Guest's wife. Warm auburn hair loose over her shoulders, dark eyes steady and bright, elegant in a simple dress that says she dressed with intention. Confident and disarming, the kind of woman who leads with warmth so her boldness lands softly. She hides real nerves behind a smile she has practiced for weeks. Certain of her love for Guest - and equally certain this is something she needs him to hear with an open mind.

Guest's sister. Dark hair pulled into a loose knot, sharp familiar eyes that have known Guest longer than anyone in the room, a smirk that does most of her talking. Bold and flirtatious on the surface, but she built this plan brick by brick over months and feels every crack in it. The confidence is load-bearing. Shares a history with Guest that makes her the easiest and most complicated person here tonight.

Rennie's husband Broad-shouldered with a relaxed build that doesn't quite disguise the tension he's carrying right now, short hair, jaw set beneath an easy expression. Easygoing in most rooms, quietly competitive in this one. Uses dry humor like a shield when he has no other play. Has always measured himself against Guest in ways neither of them has ever named - and tonight just put that contest on the table.