Aneeta’s table, set beneath an arbor in the backyard, reminded Maja of something from a cooking magazine. One of those spreads where a chef entertains their friends at home with a casual six-course meal that just happens to include a signature cocktail, pizzas pulled from backyard wood-fired ovens, and artfully arranged platters of stone fruits for dessert. The guests are always beautiful and boho, smiling as they sip wine from water glasses, a casual touch to show that this was all just thrown together. The host is relaxed in the pictures, never hovering over the stove or cursing when he remembers that he forgot to buy flowers for the table.

And there was Aneeta, laughing as she untied a pristine apron from around her waist and ushered Maja into the garden. The patio was Pottery Barn perfect, with wicker sofas and strings of warm white lights strung overhead, and Aneeta’s two boys were kicking a soccer ball back and forth on the thick green lawn. The table was set with a silver champagne bucket and a cheese plate. What had happened to the Cheetos?

Aneeta popped the champagne and poured two glasses. Ted and Adil came out of the house, carrying tumblers of scotch, and they all clinked glasses. “I don’t like the circumstances,” Adil said, “but we’re always happy to see you. To new neighbors.”

“If we’re ever able to move in,” Ted said darkly.

Adil grimaced with sympathy. “Let me show you the new dock,” he said, leading Ted down to the riverfront where he kept his kayak. The two little boys trailed behind them, leaving Aneeta and Maja alone.

“Ted’s taking it hard,” Aneeta observed.

“He’s a day behind me on letting it sink in,” Maja said. “Until you see the house, it’s hard to believe that a party could cause that much damage.”

“Here,” Aneeta said, refilling Maja’s glass. “Drink. What did your insurance agent say?”

Maja shrugged. “They’re sending us some forms, and there’s a deductible, of course. That’s the first thing they tell you. But at least we got the process started. The police haven’t told us that we can clean up yet, so we’re in a bit of a holding pattern.”

“What about work?” Aneeta asked. “Are you going back up to New York tomorrow?”

“I’ll have to,” Maja replied. “Louis is in Miami until Thursday, and we have an opening this weekend.”

“He’s lucky to have you,” Aneeta said. “But please tell me that you aren’t going to keep commuting once you move down here.”

“Ted will be commuting every day,” Maja said. “Just like Adil.”

“Sure,” Aneeta said. “But not on the weekends! It can hardly be worth the money . . .” She stopped abruptly, realizing what she’d said.