“I can breathe again.” To Ian, Graham said, “We love your work.”
“We play it all the time in the studio,” Rafi added. “And at home.”
Kari said, “My introduction to you was at the Hollywood Bowl, thanks to these two. Which was almost as expensive as the outfit we just bought.”
“Correction,” Rafi said. “Two outfits. Both of which are simply gorgeous.”
While they ate, Ian listened as the three of them discussed what Kari should do with Sienna. He ate his late, late breakfast of a spinach-and-avocado omelet and savored the chance to observe them. The patient care the two men showed Kari was genuinely moving. This was not just about a kitten. It was an important decision that Kari needed help with. They were there for her. Ian loved that most of all.
He watched as Kari’s otherworldly glow gradually faded. He wondered if this was Graham and Rafi’s normal pattern of behavior, gently helping their artist friend reattach herself to earth. Old friends, trusted allies, talking for almost an hour over what should be done with her kitten.
Finally, Ian pushed his empty plate to one side and asked, “Am I allowed to offer a different opinion?”
“About last night?” Rafi smiled at his partner. “Graham was worried you were going to make him go sit at the bar.”
“Observe,” Ian said, and swept his hand around the room. “This is a diner. No bar.”
“I meant the one down the street.”
Kari said, “Don’t be mean.”
“You should see how he is with me when I mess up,” Rafi replied.
“Nobody messed up,” Ian said.
“Thank you so very much,” Graham said. To Rafi, he added, “I believe the gentleman was actually going to make a point.”
Ian told them, “Everything I’ve heard has been about the cat.”
The three of them exchanged a look.
Rafi said, “And?”
“I don’t hear anyone asking what would be best for Kari.” Ian asked her, “How do you feel about Miami?”
“I told you already. It fills me with a very real dread.”
“How do you feel around Sienna when times are less than great?”
She studied him a long moment. Then, “Better.”
Ian showed them open palms. “Case closed.”
There followed a moment’s silence. Then Rafi told his partner, “Go ahead. Ask him.”
“Me? Why should I be the one to stick my foot in again?”
“Because you look so good doing it.” Rafi smiled. “And you know if I try, I’ll make a total mess.”
Ian asked, “Mess of what?”
Rafi said, “Ask him, Graham.”
The man seated across from Ian said, “It’s about Miami.”
“Quadruple yuck,” Kari offered.
“Day after tomorrow we begin setting up our stand.”
