With a longing look, Cecil watched as Gwyneth McGee walked away from us, but the older woman seemed so offended at the rude interruption that Cecil couldn’t call to her.

Ela whispered something into her partner’s ear, and he chuckled richly and shook his head in response. Cecil didn’t like that because her teeth gritted, and she turned her attention to Ela and the man Gwyneth had just called Mr. Martinez, but before she could speak, I did.

“Ms. Garcia, it’s so nice to have you here. I am glad you honoured the invitation,” I said, holding a smile on my face in hopes of diffusing the tension that had...