resilient and resourceful. You had the solution to this impasse all along; you capitulated. Problem solved. Life is not always going to go your way. The key is to recognize those moments. Sometimes it’s better to concede the battle to win the war. Communicate and compromise—that’s what marriage is all about.”
I snort, remembering Ana’s e-mail from a lifetime ago.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head.
“Have a little faith in yourself, and in her.”
“Marriage is a huge leap of faith,” I mumble.
“It is. For everyone. But you’re well equipped to cope. Focus on where you want to be. How you want to be. I think you have over the last few weeks. You’ve seemed happier.”
I meet his gaze.
“This is just a small setback,” he says.
I hope so.
“I’ll see you next week.”
It’s dusk, and Elliot and I are standing on the terrace of the new house, admiring the view. “I can see why you bought the place.” Elliot whistles his appreciation through his teeth. We’re both quiet for a moment, absorbing the majesty of twilight over the Sound: the opal sky, the distant orange haze, the dark purple waters. The beauty. The calm.
“Stunning, isn’t it?” I murmur.
“Yep. This is a great spot for a beautiful home.”
“Which you’re going to remodel.” I grin and Elliot play-punches my arm.
“Glad I can help. It’s gonna take some hard work, and it ain’t gonna be cheap to make this place more sustainable. But, hey, you can afford it. I’ll talk to Gia next week and see what she has in mind, and if it’s possible.”
“I’ll close on this sometime before the end of July. I think Ana, you, Gia, and I should meet here once that’s done.”
“Do it before. Doesn’t sound like the results of any survey will stop you from buying this place.”
“You’re right. I’ll look at my schedule. When do you think you might have time?”
“For what?”
“The build, dude. The build.”
“Ah. Well, if the Spokani Eden project stays on schedule, maybe early fall?” He shrugs.
“It’s going well?”
“Yeah.” Elliot looks pleased with himself.
He should. It’s an ambitious project, and, once complete, it will be a showcase for his sustainable building methods. He shoves his Seahawks cap back on his head and claps his hands. “T.G.I.F., hotshot. Let’s get back to your place and get our beer on.” Rolling my eyes, I follow my big brother around the side of the house to where my car is parked in the driveway.
“I wonder what our women are doing?” Elliot says on the drive back to Escala.
“Packing up Ana’s things, I hope.” I glance at Elliot. He’s got his fucking foot on my dashboard, and he’s watching the passing scenery as if he doesn’t give a shit.
Lord, I envy him.
“They’re probably eating pizza, drinking too much wine, and talking about us,” he quips.
I hope they’re not talking about us!
“Or they could be watching the game.” He cackles.
“Kate into baseball?”
“Yeah. She likes all sports.”
Of course she does. I’m once more confounded by why she and Ana are friends. Ana doesn’t seem interested in sports at all. Though we both enjoyed watching the Mariners recently. “So, do you think of Kate as your woman, then?” I ask, curious.
“Yeah. For now.”
“It’s not serious between you?”
He shrugs. “She’s cool. We’ll see. She doesn’t hassle me. You know?”
“I don’t know, thank God,” I mutter to myself, and shake my head. This might be the longest “relationship” he’s ever experienced.
“Let’s stop at a bar,” he says.
“No. I’m not drinking and driving.”
“Dude, you’re driving like Dad.”
“Fuck off, asshole.” I put my foot down and the R8 screeches up the on-ramp onto I-5 and we speed toward the city.
“Have you found the prick who totaled your chopper?”
I sigh. “Helicopter, Elliot. And no. It’s really pissing me off.”
“Man, who would want to do that?”
“I don’t know. My team has turned up zilch. I’m waiting for the report from the NTSB. They’re taking their sweet time. I’ve had to up our security. I’ve got two guys watching Ana and Kate’s place tonight.”
“No kidding! Don’t blame you, man. There are some wackos out there.”
I give him a look.
“What? I’m just stating the obvious. I’m glad they’ll be safe,” he says, and I’m beginning to think he might really care for Kavanagh. “What do you want to do for your bachelor party?” he asks as we come off I-5.
“Elliot, I don’t want or need a bachelor party.”
“Man, you up and marry the first girl who’s given you any serious attention. Of course you need a bachelor party.”
I laugh. Dude, you