"Good," Sarah says over the top of her drink, still smiling at them both. "Do more of it, please. I'm afraid one ray from the sun might knock my poor boy over."

"God, mom," Fabrice mutters, his face entirely like a beet now, but the corners of his mouth are twitching, especially as Demetri nudges his shoulder. He smiles at Demetri in turn, nudging him back before ducking his head.

"To new friendships," he agrees eventually, drinking in Demetri's closeness and his mother's well-meaning jibes just as much as the alcohol in his bottle.