The room was inviting, with oversized chairs and deep couches. Sleek vases of holly and ivy. The antique grandfather clock that Henry had cleverly built into the wall. One of the first elite settlers brought it over the Rockies tied to a wagon. By the time Henry found it in an estate sale, it hadn’t worked in years. He had it restored to its original glory and built it into a huge bookshelf covering the wall opposite the fire. A permanent fixture of the house and a nod to the settlers who had come before.

Surveying the group, she was quite pleased. Everyone looked sharp, even the hired help. The waiters and bartender dressed chicly in fitted black button-downs and tapered black pants. The chef’s whites were starched and as yet unstained. The piano player’s tuxedo was obviously one he owned and not a rental, the bow tie actually tied, wasn’t a tacky clip-on. With the exception of Jules’s ridiculous snowflake dress, the Calhoun + Calhoun staff looked fashionable. And although Henry would’ve looked better in the green jacket, he looked distinguished. He stood slightly off to the side, at the back of the group. Fine, Claudine thought, let him play his favorite role: reluctant participant. At least he’s here. The Tigglemans nestled into one of the couches, and Kevin and Jerry remained standing, arms linked, eagerly listening.

“Welcome, everyone,” said Claudine. “Yes, tonight is our holiday party, but as you all know, this is also serving as an open house for one very special guest. A few ground rules for interacting with her. Don’t. This is specifically directed toward those of you working the party this evening. You are not to engage in any conversation with Zara. If she asks you a question, of course you should be polite and answer it. But that is all. Do not attempt to engage in conversation with her. For my team and those of you who are guests, obviously I want you to be charming and hospitable. I don’t want you to be standoffish. But neither do I want you to be overly chatty. Keep the small talk to a minimum. Zara’s attention should be on the house. Not us. Part of her interest in Aspen is because she wants anonymity. She wants to be treated like a normal person. So that’s what I expect you to do. No questions about her work. No ‘Where do you get your songwriting inspiration from?’ or ‘When you’re on tour, how do you manage to do those outfit changes so quickly between songs?’ None of that. And under no circumstances should you ask her anything about her personal life or her breakup with Liam.”

“We’ll treat him like Voldemort,” Jules said. “He Who Must Not Be Named.”

There was laughter among the group, although it quickly died upon seeing the serious look on Claudine’s face.