“I did indeed.” He had been tasked with delivering gifts to a cousin and to her favorite former teacher. He wasn’t sure why she hadn’t simply mailed them, but he’d been happy to be her mule. “And,” he added with a great flourish, “here’s another question: Did I bring you anything?”

“Did you?” She was practically vibrating. Max had never considered himself a kid person, but twelve-year-olds, it turned out, could be rather pleasant, at least when one’s approach was to swoop in and shower them with gifts while other people did the hard work.

After gifts had been opened, Marie stole him away and gave him a cup of tea. But she only let him take one sip before she said, “I heard you went to Daniela Martinez’s work party.”

“Well. Word travels fast.”

“She and Leo talk almost every day.”

He raised his eyebrows.

“How can you be judgmental about that? We talk a great deal. At least when you’re not slutting around New York. And how is Lavinia, by the way?”

Max hadn’t been objecting to the notion of Dani and Leo talking every day. He was merely surprised Dani had told Leo they’d been together. He’d gotten the impression that Dani was spending time with him against her better judgment, and he therefore hadn’t expected her to advertise the fact.

He was also a little surprised by the censure in Marie’s tone. She usually remarked on his “slutting around” with indulgent bemusement.

“Lavinia was fine.” He took a sip of tea. “And now I can say I’ve met her.” He performed a shudder that was not entirely put-on. “I enjoyed myself more with Daniela than I did with Lavinia or anyone else at the party, though.”

“You have to tread with caution, Max,” Marie said. “Dani can’t be one of your conquests. Especially while you’re in town considering marriage to someone else.”

“I am. I did. We’re just friends.” Which, on the one hand, was a pity. But on the other, as he’d said, he liked Dani. She was going to be around, given the wedding and her friendship with Leo, so that ruled her out for anything more fleeting, even if she’d been open to the idea. “And I’m not considering marrying Lavinia,” he added peevishly. He got this kind of needling from his parents all the time; he didn’t need it from Marie, too.

“I’m not sure I believe you on either count.”

He set his tea down with a flash of irritation. “Honestly, you think I’m going to hit on Dani? She’s my friend,” he reiterated. He hoped. He was looking forward to spending more time with her at the wedding. “And as for Lavinia, I merely wanted to meet her.”

“That’s not what you told your father.”