“Speaking of weddings,” Caroline said. “I met someone last week I want to set you up with when you’re back in the city. His name is Drew and he’s in seminary at—”
“No.Absolutely not. I’m so tired of setups. I always wind up with duds and then I wonder what the so-called friend who set me up really thinks of me.”
“But he’s so nice. You’d like him, I promise.”
“Not happening.”
“Party pooper. Whatever happened with you and Carlos’s friend Evan? He’s so attractive and he’s frugal like you.”
“How quickly we forget. He took me to that Italian restaurant on Metropolitan and flossed his teeth after dinner. At the table.”
“Oh yeah.”
“Why can’t it be easy? Why can’t I just meet Mr.Right when we’re hailing the same cab or something?”
“You wouldn’t know Mr.Right if he sat on your lap, and you don’t even believe in love at first sight.”
“Yeah, there’s that.”
“Well, when he does come along you’ll appreciate him all the more for having endured numerous letdowns.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’m sure of it. Have you heard from your parents since you’ve been down there?”
“A couple times. They’re in a good place right now. Next month, who knows?”
“That’s good, I guess.”
Her parents had been legally separated three times and divorced once. They regularly went through periods when they slept in different rooms. Then there were their good phases. Sadie found it easier when she had a little distance from the yo-yo relationship—part of New York’s appeal.
Across the line a fancy doorbell chimed. “Hey, I gotta run. DoorDash is here and Duke looks ready to eat the poor delivery guy. Easy, Duke. He’s bearing food. If you’re nice, I might even share. See ya, Sadie. Congrats on the synopsis!”
“Thanks! Enjoy your digs.”
***
After Sam finished his take-out meal, he went out on the deck. If Sadie was out there, that would just be a coincidence and have nothing to do with his decision to enjoy the beautiful evening.Even though he’d been outside all day and the air-conditioning did feel pretty good.
When he stepped outside, Rio darted past the tree barrier and danced around his feet until he stopped to pet her.
“How was your day, dear?” Sadie asked from a lounge chair.
He straightened and blinked at her.
Sadie set aside the newspaper. “You know, ‘Hi, honey, I’m home! How was your day, dear?’ Never mind. I guess you didn’t hear from Mary?”
“Ah, that’s a negative.”
“Me either. Oh, but I did finish my synopsis. There was much singing and dancing and shouting. I scared the seagulls away.”
He stood at the railing, watching the evening beach strollers. “I guess congratulations are in order then.”
“Don’t congratulate me just yet. That’s only my first draft—though admittedly the hardest one. Plus I still have to get my publisher’s approval. But first I need to print that baby off and make some corrections. Is there a library nearby?”
“I brought a printer along. You’re welcome to use it.”
“Oh, isn’t that handy. That’s so nice of you. I’ll definitely take you up on that, and if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I’ll need to do some manuscript printing later.”
