“So, tell me more about your family,” Sylvie prompts.

I watch her play with the long ears of her Basset hound on my phone screen. I’m jealous; I long for her slender fingers to fondle me with her affection.

“I’m the youngest at 28. My parents are in their 70s. I have an older brother that’s 48 and an older sister that’s 42. I was a mistake.” I smile, attempting to make light of the obvious age difference with my siblings.

Sylvie raises her eyebrows, urging ...