“You even chose the tablecloth.”

“Especially the tablecloth.”

Dinner was noisy.

Elise brought a cake that leaned slightly to one side.

Rosa told stories about the first townhouse, including the burned rolls.

Lydia apologized again to Mariana, this time without asking to be forgiven.

Nobody mentioned the legal dispute unless Mariana brought it up herself.

After dessert, Mariana tapped her glass with a spoon.