It was a surprise visit, but when Rachel found herself so nearby, she couldn't resist. She'd been vacationing with Mohinder in Santa Barbara; he was traveling home to India for New Year's, and she didn't have anywhere in particular to be, so there was no reason she couldn't drop in on her friend.

She was smiling as she stepped into the courtyard. She spied the table, and walked over to it, depositing the bottle of champagne she'd brought beside the others. Then she turned toward the people scattered about, trying to find a familiar face, or, barring that, someone who looked approachable.