“No problem.”
“So howwasyour day? More landscaping or just mowing?”
“Mostly just mowing today.”
“Your work must keep you in great shape, huh? I guess you don’t have to jog on the beach so you can eat cheesecake.”
Cheesecake? “Is that why you jog?”
“Not the only reason. There’s my health, blah, blah, blah. And also there’s donuts and ice cream and apple pie.”
He lifted a brow as he made his way to a chair. “Sweet tooth?”
“Oh, that reminds me. I never did bake you those cookies. But I promise it’ll be my first task right after I finish this synopsis.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
She leaned forward to better see him around the barrier. “Of course I do. I haven’t had cookie dough in weeks. Do you mind if I...?”
She got up, joined him on his side of the deck, and plopped into the chair beside him. “Much better. The placement of those planters is so annoying.”
He cleared his throat. “Meet any new strangers today?”
“Of course. Three of them borrowed books. Did you know the island has a horse farm? Well, sure you did—you live around here. I met someone who works there, training them. Also I met a bicycle courier from LA if you can imagine.”
“Those still exist?”
“Apparently. He was in very good shape. I’ll bet he gets to eat all the donuts he wants.”
Sam stifled a grin. “Anyone ever tell you you’re obsessed with food?”
“Please. You have an active job and you’re, what, six one?”
Six feet two but who was counting?
“Naturally, I’m very active during the school year, on my feet most of the day. But the summers spent writing on my tush? I have to make an effort.” She shifted toward him and propped her chin on her palm. “Anyway, you mentionedThe Firmlast night as we were parting ways. What did you like about it?”
He thought back. It had been a few years since he read it. “Ilike the legal aspects—the law firm, the courtroom. The plot was intriguing and unfolded rapidly. I was spellbound.”
“I love a good page-turner. Who was your favorite character?”
“Mitch, of course. He’s an upstart—a go-getter, and the firm was making an offer he could hardly refuse. But you could just see it all playing out, see the red flags and know he’ll have major regrets. What did you think of it?”
“Oh, I haven’t read it yet.”
He did a double take. “What? You said we’d talk about the book.”
“And we are. You’re telling me all about it and I’m chiming in. I’m never short on things to say, especially about books.”
He shook his head. “Well, surely you’ve seen the movie.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Nineteen ninety-three? Tom Cruise?”
“Sorry. Missed that oneas it aired before my birth.”
Man, he was getting old. “Still, it’s a cult classic. The book’s better than the movie, of course. You should read the story. I think you’d like it.”
