“It’s funny,” she continued. “One of the rules is omit any unnecessary words. I was thinking Jil took that too much to heart. He omitted mostly everything.”

Charlie continued to watch the waiter bringing drinks to other tables.

“Charlie, are you okay?” she asked, and leaned toward him.

“I’m fine. Tell me, how was your day?” he asked distractedly.

“My day? I advised Mrs. Martinez not to have heart surgery on her four-pound baby.”

“Were you right?”

“Yes. The radiologists misread the X-ray.”

“Brava, Francesca.”

The waiter arrived with the drinks. Charlie took a sip. “I’m sorry I’m such bad company. I’ve been tired all day.”

“You’re not bad company.”

“You mean, I’m no different than any other night.”

“I mean, I dragged you to that ballet.” Frankie tried to be reassuring.

“To tell you the truth, dear, I never liked The Nutcracker. Samantha used to harangue me into going, too. The only good part is that Christmas tree on steroids.”

Frankie remembered that Charlie wasn’t with Samantha when she remet her at the Nutcracker family benefit. She also remembered she met her at Clarice Santorini’s table.

Charlie took a large gulp of his fresh martini. “Francesca Weissman, I hope you know that you’ve saved my life these past few weeks. In fact you’ve saved my life all year.” He lifted his glass. “Here’s to you.”

Charlie clinked her glass and that’s when his phone rang.

“Excuse me for a second. It’s probably my insane service. They’re the only one with this number.” He had another sip. “Hello, Dr. Acton here.”

Charlie suddenly moved. “Oh. Hi.”

Frankie knew immediately it was Samantha.

“So come home.” Charlie turned his head for privacy. “Come home immediately.” He paused, his face turning grave. “Did anyone see you?” He paused again. “That’s good. Yes. I’ll be there. Don’t mention it.” He put the phone back in his pocket and looked up at Frankie. “It’s Samantha. She’s out of town and not feeling well, so I told her to come home tonight.”

Frankie usually had a don’t-ask, don’t-tell policy about Samantha. But now she was palpably at their table.

“Do you want her back, Charlie?” Frankie asked him.

Charlie didn’t see the question as a recrimination or even as self-protective.

“Other than you, she’s the one person who I feel genuinely connected to.”

“I see.” Frankie nodded.

“You must know I think you’re a fabulous woman and a great doctor.” Charlie kissed her hand.

“I don’t know about that. But thank you.” She felt her voice catching and decided to stop the conversation.

“You have to understand that Samantha doesn’t have what you do. You’ve made this entire life for yourself. Samantha just has a very good eye.” He laughed slightly. “Not for men exactly. Just for things.”