“Grandy will be out in a minute,” Natalie said. She paused, casting a hesitant look at him. “I have news about that vase. Turns out it’s even more awesome than Tess predicted. We contacted the Tang family, and they were blown away by the find. They’re going to donate it to the Chinese American Heritage Society, and it’ll be featured in a collection of rare Chinese antiquities. There’s an annual gala coming up, and they’re holding a special reception to announce the acquisition. The governor and mayor will be there, along with big donors, Smithsonian magazine … And probably lots of other stuff. Anyway, it’s a big deal.”

“Sounds great. Hope your grandfather is happy.”

“He is, sure.” Another pause. He wondered what was on her mind. “You’re part of the story,” she added. “You know that, right?”

“I didn’t run away screaming when a spider crawled out of it.”

She flushed. “I’m glad you were there to catch the vase. It could have been a disaster.”

“Glad to be of service.”

Another beat of hesitation. “So there’s an invitation.” She went to the back office and returned with a letterpressed card on thick, fancy paper. “They invited Grandy and me and the bookstore staff. Would you like to come?” Her gaze darted to and fro, and her words came out in a nervous rush. “I thought since you found it, you might want to join us.”

“A gala, huh?” Was that what was making her nervous?

“It’s, um, kind of formal. Like, really formal. A dressy thing. So if you’d rather not, I understand completely.”

And so did he, finally. There was no humor in his grin when he said, “Love to. When is it?”

“Oh! It’s …” She showed him the invitation. “Sorry, it all came together so fast. The vase unveiling is a last-minute addition to their annual event. We were given tickets as the guests of the Tang family. Again, I’m sorry about the short notice. They just let me know.”

He flipped through the schedule in his head, the one that managed Dorothy, his work projects, the band, and his nonexistent personal life. He and Regina tried to be flexible with their parenting schedule. “Sure, I can make it.”

“Great! It’s being held in the most amazing space—the Moon Lee Mansion. Do you know it?”