“Do you have anything stronger than a latte?” Virdia grouses into the growing silence, effectively breaking the tension.

Alastair releases his breath.

Virdia’s fixed up her makeup a bit and her voice is steady, but her eyes remain puffy. Judging by the sympathetic smile that turns up the corners of Oliver's mouth, he knows she’s just been crying.

“Yes!” Olvier nearly cheers.

“No,” insists Lea, at the same time. ...