We”—Kit broke off to gesture to the table where she, Polly, and Fiona had been sitting just a few minutes ago—“all teach at the same school. A Catholic school in Oakland.”

“That’s nice.”

“We didn’t know each other before we started working together but we’ve become really close. I’ve known Polly almost seven years, and Fiona for the past three.”

“You girls go out a lot?”

“Just once or twice a month. Keeps us sane.”

“You always come here?”

“Usually. It’s familiar, and convenient, since Polly lives close by. What about you?”

“I’m still new to the area. First time here. But I like this place. It’s mellow. Has a good vibe.”

“It does.” Kit looked at him more closely, wondering if it was fair to be prejudiced against him simply because he was good-looking. Or was she prejudiced because he was good-looking and he knew it? Either way, she wasn’t sure she liked him. “Where did you move from?”

“I’ve moved around a bit with work, but I’m from Houston.”

“I thought I heard an accent.”

“Not too strong, I hope.”

“No. So what do you do?”

“Work in the oil business.”

“You’re with Chevron,” she guessed.

He nodded. “Just got transferred here a month ago.”

“Which office?”

“San Ramon, but I live not far from here so I’m close to offices and operations in Richmond and San Francisco.”

“What do you think so far?”

“Still finding my way around. But I like being close to a city and you’ve got all the professional sports, too.”

“My dad and brother love that about the Bay Area, too, although my dad roots for the San Francisco teams while Tommy has become an A’s and Warriors fan.”

“Who do you root for?”

“Niners. Grew up watching Montana, Young, and Rice make history. Loved Jerry. Loved Ronnie Lott. They were incredible. And then the Niners fell apart and sucked for a while—”

“A long while.”

She shrugged, feeling cocky. “But they’re back. We’re in the play-offs. And I think we’ve got a good chance against the Saints this weekend.”

“So who is your favorite player?”

“Patrick Willis, middle linebacker. He’s a playmaker. He makes things happen.”

“I have to say I’m impressed by Alex Smith this year. He’s proven himself to be quite a quarterback—” He broke off as Polly appeared at the table with Jon right behind her.

Kit could tell from Polly’s expression that she wanted to go, and quickly. Kit got to her feet. “It was nice to meet you,” she said to Michael. “And good luck settling in. I hope you’ll like living here.”

Kit glanced at Polly as they walked silently to her car.