The doorbell rang and James got up to answer it. We were all sitting in the drawing room waiting for the Fosters. We weren’t formally dressed since it was a casual get-together although Karani insisted on smart casual, meaning no jeans or boots.
We heard James welcome them and stood up. The Fosters were led into the drawing room, and I was formally introduced to Terry, Sonja, Lucy and Ethel. I had to smile as Ethel only had eyes for James.
“Welcome, Michael and Terry,” Karani said with a smile and showed them to a couch. Malachi poured drinks for them while I catered to Sonja and Lucy. Ethel had made herself comfortable on James’s lap and ignored everyone else.
James was so uncomfortable that I wanted to laugh. Ethel was blatantly staring at him and I could see the disapproval in Michae
