As the sun rose, she opened her window and breathed in the smell of the tide as it wafted up from the bay.
20
At ten o’clock on Friday morning, the car was making its way to Baker Beach. Sitting next to Thomas, Raymond lovingly placed his hand over his son’s.
“We’re lucky the weather’s nice,” he said.
Thomas stayed quiet.
“Did your evening end well?”
“Couldn’t have gone better.”
“Ah, and who gets the credit for that?” his father asked. “She certainly could drink, though. Then again, who could blame her? You chose an excellent vintage.”
“You taught me how to choose a good wine.”
“Really? I had forgotten.”
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Thomas mumbled.
“I know. I’ll miss you too. But now it’s my chance to watch over you. We each get a turn.”
“Will you be happy there?”
“Don’t worry, I know how to make myself content. I spent my whole life chasing little moments of happiness, and I even managed to enjoy a few, including the day you were born. I’ll do just fine. How do you think I was able to arrange this leave in the first place? Do you know anyone more resourceful than your dad?”
“I certainly don’t know anyone who has more pride. I got that from you too.”
“Just be careful to keep it in check, son.”
The car got as close as possible to the water, coming to a stop in the deserted Baker Beach parking lot. This time, Thomas told the driver not to wait.
He opened the door, grabbed his suitcase, and gestured to his father to follow.
They stepped onto the sand. Raymond looked around and pointed to a dune.
“Up there would be perfect,” he said.
Thomas had begun climbing when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
“Where are you?” Manon asked.
“At Baker Beach,” he answered.
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes, tops.”
“I think I should be alone.”
“I know what you’re about to do. I read your letter.”
“Are you familiar with the crazy guy who wrote it?”
“I met a pianist once who promised me that any story, no matter how crazy, could become real if two people believed in it together. I want him to keep that promise. You were there for Mom; I want to be there for your father. Wait for me.”
Raymond was taking in the view from the top of the dune. Thomas joined him and sat down.
“It’s considered rude to make a lady wait, and yet we spend our whole lives waiting for them. It’s unfair, but what can we do?”
