Sebastian had just finished telling them about his interaction with Luke.

“It’s like he’s determined not to acknowledge that we’re awesome,” Ben said.

“When we clearly are,” Genevieve said, “very awesome.”

“‘True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.’” Natasha winked. “C. S. Lewis quote. It seemed apropos.”

“He hasn’t been open to getting together with us or acknowledging how awesome we are for almost two decades,” Sebastian pointed out. “I think it’s time we accept that’s not going to change.”

Natasha’s fork stopped swirling noodles. “I can’t.”

“Me neither,” Genevieve said. “There’s something within me that simply won’t give up hope of reconnecting with him. He was down there with us. He survived it with us. Only we know what he endured. The fact that he hasn’t been a part of our group since then has been a sore spot in my heart all this time.”

“He told you he was going to work at an animal rescue charity?” Natasha asked Sebastian.

“Right.”

“That seems like a bizarre choice,” Ben said.

“He probably didn’t have many options.” Natasha gave up on the noodles. “Employers aren’t exactly lining up to hire parolees.”

“The only animal rescue charity in town that I know of is Furry Tails,” Ben said.

“Oh!” Genevieve brightened. “Furry Tails is owned by Finley Sutherland. She’s great. She comes out to the farm stand to buy fruit and vegetables almost every weekend. Do any of you know her?”

“I think I’ve met her,” Ben said. “Does she have dark hair?”

“Yes, she looks like a modern-day Snow White. Long black hair. Blue eyes. I love how she dresses . . . very boho chic. She’s definitely a champion of lost causes.”

Sebastian snorted. “Then she’s Luke’s perfect employer.” He checked his watch. He was due at Leah’s soon to watch a movie, and he planned to arrive early.

“Wyatt keeps trying to talk me into visiting Furry Tails and adopting a dog,” Natasha said. “I’ve resisted because if I go, I’ll probably bring home several aging animals. No thank you. My hands are full. I have children.”

“Doesn’t Furry Tails specialize in pug rescue?” Ben asked.

“That’s what I’ve heard,” Natasha said.

“Aww,” Genevieve said. “How come you haven’t adopted a pug, Ben? You’d be a great dog owner.”

“You want me to adopt an aging animal?”

“Yes,” the sisters said in unison.

“I wouldn’t want to leave a dog at home all day while I’m working.”

“If it’s aging,” Sebastian pointed out, “it might not mind.”

Genevieve laughed. “Well, in order to see and speak with Luke, a few of us might need to start making regular visits to Furry Tails come January.”

“I’m game,” said Ben, always a team player.