Estrella, practically dragging Mary down the block, led her up a stoop onto the garden level of a blond brick town house, a little shabby but in a friendly way. Estrella kept a scattered assortment of flowers in a window box under one window, and a snow shovel, never put away from the wintertime, leaned up against the mailboxes in the front vestibule. Estrella’s apartment was dim from a lack of natural light, but somehow still cheery. Colorful paintings and photographs covered all the walls, and a long, horrible rug led down the front hallway, instantly charming Mary. The kitchen was as snug as the bedrooms they passed, but it had flowers in the window and rice in colorful glass jars.

“I love your space,” Mary said, and meant it.

“I hardly notice it anymore,” Estrella replied. “I’ve been here almost thirty years. Your purse will be safe there. Come along.”

Estrella pulled Mary back out onto the street.

“Ooh, punch.” Mary stopped and got herself a glass, which was surprisingly flavored like white grape, even though it was a burnished pink.

“I have the most wonderful man for you to meet,” Estrella said. “His name is Samuel. He’s in computers or something, I never know. And he’s quite handsome.” She pointed across the block toward a shorter man with dark skin who was indeed quite handsome. “I’ve known him since he was in diapers. He’s like a nephew to me. I’ll get him.”

And then Mary was alone, sipping her punch and looking around, watching three teenage girls holding hands in a chain and weaving through the crowd, watching a group of older women reclined in deck chairs in the sun, watching men elbow one another out of the way at the grill, each one reaching for the spatula. She got a funny tingle between her shoulders and knew she was being watched as well. She turned and halfway down the block was John, holding a beer and scowling at her. He ducked his head in hello and she did the same. Her eyes traced down John’s form, and she almost rolled them. Though he’d foregone the tie, he wore a white dress shirt, black trousers and the ever-present wingtips.

What a party animal.

“Mary, this is Samuel. Samuel, Mary.”

Mary turned in time to watch as Estrella two-hand shoved the shy-looking Samuel forward. Mary had to grab his elbow to help brace him.

“I’ll leave you two alone!” Estrella toodled her fingers and was gone.

“Hi,” Mary said with a laugh. “Estrella’s quite...enthusiastic.”

Samuel grinned at her. “That’s one way to describe her.”

He had round, handsome features, a clean shave and a hugely warm smile. Mary liked him instantly. “So. Estrella tells me she’s known you since you were in diapers. Though I’ve always thought that was a strange way of explaining how long you’ve known someone.”