So could Audrey. Colette was dressed in a little black sheath mini-dress with a mauve silk scarf, spiky heels, and tortoise-shell glasses. It made her look like a leggy 70’s pop star crossed with a strict librarian. How did she do it? As small consolation, Audrey realized that she would never look good in that dress; she was just too curvy.

“Thanks. You’re supposed to be on my side,” Audrey said.

“I am, I am. I’m offering myself as a sacrificial lamb. And I’d love to be the stay-at-home house husband. I’m perfect for her. Anyway, you should be talking to him, not Colette. Let’s go over, and I’ll distract her.”

“Thanks, I think.” Max was good-looking, but he wasn’t preppy, and Audrey suspected that was Colette’s type. It was a shame that she and Max were not attracted to each other. They got along so well as friends.

Audrey and Max joined Colette and Tim by the center table, and Audrey introduced everybody.

“The food is delicious,” Colette said, gesturing to the platters. “I took your friend’s card. I’m hosting a baby shower in April, so maybe Eve could cater it. I’ve been worried about what to do for food. I don’t want to rely on my cooking skills.”

“You’re a good cook,” Tim said.

“You’re being kind. I have one dish, and that’s an omelet.”

Max and Audrey looked at each other, and Audrey suspected that they both had the same thought: an omelet—Tim had stayed over and had breakfast with Colette? Tim and Colette were dating, then. But Colette continued, “I think you were just really hungry that evening.” She smiled up at Tim and then explained to Audrey and Max, “It was the Unicorn project team dinner, and the portions were tiny. Even I was hungry afterward. Since my apartment was around the corner from the restaurant, I invited Tim over for an omelet.”

“It was a very good omelet,” Tim said staunchly. His buttoned-up dress shirt and khaki pants made him seem stiff in this party environment.

“I do make good omelets, but that’s it. I am not sure that’s going to work at this baby shower, although it is a brunch. But then I’d rather not be cooking and hosting—especially with all the various baby shower games I have to pull off. I had no idea it was so complicated.”

Max said he would introduce her to Eve and led Colette away, leaving Audrey alone with Tim. Max was a good wingman.