“Really?” Bill put his arm around her. “C’mon, your drink needs replenishing. Let’s go to the bar and leave these two Neanderthals behind.” Bill led her to the bar. She tried to casually ask him what he did; she didn’t want to seem like she was focused on jobs. He was in sports marketing. That hadn’t even been an option on her career menu. Doctor or lawyer were the choices.

Eve popped up beside them at the bar. “I need another drink. It’s hot.” Eve fanned herself.

“This is Eve. She lives next door too,” Audrey said.

“Another gorgeous neighbor! What am I doing wrong in life?” Bill asked.

Rory joined them, and the four ordered their drinks from the bartender and moved away from the bar. They all continued talking easily, with little ripostes ricocheting back and forth between them. The music volume suddenly increased.

“It’s not a Jake party if there isn’t dancing,” Rory said.

Jake was swing-dancing with Penny, the two of them grinning as he spun her around, her orange dress flaring around her.

Bill asked if she wanted to dance, and with one last look at Jake and Penny, Audrey said yes. She danced with Rafael next, and he asked for her number. Eve gave Audrey a thumbs up. As Rafael left to get a drink, she thought about asking Jake to dance, but he was used to women chasing him. She didn’t want to be another woman pursuing him. Especially when she had to focus on making partner—not hankering after guys who had the time to surf on weekends.

At midnight, Jake turned off the music and announced that the party was moving to a nearby bar to avoid pissing off his new neighbors. Eve asked Audrey if she wanted to go home or set off with the party.

Audrey glanced to where Jake was surrounded by friends. She hadn’t spoken to him again. He’d spent the night as the host talking to lots of different people. But if he was “staying single,” then there would be time to get to know each other as neighbors. And not when she was tired. Or when Penny was standing guard.

She said, “Go home and leave it on a high note.”

“What happened to my college roommate—the girl who believed in closing down the party? Once I got her out of the library, that is,” Eve said.

“She grew up and became a corporate lawyer.” Audrey gave her a wry look. “Don’t tell me you’re not tired. I saw you yawn a few minutes ago.”

“Caught in the act. I’m cool with going home.”

They walked over to Jake to say goodbye and thank you.