She grinned. “Loquacious as usual, huh? Well, thanks. This used to be my nana’s, so I thought I’d repurpose it.”

Leo appeared at his elbow and tutted at DE. He’d worn his long hair down and was dressed in a very flashy blue suit. “And does Nana know that you have so mercilessly ‘repurposed’ her dress?”

DE smiled slyly. “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?”

“Yes, yes, I suppose so. But enough of that because I have exciting news: I am ready to find a girlfriend,” Leo said, throwing up his hands just as Rahul walked up. He was dressed more conservatively, like Grey, in a black suit, although he was wearing a tie and Grey had decided to go open collar. Honestly, Grey thought, he just couldn’t be bothered with a tie for the sake of two or three mind-numbing hours of standing around.

“Congratulations?” DE said to Leo, raising an eyebrow. “Got anyone in mind? I might want to warn her.”

“I have compiled Leo’s requirements for a partner from several conversations and have come to the conclusion that the only true requirement is that she have a pulse,” Rahul said, completely deadpan.

“Why do you say this to me?” Leo asked over DE’s guffaw, ostensibly hurt, though his mouth twitched. “Okay, okay, I do confess this: my requirements have been very lax in the past. But this year I will find my one true love!”

“True love is an abstract, illogical social construct that likely does not exist,” Rahul countered. “There’s no biological imperative to support the concept of true love.”

Leo sighed, then, turning to DE, he said, “Well, at least things are going better for you, mon amie. I have seen Alaric and Caterina fighting a lot recently. You must be very happy, non?”

DE flushed and looked away. “Not especially.”

“But you and Alaric—” Leo began.

“Well, that doesn’t mean I think it’s all candy hearts and unicorn farts, okay?” DE snapped. “Do you think I like being the reason for someone’s heartache? Do you think I’m a total bitch?”

Leo looked taken aback. “Non,” he said carefully. “I do not think that at all.”

DE put two fingers to the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have… I need a drink.”

As she walked away, Leo said, “Hmm. That ship, it has a crack in its foundation.”

“Ships don’t have foundations. Buildings have foundations,” Rahul said, and began to walk off. “I’m hungry.”

Leo, apparently back to his usual optimistic state, grinned and rubbed his hands. “Okay. Would you like to go with me to execute Mission Find-a-Partner, Grey? I really feel this is the year for us.”

“No, thank you,” Grey said, putting one hand in his pocket. “I’m going to hang out here.”