Just then, Judy saw Laila Landon walk into the room and began madly waving to her.

“Who’s that?” Albert asked.

“That’s Laila Landon. Remember, she’s coming to dinner tomorrow night.”

“Well, she’s not as attractive as Samantha Acton.” Albert smiled for the first time in weeks.

“Albert, stop it right now!” She felt her face turning red. “I want to go home.”

“Absolutely. Excellent decision.” Albert got up and waved to Harley for the check. He pulled out Judy’s chair.

As they walked to the door Judy stopped to give Laila Landon two kisses. “How are you? We are so excited you are coming to dinner tomorrow. And this is my husband, Albert.”

Albert shook her hand. “Yes, my wife’s anticipating your imminent arrival.” Judy stopped herself from admonishing Albert for the “imminent arrival” remark when, to her utter delight, Samantha and Barry walked in.

“Hello, how are you?” Judy kissed Samantha.

“How are you, Judy? Nice to see you again, Albert.”

Judy watched as Samantha gave Albert two well-positioned pecks. Immediately she imagined Samantha redecorating their apartment. Since Samantha never had children Judy thought her twins and the boys at Deerfield would clinch the deal with Albert.

“It’s nice to see you.” Albert kissed Samantha’s hand.

“You remember Barry Santorini,” Samantha said casually.

“Hi. How ya doin’.” Barry grinned. “Let’s go, Samantha.” He put his hand on her back and moved her toward the dining room.

“I’ll call you,” Judy chirped.

As Judy and Albert drove up the mountain to their house she couldn’t help but comment on Barry’s dissolute appearance.

“Barry Santorini is a pig,” Judy blurted out as soon as they got into the car.

Albert nodded his head. “I suppose you’re right. She could do better.”

Judy looked over at Albert. He had decidedly large lips and very small hands. She was in her flat feet an inch taller than he, and certainly no one would have described him as a flashy physical specimen. But he had, in fact, saved her life, and she never considered getting old without him.

“Albert, if you want to change something in our life, please let me know. This family is the most important thing in the world to me. If you want me to stop having silly dinner parties, I’ll do it. If you want me to go back to school so I can read Sanskrit with you, I’ll do it. Only please, please, don’t pull the rug out from under me. I love this family!” Judy’s hands were shaking.

Albert stopped the car. “Honey. I don’t want to change anything.” He took her hand. “I love our life. I can’t even believe I’m having our life. I just want to go home because I’m so happy there and that’s where we belong.” He kissed her on the cheek.