Elena’s health obsession was something Alex had spent a lot of money unpacking in therapy. It started as an earnest attempt to combat the infertility issues she’d experienced after having Alex, gradually morphing into an all-consuming religion. But because her fixation on muscle building, protein consumption, and sleep quality edged closer to genuine health than standard diet culture, they were harder to criticize—no matter how oppressive they sometimes felt.

“Let him have his cheese,” Alex finally said in quiet protest.

“You don’t have to listen to him in the bathroom every morning.”

“That’s gross, Mom.” Alex paused, dipping her mascara brush in its tube for more product. “Is he okay?”

“He’s fine, you know. Fine.”

Fine usually indicated an unremarkable week in which his back allowed him to drive the cab, but not much else. Good meant he had picked up a full week of shifts, and great meant he was working more than usual—and that the Buffalo Bills were having a good season.

“Did you see?” Alex leaned into the camera, resting her hands on her collarbone and turning her head back and forth, “I’m wearing the necklace.”

“I saw, it’s beautiful.” She paused, appraising her daughter before seizing the moment. “You look relaxed.”

Relaxed meant it seemed like Alex wasn’t working too much.

“Thank you.” She smiled, eager to gild the lily. “I deleted my work email off my phone.” This was half-true, as she had already redownloaded the app multiple times since arriving—but she was much less connected than usual, especially with the sometimes unreliable WiFi service on the Verseau.

“I’m glad to hear it, baby. They can survive a few weeks without you.”

“Well, I’m not sure about that, but that’s not my problem right now.”

“Exactly.” She paused for a sip of water. “And everyone is being nice?”

“Yes, everyone is being nice.”

“See? You had nothing to worry about.”

“Yes, Mom, you’re right about everything.”

“Not everything.” She unwrapped a string cheese, her glittery red nails glinting in the overhead office light. “But I knew you were getting too worked up about this. They like you, or they wouldn’t have invited you.”

It was no use arguing this point again, so Alex simply nodded, leaning closer to the mirror to apply a layer of gloss over her lipstick.

“And what are you getting so dolled up for?”

“It’s Paul’s big night out.”