“Some of us just really don’t want to meet our neighbors right now,” muttered Kiki. “Once you all leave, who do you think will have to actually interact with him and deal with the consequences?”

“I know,” said Heather. “I’m stopping.”

“I’m sorry,” said Sarah. “That was stupid.”

It was hard to tell exactly how bothered Kiki was, and Sarah realized she was leaning forward in her chair toward her as Matthew was leaning back. He looked suddenly distracted or indifferent to this exchange, and she was never quite prepared for when he exempted himself from a conversation. Sometimes it seemed as though he lost interest in a moment just as she became fascinated.

Sarah noticed a diamond speck embedded, fetchingly, in the flat cartilage of Heather’s ear. “So what about you two?” she asked Heather and Karim. “How did you meet? Why do I have a feeling it’s a juicy story?”

Matthew shifted in his chair, obviously disapproving of Sarah’s prying, which was infuriating, given how Heather carried herself as if she were practically begging to spill secrets.

“I cheated,” Heather said, instantly proving Sarah correct. “I mean, with Karim. He was my friend and I fell in love with him.” She took his hand.

Everyone kept quiet.

Sarah nodded, momentarily thrilled to invest in someone else’s highs and lows, be they petty or monumental. Why hadn’t she understood earlier today how preferable it would be to focus on other people?

“It was messy,” Heather said. “But it worked out.”

For now, Sarah did not say.

Heather gave a crooked smile. “I knew I’d be resentful if I kept shutting myself down. I never thought I wanted to be married to anyone besides my ex. But it was … so much bigger.”

“I do wish you hadn’t lied to him at first,” Kiki said.

“I know.” Heather nodded. “But—” She cut herself off, as if she knew whatever she’d intended to say would be indefensible to Kiki.

“Though you told me you thought he already knew,” Kiki said almost pleadingly, and Sarah realized Kiki had been a friend of this ex, maybe still was. “Don’t you remember that? Right after he found out? You said you thought he’d known but was maybe okay with it?”

“He didn’t know.” Heather finished her wine. “I was lying then.”

“Oh,” said Kiki. Sarah saw Kiki’s face change along with Karim’s. His easygoing manner was suddenly and completely gone. “Oh.”

“If I’m honest”—Heather’s voice was free from any nuances that might be construed as even vaguely apologetic—“I think most people stay together out of fear. Most people would be happier if everyone met someone new every seven years or so. And if everyone knew they could find someone great every seven years or so, everyone would do it.”

“That’s bullshit,” said Matthew.