I laughed too loudly, intentionally drawing some attention to us. The cocktails arrived quickly, we clinked glasses, and I broke into a broad smile because I saw Kat and James being escorted to their table right next to us. They sat down across from one another, with Kat facing me.

The restaurant was loud, and the tables sat fairly close together. James gave me a slight look of recognition initially, trying to place my face. I glanced at him with the same expression a few times. Kat just smiled her TV smile. Gloria and I chatted benignly and drained out first cocktails before ordering another round. I picked up my...