“Is there any other worth ordering from?” She grins, collapsing dramatically onto my new couch. “God, this thing is comfortable. Much better than that torture device you had in your last place.”
“That was a perfectly functional sofa,” I argue, joining her on the cushions. She’s right though, this one is better. I researched for weeks before purchasing, reading every review, considering every angle. The perfect blend of comfort and support. A place where someone could sit for hours, feel at ease enough to let their guard down.
The doorbell interrupts my thoughts. Mia jumps up, waving away my wallet. “My treat. Housewarming gift.”
While she pays for the pizza, I grab two plates from the kitchen, white ceramic, simple and sturdy. No unnecessary decoration. The wine glasses I unpack next are similarly utilitarian, but high quality. I pour us each a glass of cabernet, not too much for Mia since she’s driving, even if it is only a few blocks.
“This view is incredible,” Mia says when she returns, setting the pizza box on the coffee table. She moves to the sliding glass door, staring out at the bay. The sun still high in the summer sky, making the water glimmer in white and gold flowing patterns. “How did you get this place? I didn’t know it was for sale.”
Her own townhouse doesn’t face the bay, but she still has community access to the water.
“Patience,” I answer simply. What I don’t say: I’ve had my eye on this townhouse for months. Monitored the market, waited for the price to drop, arranged for the previous owners to receive a too-good-to-refuse job offer out of state. Some things require a little time.
We settle on the couch with our pizza and wine. The first bite tastes like heaven after months of bland military rations and questionable local cuisine in countries where clean water is a luxury.
“So,” Mia says between bites, “you’re officially on business duty now? The GameStream offices missed their fearless leader.”
I shake my head. “I’ll check in tomorrow, but everything’s running smoothly. The management team handled things well while I was gone.” Another truth with convenient omissions. The platform practically runs itself, though some things have gone under the radar for too long.
“And the search and rescue work? Taking a real break from that too?”
I take a long sip of wine before answering. “For now. The last mission was... difficult.” Images flash unbidden. Terrified eyes, blood-stained concrete, the scent of fear so thick you could choke on it. “Sometimes you can’t save everyone.”
Mia reaches over and squeezes my hand. “You can’t carry the weight of the world, Tony. You’ve done more than most people ever will.”
If only she knew the real weight I carry.
“Enough aboutmywork,” I deflect. “How’s the print shop?”
Her face lights up, and I feel a genuine surge of pride. My little sister, the business owner. Building something real while I’ve been playing savior in countries whose names most Americans can’t pronounce.
“By the Bay is doing amazing,” she gushes. “We just landed the contract for all the resort’s printing needs, brochures, menus, event flyers, the works. It’s going to boost our revenue by at least thirty percent.”
“That’s fantastic, Mia.” I raise my glass in toast. “I’m so proud of you for owning your own business. Really. You’ve built something special.”
She beams at the praise, tucking her hair behind her ear, a gesture she’s done since childhood. “I couldn’t have done it without the loan you gave me for the down payment.”
I wave away her gratitude. “Best investment I ever made. You paid it back in record time.”
“Still.” She takes another slice of pizza. “Speaking of the shop, you should stop by sometime. Meet my friends. They practically run the place with me.”
Something in her tone catches my attention. The slight emphasis on “friends,” the casual way she drops it into conversation. My sister is many things, but subtle isn’t one of them.
“Trying to set me up again, Mia?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
She laughs, not denying it. “Maybe. You’ve been gone so long, and you’re not getting any younger. Thirty-two and still married to your work.”
“I’m not looking for a relationship,” I say firmly.
“You don’t have to marry them,” she persists. “Just meet them. My friends are amazing. Smart, funny, hardworking. And one is single, by the way.”
“I need to get settled first,” I demur. “Maybe next week. Besides, I need to visit the bookstore and grab some new books since my e-reader is broken.”
Mia perks up at this, leaning forward eagerly. “Oh! You should definitely talk to my friends then. They’re both avid readers.”
“What kind of books?” I ask casually.
“One’s into dark romance mostly, the darker the better. The other reads everything, but she’s been on a fantasy kick lately.” Mia grabs another slice of pizza. “They might even read similar stuff to you. What are you into these days? Still those psychological thrillers?”
