Annie looked at me but did not answer for us.
“I’m visiting her next,” I said.
The sentence surprised me slightly after it left.
Annie’s face changed.
“When?”
“I have four free days next month.”
“You never mentioned them.”
“I’m mentioning them now.”
“I can clear the calendar.”
“You already cleared it.”
“I can improve the furniture.”
“Do not. I need to inspect the original damage.”
Annie smiled.
“Send me the dates?”
“Yes.”
Hank nodded as if a commercial agreement had been completed, then continued toward the boat.
A new family entered before Annie could say anything else.
The father looked from her to me as recognition began to form on his face.
I lifted the next set of waivers.
“This is Annie,” I said. “She’ll help you with the fins.”
Annie took the sizing chart from the counter.
The youngest child held up one bare foot.
She crouched beside the rack.
“Let’s find one that fits.”
Epilogue
Annie
Six months later
Ellie had been inside the limousine for eleven minutes when she removed her shoes.
“We haven’t arrived yet,” I said.
“I’m preparing.”
