I smiled and explained, "I've been staying on the east side of the city lately. It's faster to take a cab."
Mrs. Lambert didn't say anything, just tightened her grip on my hand, then pulled me down to sit beside her.
The room buzzed with classmates greeting each other and presenting gifts, the atmosphere lively and warm.
After a few glasses of wine, someone started joking around. "Out of all of us, Jeffrey really has the best luck."
"A genius everyone envied back in school, then made a fortune in business, and even married a sweet, understanding heiress."
Someone pointed at Laura with a grin.
"Look at that—not only does he have a devoted wife at home, he's got a beauty by his side at work too!"
Laura, mid-motion placing food in Jeffrey's bowl, paused her chopsticks and shot the speaker a mock-angry glare.
"What do you all know? Jeffrey is my boss—my meal ticket! Of course I'm going to suck up to him!"
"Besides, I don't think Jeffrey's luck is all that great. If we're talking lucky, that's Jill."