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“Why would we?” Austin pretends to flick hair he doesn’t have behind his shoulder. This boy. He’s delighted me from the second he was born. Because he was my fourth, everything was just so much easier with him. I could actually enjoy being the mother of a toddler instead of being run ragged all the time—and I could also afford to hire a lot of help by then.

Imani and Juan approach, circling around Nora. Austin is easily absorbed into their little bubble. I observe them for a while, unable to suppress a smile. My biggest job of the day is done: I made my son happy. I’ve always been a working mother, but nevertheless, my family has always come firmly first. I can’t wait until tomorrow when they all descend onto my home, all flocking around me like Nora’s entourage is doing around her now.

* * *

Despite not needing a ride home last night, Austin’s the first to arrive for brunch the next day. Before I can quiz him on what happened after I left, Heather gets there with her husband, Bobby, and her two young boys.

The minute she walks in, Austin hooks his arm through his sister’s and walks her into the backyard. I can clearly hear the words ‘Nora’ and ‘Levine’ being mentioned over and over again.

The boys have run outside, and I pour my son-in-law a cup of coffee, enjoying the relative quiet for a few seconds.

“Mom,” Heather appears in the door frame. “Why didn’t you tell me you were working with Nora Levine?”

“I’m pretty sure I did, darling.” When you have a three and a five-year-old, things tend to get lost in conversation.

“No way. I would have remembered.”

“Well, now you know.”

“And you took Austin to meet her!” It’s as though Heather has time-traveled back to her teens.

“I could hardly take all four of you,” I say matter-of-factly.

“Austin always gets everything in this family, just ‘cause he’s the youngest.” She play-punches her brother in the biceps.

“You don’t know the half of it,” Austin replies.

“What do you mean?” Heather narrows her eyes.

“Meeting Nora was out of this world, but…” Austin pauses for effect. “Meeting her best friend Juan was something else entirely.”

Before Heather can question her brother further—and I hear something I’d rather not—Lauren and Jennifer arrive in quick succession.

Heather immediately whisks Jennifer, her twin, away and they disappear into their twin bubble.

Lauren kisses me on the cheek, expels a deep sigh, and hands me her one-year-old baby girl. “Guess who refused to sleep more than two hours last night?”

“Where’s Gus?” I cradle my granddaughter in my arms, melting at the sight of her.

“He’s taking a much-needed power nap. He’ll be here in an hour or so.” Lauren sinks into a chair.

Austin walks over to her and puts his hands on her shoulders. “Do you need some little brother magic?” he asks.

Lauren lets her head fall back and looks up at him. “Depends where those hands have been lately.” She bursts into a grin.

“Don’t ask me something you don’t want the answer to.” Austin grins back before massaging his sister’s shoulders.

I exchange a glance with my son-in-law while my children are busy with each other. Depending on how long it’s been since Heather and Jennifer spoke, we might not see them for a while.

I remember what Nora asked me last night about my family. I might have sacrificed certain parts of myself for the sake of them, but it was only for a while, and I never regretted it for one single second, because I’ve always been abundantly rewarded.

“Is there anything—” Bobby’s interrupted by the twins bounding into the kitchen.

“It’s been decided, Mom,” Heather says. “You need to invite Nora Levine to brunch with all of us sooner rather than later. How about next weekend?”

I burst into a chuckle. “Yeah, right.” I’ve worked in TV all my life and my kids are not easily impressed by fame—but I guess anyHigh Lifecast member is an exception. I’d best not share Nora Levine is coming to dinner here sometime soon. “I don’t think that would be Nora’s jam.”

“Why not?” Lauren asks.