There are already so many familiar faces around the dinner table, but when I see Kate's among them, I can't help but smile and give her a wave before heading over. We haven't spoken much at all and I haven't seen her since Diwali, but the little time I've spent with her, I've enjoyed. And, as a friend of Derek's, I know she's good people.

Plus, she has excellent taste in clothing if absolutely nothing else.

"I'm so glad you could make it!" I tell her when I'm near enough to set my plate down. "Do you mind if I sit with you for a bit or is this seat taken?"