Gage hid an amused smile at Miles’s obvious distaste for the new breed of fame. He hadn’t been a believer either, until Elena had personally demonstrated the power of social media influence. He understood the sway people like her—and, on a bigger scale, Chiara Campagna—could have in the court of public opinion.

Desmond held up his phone. “Astrid already said it’s no problem. Chiara is going to visit their new baby, so Gage, you can meet her, too.”

“There’s a baby.” Gage hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but he’d forgotten all about the fact that Jonah was a new father. “Has anyone else seen it?”

“It is a her,” Desmond clarified. “Her name is Katja, and Jonah is over the moon about her. You should have gone to see them already.”

“What have you got against babies?” Miles asked, looking slightly more cheerful now that Gage was in the hot seat.

“Nothing.” He rose to his feet and finished his bourbon. “It’s just one more thing Zach will never have. And I know we try not to talk about him or about how much what happened sucks, but there’s something about these life milestones that brings it back, you know?”

Neither of them answered because of course they knew. The ticking of the grandfather clock seemed to increase in volume, filling the room.

When the silence stretched out, Gage set his glass on the fireplace mantel. “It’s a good plan to distract Elena,” he said finally, hoping he could convince her. “I’ll touch base with Astrid before we go, but as soon as she confirms Chiara will grant an interview, I’ll call for a pilot.”

Desmond nodded. “You’re welcome to stay at the casino if you’d rather not stay at Jonah’s. I’ll make sure there’s a suite available.”

“Thank you.” Gage suspected he’d need that kind of distance. For him, Jonah’s happiness as a father would be a vivid reminder of the life and opportunities Zach would never have. “I appreciate that.”

Of course, staying in a suite with Elena would present problems of another kind. But he’d gladly face the fireworks he felt whenever she was around rather than think about all the ways he’d failed his old friend.

Chiara Campagna sat in her makeup chair, getting ready for tonight’s appearance at a Hollywood premiere and reflecting on her upcoming trip. She’d just returned from Montana and now looked forward to the time in Lake Tahoe to see her friend Astrid. Chiara could count on one hand the people who had elevated her social media status to the precarious heights it had reached two years ago, and former supermodel Astrid Norlander was one of them.