“No.” Not her favorite subject, but at that point she was relieved to just be off the topic of family. “I have terrible luck in that department.”

Alvie tilted her head in sympathy. “Let’s grab drinks tonight.”

Before she could answer, her phone rang. Sanjay.

“I’m sorry—I have to . . . do you mind if . . .”

Alvie waved her on. “Be my guest. But let me warn you: Keep that thing out of Jack’s sight. He considers cell phones a personal affront.”

“No calls in front of Jack—got it.” She slipped around the counter and crouched out of sight. “Hello?” she said quietly.

“Gemma?”

“Yes. It’s me. Hi.”

“You sound weird,” Sanjay said.

She straightened up a little. “Sorry. I’m at work, so I’m trying to talk quietly.”

“Work? Where?”

“In Provincetown. At my aunt’s store.”

“You’re still out there?” he said.

“Yes. Um, my aunt needed some help in the shop.” If she was honest with herself, Celeste had looked completely surprised by Jack’s offer last night—and not entirely happy. But she quickly recovered and agreed it was a good idea, and that Alvie could train her before her last day.

“What about your jewelry?” he said.

“What about it?”

“I thought this summer was all about finding an investor.”

“It is. That’s definitely a priority. But I told you I want to find my mother’s ring and maybe that can help.”

His silence made his disapproval loud and clear despite the three hundred miles between them.

“Is that why you called? To check up on me?” she said.

“No. I’m calling because you left the storage locker key in my car. I didn’t know if you realized it was missing or if you’d need it soon. But I guess it’s not a pressing issue.”

She’d been so distracted in her last week in the city, it was a miracle she hadn’t left more things behind in random places.

“Thanks. Can you just hold on to it for me?”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure. But, Gem, I’m worried you’re letting this family stuff distract you. You won the NYSD award. You’re at the start of such great things. Just come back here and get to work.”

She felt a flash of annoyance. “Why are you lecturing me? You’re working a hotel desk more than you’re doing photography. We all have to make compromises.”

“Yeah, but you’re more talented than I am. That’s why I take all those pictures for you. Your work makes my work better.”

She smiled, even though he couldn’t see her through the phone. It was classic Sanjay: admonishing her and then complimenting her all at the same time. “Then I guess you’re going to have to come out and visit me,” she said flirtatiously.