Ryan nodded. “Ecology.”

Poppy turned to Rae. “And you start high school in the fall, right?”

Rae nodded. She was very pale and pretty and green-eyed, her light copper-colored hair cut straight around at her chin, big hoop earrings. Kimmy looked like a miniature version of her older sister, same complexion, same eyes. Similar haircut, although the hairdresser had gone a bit too short with Kimmy’s bangs, giving her the look of someone in a state of perpetual shock. And Kimmy’s permanent teeth were huge in her tiny head, her smile was rabbity and severe.

Lisa said, “Anyhow, we thought you two,” nodding toward Poppy and John, “could do the bedroom right up these stairs—it has a wonderful deck, queen-size bed—and you two,” pointing at Alex and Kimmy, “can take the bunk room in the basement. That leaves the two rooms with the double beds, one for Rae and one for Ryan—they’re both in the wing off the master.” She pointed down the hall.

Rae said to Ryan, “I already looked at the rooms, they’re both nice, you can decide.” She couldn’t quite bring herself to meet his eyes. He was so much more handsome than she remembered. And she loved boys so much. God, Rae could hardly stand how much she loved boys these days. She could think of little else. Her brain went haywire every time she spoke to one; words became weird and soft and dry in her mouth.

Ryan said, “Doesn’t make any difference to me.” His voice was deep and full, not like the boys her age, who had voices that were still either as high and singsong as her own or croaked between octaves like a broken clarinet.

They all walked through the house together and Poppy tried to conceal her awe, which quickly gave way to discomfort. She had never set foot in a place like this. She’d only seen homes this nice on those TV shows that featured the houses of athletes and pop stars. It had to be worth many millions. Lisa breezed through the place looking perfectly at ease in her white linen dress, grazing her fingers elegantly over this piece of furniture and that piece of art. Scott sniffed things up close and picked at several imperfections throughout the house: a scratch on the coffee table, a stain on the bathmat. It occurred to Poppy that Lisa and Scott probably vacationed in places like this all the time. Probably even nicer. They didn’t exactly seem thrilled with the house.

Lisa said, “Careful for splinters going barefoot on the deck, looks like it’s been a while since it was refinished,” and, “The only clothing steamer I’ve seen is in our bedroom, so if anyone needs it, just ask.”

Poppy said, “Clothing steamer?”

“Like an iron but does a better job,” Lisa explained. “Less direct heat.”

Kimmy said, “It is hot, though. I burned my thumb on ours at home when I touched my communion dress before it cooled down. I even have a scar.” She shoved her thumb into the air at Poppy’s nose.