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“You meant more.”

“I usually do.”

I take a glass of water from a passing tray. “Why are you here?”

“Alester invited me.”

“That answers nothing.”

“I was curious.”

“About Alester?”

“About why a man who treats birthdays like administrative errors suddenly has flowers and cake energy.”

I look at her.

She lifts one shoulder. “Don’t look surprised. I was married to you, not blind.”

The music lowers before I can respond. The room begins to settle. Maggie turns slightly, confused.

That’s what catches me.

Not Alester moving toward the center of the room. Not Petra standing near the doorway with her hands folded. Maggie. Her face tells me she doesn’t know what’s happening.

I take one step in her direction.

Candace notices. “Who is that girl?” she asks.

“Not important,” I lie.

Candace looks at my face. “You were never a very good liar.”

“Thank you all for coming.”

The room goes quiet.

Maggie’s eyes move from Alester to Petra, then across the guests. I know that look now. It’s the same look she had in my car when she realized I was keeping part of the truth out of reach.

Alester continues, calm as ever. “I don’t often gather people without a practical reason.”

A few people laugh politely.

He waits for it to pass.

“But today is a special occasion, and deserves celebration.”

Maggie goes still. Her fingers tighten around her glass.

I start moving before he says her name. Not fast. Nothing that draws attention. Just enough to be closer.

Alester turns toward her. “Maggie,” he says, and now the whole room turns with him. “Happy birthday.”

The doors to the dining room open. A cake appears, carried by two members of staff. Candles lit. People smiling. Someone near the back begins clapping, and then the whole room joins in.

Maggie smiles. It’s a good smile if a person does not know her.

I know her.