Tim mentioned an issue he was having with a junior associate assigned to his case and then asked her a legal question he was wrestling with. She concentrated on giving her best answer. She hoped he wasn’t going to talk about work the whole time. They moved away from the appetizers to the balcony doors, where the air seemed cooler. He looked out the glass doors to the murky darkness beyond, the black night tempered by the twinkling Christmas lights around the balcony railing.

“This is fun. It’s been a while since you had a party,” he said.

“Too long, probably.”

“I still remember vividly your garden party our first year at the law firm. We barely knew each other, but you invited all the litigators. You were wearing this very summery yellow dress.”

“Wow, you remember that?”

“Distinctly. And you started dancing with some of your college girlfriends on top of the picnic table in your backyard.” His warm brown eyes looked into hers. She could smell his woodsy cologne. Maybe the party setting was going to work.

“A bit wilder then.”

“Law firm life does tend to tame one.” He gestured out the window. “What happened to the picnic table?”

“It broke. Either the winter weather or the dancing destroyed it. I’ve been meaning to replace it …” She paused. Like so much of her life, it was on hold while vying for partner. And if a partner, she doubted she would be dancing on picnic tables—except for the day she made it. “Lately we’ve just been dining at the little table out here.” She gestured to the balcony table.

“A table for two—much more intimate.”

Audrey was not sure whether to leave him with the impression that she might be dating someone (per Eve’s advice: don’t let him think you’re completely available) or clarify that she was usually eating with Eve on the balcony (also per Eve’s advice: let him know that you’re interested). Flirting was so complicated.

At that moment, Jake walked up and put his arm around her. Her body warmed. She had no reaction when Max put his arm around her, except for a comfortable big brother feel, but when Jake touched her, she could feel the contact through her dress.

Jake said, “I’m so sorry, I have to steal our hostess away for a second. Party demands.”

Jake still had his arm about her, and she wanted to stay within his embrace.

Tim, surprised, said, “I understand.” He pulled out his phone.

“What’s the party emergency?” she asked as Jake tugged her back to the table.