“No. And Phoebe already has a boyfriend, so you’d be looking at a foursome. At least.”
Neill’s foot tapped. “But is he an academic wunderkind?”
“He’s not dumb. And he’squitedebonair.”
He thought this over, breath whooshing loudly through his nostrils. “You’re just jealous.”
Before I could assure him of my indifference, someone knocked at the door. “Snacks are in the living room.” I waved Neill in that direction before turning to greet the new arrival.
This time I was braced for another unpleasant surprise, so of course it was my friends, the peopleI’dinvited to my birthday party. They came in like springtime, soft and sweet-smelling and bearing flowers, as well as a helium balloon, gift bag, and giant box of chocolates. They took it in turns to hug me, calling me Lady Mary and telling me I looked great. (Anton had found me a vintage Liberty print blouse in rich autumnal shades.) Before I could explain about Anjuli, someone tapped the half-open door.
“Hello,” said a deep voice. Apparently my mother had also invited Pittaya, who was holding a book-shaped present with an elaborate red bow. I wondered if he’d wrapped it himself.
“I thought you said Neill was short,” Arden whispered behind her hand.
“This is Pittaya.” I pointed out Terry and Arden. “Lydia you know.” They nodded at each other, not quite smiling. “Why don’t we ... go into the dining room?” I suggested, since the living room was now full of people I preferred to avoid.
We’d taken a few steps in that direction when the front door swung open behind us and Bo staggered in, carrying a pot of mums so voluminous he could barely see over it.
“Oh my gosh,” said Arden.
“I told my mom to get the biggest bunch they had.” Bo’s voice sounded strained.
“Would you like some help?” Pittaya asked.
“Thanks, man.” Bo passed him the flowers, dusting off his hands before adjusting his tie.
“That is so sweet!” Arden looked like she wanted to pinch his cheeks.
“Yeah, thanks.” I smiled at him. “Jasper would never bring me flowers.”
He winked at me. “I’m not your brother. Can’t say that enough times.”
“Nice tux,” said Lydia.
“This old thing?” He smoothed his lapels as he sauntered past us, leading the way into the dining room. “Why don’t you put them in the middle of the table?” he told Pittaya.
“Actually, the fondue pot goes there,” I said quickly, before the table could be turned into an arboretum. “How about here?”
As I arranged the flowers and gifts on the sideboard, Mom hurried in from the kitchen with a basket of cubed bread.
“Hello, Pittaya and Bo.” She turned to the girls, smiling politely. “Are you friends of Cam’s?”
Heat rushed to my face. “Mom, these aremyfriends. Arden and Lydia and Terry.” They smiled politely at my mother.
“Hello, ladies.” Jasper posed in the doorway, one hand to his heart. “You’re a vision of loveliness.”
While my friends laughed, I counted placemats. “Can we put another leaf in the table?” I asked my mother, sotto voce.
“Boys.” She clapped her hands. “Go down to the basement. We need more chairs.”
Jasper opened his mouth.
“Because you’re standing there, that’s why,” Mom said before he could protest. Muttering to herself about extra skewers, she headed for the kitchen.
Voices approached from the other direction. My shoulders stiffened, while Arden’s expression brightened. “Is it him?” she asked.
“Um,” I replied.
