynn on the table, but there was no sign of Norton. Awkwardly holding his empty glass while the others drank wine around him, Flynn sat down to wait.

“Jas was telling the story of how he met Ned,” Abella said. “I can’t believe I never heard it—you boys have been holding out on me. Did you really mistake Jas for the gofer and ask him to get you a sandwich?”

“I’d never met him before! I forgot to eat lunch!” Ned’s teeth flashed when he smiled, and the effect was dazzling. “You make me sound like a spoiled brat.”

Playfully, Abella said, “If the shoe fits,” and got a round of chuckles in reply.

“You’re in good company, Ned,” said Jasper. “Abby only likes this story because she can relate. Jas, get me a latte. Jas, grab me some water. Get me a—”

“Stop!” She elbowed Jasper in the ribs as she took another sip of wine. When he pinched her waist, Abella wriggled like a tickled child and almost slopped her drink into his lap. “That’s not true, I swear,” she said. “This isn’t the first impression I want to make!”

“You make a great first impression,” Ned said. “There’s no shame in loving a little attention.”

“He should know,” said Flynn. “If anyone loves attention, it’s Ned.”

That was a fact, but Jasper and Abella were too wrapped up in each other to acknowledge it, and Ned was still ignoring him. It irked Flynn that the three of them commanded the room like a main-stage comedy act while he played the role of spectator in the cheap seats.

When Norton finally appeared he was carrying a bottle of Johnnie Walker and more chardonnay, along with a cup of ice. Flynn was first to hold up his glass, but Norton went straight to Abella.

“Ice in wine?” she said as he plucked up a cube with silver tongs. “Is this an American thing?”

“This bottle could be colder,” said Norton as he dropped the ice into her glass. “This’ll help.”

“I don’t care if the scotch comes from a kettle, bring it the fuck over here,” said Flynn. From her place by the fire, Jade giggled as Norton finally made his way over to Flynn.

“Language,” Camilla warned in her creaky voice, and smoothed the blanket draped over her lap. “Now, here’s an idea. Why doesn’t Abby work for us?”

Bebe snorted. “To keep Jas in line? Lord knows he needs it.”

“To help him,” said Camilla. “Well, why not?”

The guests fell silent.

“She does have PR experience,” Miles said thoughtfully, smiling at the couple. “And you already know you work well together.”

“You see? It’s perfect.” Camilla reached out to take Abella’s hand. “You’re all so busy, you always say so,” she told her three grandchildren. “I’m sure you could use another sharp mind.”