“Natalie, it wasn’t just me. As you can see there were a lot of people who were out looking for your brother,” Regan said as she glanced around the bar.

Conrad was next to his ex-wife, Penny, his arm around the back of her chair. Alexis was beaming. “I’m going to invite everyone here to my birthday party. Dad, don’t forget. The party’s a week from Saturday.”

“Of course I won’t forget! Maybe I’d better come home with you and your mother tonight and help with all the plans,” he suggested, squeezing his ex-wife’s shoulder.

Penny sipped her drink. “I have girlfriends who would never speak to me again if I took you back.”

“Who cares what they think?” Conrad leaned over and kissed her cheek.

She raised her eyebrows and laughed.

Never say never, Conrad thought hopefully.

Kit and Billy were on stools at the bar, finally getting a chance to know each other. Wouldn’t that be nice? Regan thought. Phil had his arm around Dodie. Melanie was telling everyone she wanted to move to New York. Becky was toasting Chip’s foray into comedy. Larry had made room for him in the first class. Chip and his parents happily clinked glasses.

Nora and Luke had arrived from Los Angeles that afternoon. “Regan, I can’t believe we missed everything,” Nora said. “But I’m glad we’re here for the celebration.”

Rod and Wally and Arthur were stuck at a corner table with Zora and Leon. Zora was chewing their ears off. “And, Arthur, I think if anyone is going to catch that bandit who stole our sculptures, it will be you. I just know it. I’m telling you, if you just put your mind to it…”

Jack smiled and looked at Regan. “Honey, I can’t believe we’re letting them get away with breaking into our apartment.”

“But, Jack,” Regan said with a glint in her eye. “We’ll be the first people in the history of renovations who have their apartment finished on time.” She glanced over at Wally and Rod, who both looked a little glum. “Something tells me it might even be ready early…”

Laughing, Jack leaned down and kissed her. “Regan, I don’t care where I live or under what conditions…as long as I’m with you.”

Contents

Acknowledgments

July 14th, 9 P.M.

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July 15th, 9 P.M.

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