It Happened One Summer

Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Contents
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-One
ChapterTwenty-Two
ChapterTwenty-Three
ChapterTwenty-Four
ChapterTwenty-Five
ChapterTwenty-Six
ChapterTwenty-Seven
ChapterTwenty-Eight
ChapterTwenty-Nine
ChapterThirty
ChapterThirty-One
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
AbouttheAuthor
Announcement
BonusScene
AlsobyTessaBailey
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
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viChapterOne
Theunthinkablewashappening.
Herlongestrelationshiponrecord…overintheblinkofaneye.
Threeweeksofherlifewasted
PiperBellingerlookeddownatherlipstick-red,one-shoulderValentinococktaildressandtriedtofindtheflawbutcame
upwithnothing.Hertastefullytannedlegswerepolishedtosuchashine,she’dcheckedherteethinthemearlier.Nothing
appearedamissuptop,either.She’dswipedthetapeholdingupherboobswhilebackstageatarunwayshowinMilanduring
fashionweek—we’retalkingtheholygrailoftittape—andthosepuppieswereonpoint.Bigenoughtodrawaman’seye,small
enoughtoachieveanathleticvibeineveryfourthInstagrampost.Versatilitykeptpeopleinterested.

Satisfiedthatnothingconcerningherappearancewasglaringlyoutofplace,PipertrailedhergazeupthepleatedlegofAdrian’sclassicTomFordsuitmadeofthefinestsharkskinwool,unabletoquellasighovertheluxuriouspeaklapelsandmonogrammedbuttons.ThewayherboyfriendimpatientlycheckedhisChopardwatchandscannedthecrowdoverhershoulderonlyaddedtothebored-playboyeffect.
Hadn’thiscoldunattainabilityattractedhertohiminthefirstplace?
God,thenightoftheirfirstmeetingseemedlikeahundredyearsago.She’dhadatleasttwofacialssincethen,right?What
wastimeanymore?Pipercouldremembertheirintroductionlikeitwasyesterday.Adrianhadsavedherfromsteppinginvomitat
RumerWillis’sbirthdayparty.Asshe’dstaredupathischiseledchinfromherplaceinhisarms,she’dbeentransported
toOldHollywood.Atimeofsmokingjacketsandwomentraipsingaroundinlong,featheredrobes.Itwasthebeginningofher
ownclassiclovestory
Andnowthecreditswererolling.
“Ican’tbelieveyou’rethrowingitallawaylikethis,”Piperwhispered,pressingherchampagneflutebetweenherbreasts.
Maybedrawinghisattentiontherewouldchangehismind?“We’vebeenthroughsomuch.”

“Yeah,tons,right?”
Adrianwavedatsomeoneacrosstherooftop,hisexpressionlettingwhoeveritwasknowthathe’dberightwiththem.They’d
cometotheblack,white,andredpartytogether.AminorsoireetoraisemoneyforanindiemovieprojectcalledLifestylesoftheOppressedandFamous.Thewriter-directorwasafriendofAdrian’s,meaningmostofthepeopleatthisgatheringofLosAngeleselitewerehis
acquaintances.Hergirlsweren’teventheretoconsoleherorfacilitateagracefulexit.

Adrian’sattentionsettledbackonherreluctantly.“Wait,whatwereyousaying?”
Piper’ssmilefeltbrittle,sosheturneditupanotherwatt,carefultokeepitonecrucialnotchbelowmanic.Chinup,woman.Thiswasn’therfirstbreakup,right?She’ddonealotofthedumping,oftenunexpectedly.Thiswasatownofwhims,after
all.

She’dneverreallynoticedthepaceofhowthingschanged.Notuntillately
Attwenty-eight,Piperwasnotold.Butshewasoneoftheoldestwomenatthisparty.Ateverypartyshe’dbeentorecently,cometothinkofit.Leaningontheglassrailing
thatoverlookedMelrosewasanup-and-comingpopstarwhocouldn’tbeadayolderthannineteen.Shedidn’tneedtapefrom
Milantoholduphertits.TheywerelightandspringywithnipplesthatremindedPiperofthebottomofanicecreamcone.

Thehosthimselfwastwenty-twoandembarkingonafilmcareer.
ThiswasPiper’scareer.Partying.Beingseen.Holdinguptheoccasionalteeth-whiteningproductandgettingafewdollarsfor
it.

Notthatsheneededthemoney.Atleast,shedidn’tthinkso.Everythingsheownedcamefromtheswipeofacreditcard,and
itwasamysterywhathappenedafterthat.Sheassumedthebillwenttoherstepfather’semailorsomething?Hopefullyhe
wouldn’tbeweirdaboutthecrotchlesspantiesshe’dorderedfromParis.

“Piper?Hello?”Adrianswipedahandinfrontofherface,andsherealizedhowlongshe’dbeenstaringatthepopstar.Longenoughthat
thesongstresswasglaringback.

Pipersmiledandwavedatthegirl,pointingsheepishlytoherglassofchampagne,beforetuningbackintotheconversationwithAdrian.“IsthisbecauseIcasuallybroughtyouuptomytherapist?Wedidn’tgoindepthoranything,Ipromise.Mostofthetimewejustnapduringmyappointments.”
Hestaredatherforseveralseconds.Honestly,itwaskindofnice.Itwasthemostattentionshe’dgottenfromhimsince
almostslippinginpuke.“I’vedatedsomeairheads,Piper.”Hesighed.“Butyouputthemalltoshame.”

Shekepthersmileinplace,thoughittookmoredeterminationthanusual.Peoplewerewatching.Atthatverymoment,she
wasinthebackgroundofatleastfiveselfiesbeingcapturedaroundtheroof,includingoneofAnselElgort.Itwouldbe
adisasterifshelethersinkingheartshowonherface,especiallywhennewsofthebreakupgotout.“Idon’tunderstand,”
shesaidwithalaugh,sweepingrose-goldhairoverhershoulder.

“Shocking,”hereturneddrily.“Look,babe.Itwasafunthreeweeks.You’reasmokeshowinabikini.”Heshruggedanelegant
TomFord–cladshoulder.“I’mjusttryingtoendthisbeforeitgetsboring,youknow?”

Boring.Gettingolder.Notadirectororapopstar.
Justaprettygirlwithamillionairestepfather.
Pipercouldn’tthinkaboutthatnow,though.Shejustwantedtoexitthepartyasinconspicuouslyaspossibleandgohave
agoodcry.AftershepoppedaXanaxandpostedaninspirationalquoteonherIGfeed,ofcourse.Itwouldconfirmthebreakup,
butalsoallowhertocontrolthenarrative.Somethingaboutgrowthandlovingherself,maybe?

Hersister,Hannah,wouldhavetheperfectsonglyrictoinclude.Shewasalwayssittingaroundinapileofvinyls,those
giant,uglyheadphoneswrappedaroundherhead.Damn,shewishedshe’dputmorestockinHannah’sopinionofAdrian.

Whathadshesaid?Ohyeah.
He’slikeifsomeonedreweyesonaturnip.
Onceagain,Piperhadzonedout,andAdriancheckedhiswatchforthesecondtime.“Arewedonehere?Ihavetomingle.”
“Oh.Yeah,”sherushedtosay,hervoicehorrifyinglyunnatural.“Youcouldn’tbemorerightaboutbreakingthingsoffbeforetheboring
bluesstrike.Ididn’tthinkaboutitlikethat.”Sheclinkedherchampagneglassagainsthis.“We’reconsciouslyuncoupling.
Trèsmature.”

“Right.Callitwhateveryouwant.”Adrianforcedawansmile.“Thanksforeverything.”
“No,thankyou.”Shepursedherlips,tryingtoappearasnon-airhead-likeaspossible.“I’velearnedalotaboutmyselfoverthelastthree
weeks.”

“Comeon,Piper.”Adrianlaughed,scrutinizingherheadtotoe.“Youplaydress-upandspendyourdaddy’smoney.Youdon’t
haveareasontolearnanything.”

“DoIneedareason?”sheaskedlightly,lipsstilltiltedatthecorners.
Annoyedatbeingwaylaid,Adrianhuffedabreath.“Iguessnot.Butyoudefinitelyneedabrainthatfunctionsbeyondhow
manylikesyoucangetonapictureofyourrack.There’smoretolifethanthat,Piper.”

“Yes,Iknow,”shesaid,proddedbyirritation—andmorethanalittlebitofreluctantshame.“LifeiswhatI’mdocumenting
throughphotos.I—”

“God.”Hehalfgroaned,halflaughed.“Whyareyouforcingmetobeanasshole?”Someonecalledhisnamefrominsidethepenthouse,andheheldupafinger,keepinghisgazelockedonPiper.“There’sjustnothingtoyou,okay?TherearethousandsofPiperBellingersinthiscity.You’rejustawaytopassthetime.”Heshrugged.“Andyourtimehaspassed.”
ItwasamiraclePiperkeptherwinningsmileintactasAdriansailedaway,alreadycallingouttohisfriends.Everyoneon
theroofdeckwasstaringather,whisperingbehindtheirhands,feelingsorryforher—ofallthehorrors.Shesalutedthem
withherglass,thenrealizeditwasempty.Settingitdownonthetrayofapassingwaiter,shecollectedherBottegaVeneta
satinknotclutchwithallthedignityshecouldmusterandglidedthroughthethrongofonlookers,blinkingbackthemoisture
inhereyestobringtheelevatorcallbuttonintofocus.

Whenthedoorsfinallyhidherfromview,sheslumpedbackagainstthemetalwall,takingdeepbreathsinthroughhernose,
outthroughhermouth.Alreadythenewsthatshe’dbeendumpedbyAdrianwouldbeblastedacrossallthesocials,maybeeven
withvideoincluded.NotevenC-listcelebritieswouldinvitehertopartiesafterthis.

Shehadareputationasagoodtime.Someonetocovet.An“itgirl.”
Ifshedidn’thavehersocialstatus,whatdidshehave?

PiperpulledherphoneoutofherclutchandabsentlyrequestedaluxuryUber,connectingherwithadriverwhowasonlyfive
minutesaway.Thensheclosedtheappandpulledupherfavoriteslist.Herthumbhoveredoverthename“Hannah”momentarily,
butlandedon“Kirby,”instead.Herfriendansweredonthefirstring.

“OhmyGod,isittrueyoubeggedAdriannottobreakupwithyouinfrontofAnselElgort?”
Itwasworsethanshethought.HowmanypeoplehadalreadytippedoffTMZ?Tomorrownightatsixthirty,theywouldbetossinghernamearoundthenewsroomwhileHarveysippedfromhisreusablecup.“Ididn’tbegAdriantokeepme.Comeon,Kirby,youknowmebetterthanthat.”
“Bitch,Ido.ButI’mnoteveryoneelse.Youneedtododamagecontrol.Doyouhaveapublicistonretainer?”
“Notanymore.Danielsaidmegoingshoppingdoesn’tneedapressrelease.”
Kirbysnorted.“Okay,boomer.”
“Butyou’reright.Idoneeddamagecontrol.”Theelevatordoorsopened,andPipersteppedoff,clickingthroughthelobby
inherred-soledpumps,eventuallysteppingoutontoWilshire,thewarmJulyairdryingthedampnessinhereyes.Thetall
buildingsofdowntownLosAngelesreachedupintothesmoggysummernightsky,andshecranedhernecktofindthetops.“How
lateistherooftoppoolopenattheMondrian?”

“You’reaskingabouthoursofoperationatatimelikethis?”Kirbygriped,followedbythesoundofhervapecracklingin
thebackground.“Idon’tknow,butit’spastmidnight.Ifit’snotalreadyclosed,itwillbesoon.”

AblackLincolnpulledupalongthecurb.Afterdouble-checkingthelicenseplatenumber,Piperclimbedinsideandshutthe
door.“Wouldn’tbreakingintothepoolandhavingthetimeofourlivesbe,like,thebestwaytofightfirewithfire?Adrianwouldbetheguywhobrokeupwithalegend.”

“Ohshit,”Kirbybreathed.“You’reresurrectingPipertwentyfourteen.”
Thiswastheanswer,wasn’tit?Therewasnobettertimeinherlifethantheyearsheturnedtwenty-oneandranabsolutelybuckwildthroughLosAngeles,makingherselffamousforbeingfamousintheprocess.Shewasjustinarut,thatwasall.Maybeitwastimetoreclaimhercrown.Maybethenshewouldn’thearAdrian’swordsloopingoverandoveragaininthebackofherhead,forcinghertoconsiderthathemightberight.
AmIjustoneofthousands?
OramIthegirlwhobreaksintoapoolforaswimatoneo’clockinthemorning?
Pipernoddedresolutelyandleanedforward.“CanyoutakemetotheMondrian,instead,please?”
Kirbyhooteddowntheline.“I’llmeetyouthere.”
“I’vegotabetteridea.”Pipercrossedherlegsandfellbackintheleatherseat.“Howaboutwehaveeveryonemeetusthere?”
ChapterTwo
Jailwasacold,darkplace.
Piperstoodintheverycenterofthecellshiveringandhuggingherelbowssoshewouldn’taccidentallytouchanythingthat
mightrequireatetanusshot.Untilthismoment,theword“torture”hadonlybeenavaguedescriptionofsomethingshe’dnever
understand.Buttryingtonotpeeinthemoldytoiletafterroughlysixmixeddrinkswasatormentnowomanshouldeverknow.Thelate-nightCoachellabathroom
situationhadnothingonthisgrimymetalthronethatmockedherfromthecornerofthecell.

“Excuseme?”Pipercalled,wobblingtothebarsinherheels.Therewerenoguardsinsight,butshecouldhearthedistinctive
soundsofCandyCrushcomingfromnearby.“Hi,it’sme,Piper.IsthereanotherbathroomIcoulduse?”

“No,princess,”awoman’svoicecalledback,soundingverybored.“Thereisn’t.”
Shebouncedsidetoside,herbladderdemandingtobeevacuated.“Wheredoyougotothebathroom?”

Asnort.“Wheretheothernon-criminalsgo.”

Piperwhinedinherthroat,althoughtheladyguardwentupanotchinherbookfordeliveringsuchasavageresponsewithouthesitation.“I’mnotacriminal,”Pipertriedagain.“Thisisallamisunderstanding.”
Atrilloflaughterechoeddownthedrabhallwayofthepolicestation.HowmanytimeshadshepassedthestationonNorth
Wilcox?Nowshewasaninmate.

Butseriously,ithadbeenonehellofaparty.
TheguardslowlyappearedinfrontofPiper’scell,fingerstuckedintoherbeigeuniformpants.Beige.Whoeverwasatthehelmoflawenforcementfashionshouldbesentencedforcruelandunusualpunishment.“Youcalltwohundred
peoplebreakingintoahotelpoolafterhoursamisunderstanding?”

Pipercrossedherlegsandsuckedinabreaththroughhernose.IfshepeedherselfinValentino,shewouldvoluntarilyremain
injail.“Wouldyoubelievethepoolhoursweren’tprominentlyposted?”

“Isthattheargumentyourexpensivelawyerisgoingtouse?”Theguardshookherhead,visiblyamused.“Someonehadtoshatter
theglassdoortogetinsideandletalltheotherrichkidsin.Whodidthat?Theinvisibleman?”

“Idon’tknow,butI’mgoingtofindout,”Pipervowedsolemnly.
Theguardsighedthroughasmile.“It’stoolateforthat,sweetheart.Yourfriendwiththepurpletipsalreadynamedyou
astheringleader.”

Kirby.
Hadtobe.
Nooneelseatthepartyhadpurpletips.Atleast,Piperdidn’tthinkso.Somewherebetweenthechickenfightsinthepoolandtheillegalfirecrackersbeingsetoff,she’dkindoflosttrackoftheincomingguests.SheshouldhaveknownbetterthantotrustKirby,though.SheandPiperwerefriends,butnotgoodenoughforhertolietothepolice.Thefoundationoftheirrelationshipwascommentingoneachother’ssocialmediapostsandenablingeachothertomakeridiculouspurchases,likeafour-thousand-dollarpurseshapedlikeatubeoflipstick.Mosttimes,thosekindsofsurface-levelfriendshipswerevaluable,butnottonight.
That’swhyheronephonecallhadgonetoHannah.
Speakingofwhom,wherewasherlittlesister?She’dmadethatcallanhourago.

Piperhoppedsidetoside,dangerouslyclosetousingherhandstokeeptheurinecontained.“Whoisforcingyoutowearbeige
pants?”shegasped.“Whyaren’ttheyinherewithme?”

“Fine.”Theguardflashedapalm.“Onthiswecanagree.”
“Literallyanyothercolorwouldbebetter.Nopantswouldbebetter.”TryingtodistractherselffromtheChernobylhappeninginherlowerbody,sherambled,asshewas
wonttodoinuncomfortablesituations.“Youhaveareallycutefigure,Officer,butit’s,like,acommandmentthatnoone
shallpulloffnudekhaki.”

Theotherwoman’seyebrowarched.“Youcould.”
“You’reright,”Pipersobbed.“Itotallycould.”
Theguard’slaughfadedintoasigh.“Whatwereyouthinking,incitingthatchaostonight?”
Piperslumpedalittle.“Myboyfrienddumpedme.Andhe…didn’tevenlookmeintheeyethewholetime.IguessIjust
wantedtobeseen.Acknowledged.Celebratedinsteadof…disregarded.Youknow?”

“Scornedandactinglikeafool.Can’tsayIhaven’tbeenthere.”
“Really?”Piperaskedhopefully.
“Sure.Whohasn’tputalltheirboyfriend’sclothesinthebathtubandpouredbleachontop?”
PiperthoughtoftheTomFordsuitturningsplotchy,andshivered.“That’scold,”shewhispered.“MaybeIshouldhavejust
slashedhistires.Atleastthat’slegal.”

“That’s…notlegal.”
“Oh.”Pipersenttheguardanexaggeratedwink.“Riiiight.”

Thewomanshookherhead,glancingupanddownthehallway.“Allright,look.It’saquietnight.Ifyoudon’tgivemeany
trouble,I’llletyouusetheslightlylessshittybathroom.”

“Oh,thankyou,thankyou,thankyou.”
Withherkeyspoisedoverthekeyhole,theguardhitherwithseriouseyes.“IhaveaTaser.”
Piperfollowedhersaviordownthehalltothebathroom,whereshemeticulouslygatheredtheskirtofherValentinoandeased
theunholypressureinherbladder,moaninguntilthefinaldropfell.Asshewashedherhandsinthesmallsink,herattention
caughtonthereflectioninthemirror.Raccooneyeslookedbackather.Smearedlipstick,limphair.Definitelyalongway
fromwhereshe’dbeguntheevening,butshecouldn’thelpbutfeellikeasoldierreturningfrombattle.She’dsetoutto
divertattentionfromherbreakup,hadn’tshe?

AnLAPDhelicoptercirclingoverheadwhilesheledacongalinehaddefinitelyreaffirmedherstatusasthereigningpartyqueenofLosAngeles.Probably.They’dconfiscatedherphoneduringthewholemugshot/fingerprintthing,soshedidn’tknowwhatwashappeningontheinternet.Herfingerswereitchingtotapsomeapps,andthat’sexactlywhatshewoulddoassoonasHannaharrivedtobailherout.
Shelookedatherreflection,surprisedtofindtheprospectofbreakingtheinternetdidn’tsetherheartintoathrilling
pitter-patterthewayitdidbefore.Wasshebroken?

Pipersnortedandpushedawayfromthesink,usinganelbowtopulldownthedoorhandleuponleaving.Obviouslythenight
hadtakenitstoll—afterall,itwasnearlyfiveo’clockinthemorning.Assoonasshegotsomesleep,she’dspendtheday
revelingincongratulatorytextsandaninundationofnewfollowers.Allwouldbewell.

TheguardcuffedPiperagainandstartedtowalkherbacktothecell,justasanotherguardcalleddowntothemfromthe
oppositeend.“Yo,Lina.Bellingermadebail.Bringherdowntoprocessing.”

Herarmsflewupinvictory.“Yes!”

Linalaughed.“Comeon,beautyqueen.”
Vigorrestored,Piperskippedalongsidetheotherwoman.“Lina,huh?Ioweyoubig-time.”Sheclutchedherhandsbeneathher
chinandgaveherawinningpout.“Thankyouforbeingsonicetome.”

“Don’treadtoomuchintoit,”drawledtheguard,thoughherexpressionwaspleased.“Ijustwasn’tinthemoodtocleanup
piss.”

Piperlaughed,allowingLinatounlockthedoorattheendofthegrayhallway.AndtherewasHannahintheprocessingarea,
wearingpajamasandaballcap,fillingoutpaperworkwithhereyeshalfclosed.

WarmthwiggledintoPiper’schestatthesightofheryoungersister.Theywerenothingalike,hadevenlessincommon,buttherewasnooneelsePiperwouldcallinapinch.Ofthetwosisters,Hannahwasthedependableone,eventhoughshehadalazyhippieside.
WherePiperwastaller,Hannahhadbeencalledashrimpgrowingupandneverquitehitthemiddleschoolgrowthspurt.At
themoment,shekeptherpetitefigureburiedunderaUCLAsweatshirt,hersandy-blondhairpokingoutaroundtheblankred
hat
“Sheclear?”Linaaskedathin-lippedmanhunchedbehindthedesk.
Hewavedahandwithoutlookingup.“Moneysolveseverything.”
Linaunlockedhercuffsonceagain,andsheshotforward.“Hannnnns,”Piperwhimpered,throwingherarmsaroundhersister.“I’llpayyoubackforthis.I’lldoyourchoresforaweek.”

“Wedon’thavechores,youradish.”Hannahyawned,grindingafistintohereye.“Whydoyousmelllikeincense?”
“Oh.”Pipersniffedhershoulder.“Ithinkthefortune-tellerlitsome.”Straightening,shesquintedhereyes.“Notsurehow
shefoundoutabouttheparty.”

Hannahgaped,seemingtoawakenatleastmarginally,herhazeleyesatotalcontrasttoPiper’sbabyblues.“Didshehappen
totellyouthere’sanangrystepfatherinyourfuture?”

Piperwinced.“Oof.IhadafeelingIcouldn’tavoidthewrathofDanielQ.Bellinger.”Shecranedhernecktoseeifthere
wasanyoneretrievingherphone.“Howdidhefindout?”

“Thenews,Pipes.Thenews.”
“Right.”Shesighed,smoothingherhandsdowntherumpledskirtofherdress.“Nothingthelawyerscan’thandle,right?Hopefullyhe’llletmegetinashowerandsomesleepbeforeoneofhisfamouslectures.I’mawalkingafterphoto.”

“Shutup,youlookgreat,”Hannahsaid,herlipstwitchingasshecompletedthepaperworkwithaflourishofhersignature.
“Youalwayslookgreat.”

Piperdidalittleshimmy.
“Bye,Lina!”Pipercalledonthewayoutofthestation,herbelovedphonecradledinherarmslikeanewborn,fingersvibrating
withtheneedtoswipe.She’dbeendirectedtothebackexitwhereHannahcouldpullthecararound.Protocol,they’dsaid.

Shetookonestepoutthedoorandwassurroundedbyphotographers.“Piper!Overhere!”
Hervanityscreechedlikeapterodactyl.
Nervesswervedrightandleftinherbelly,butsheflashedthemaquicksmileandputherheaddown,clickingasfastas
shecouldtowardHannah’swaitingJeep.

“PiperBellinger!”oneofthepaparazzishouted.“Howwasyournightinjail?”
“Doyouregretwastingtaxpayermoney?”
Thetoeofherhighheelcaughtinacrack,andshealmostsprawledface-firstontotheasphaltbutcaughttheedgeofthe
doorHannahhadpushedopen,throwingherselfintothepassengerside.Closingthedoorhelpedcutofftheshoutedquestions,
butthelastoneshe’dheardcontinuedtoblareinhermind.

Wastingtaxpayermoney?She’djustthrownaparty,right?
Fine,ithadtakenaconsiderableamountofpoliceofficerstobreakitup,butlike,thiswasLosAngeles.Weren’tthepolice
justwaitingaroundforstufflikethistohappen?

Okay,thatsoundedprivilegedandbrattyeventoherownears.
Suddenlyshewasn’tsoeagertocheckhersocialmedia.
Shewipedhersweatingpalmsonherdress.“Iwasn’ttryingtoputanyoneoutorwastemoney.Iwasn’tthinkingthatfarahead,”
Pipersaidquietly,twistingtofacehersisterasmuchasshecouldinaseatbelt.“Isthisbad,Hanns?”

Hannah’steethweresunkintoherlowerlip,herhandsonthewheelslowlynavigatingherwaythroughthepeoplefrantically
snappingPiper’spicture.“It’snotgood,”sheansweredafterapause.“Buthey,youusedtopullstuntslikethisallthe
time,remember?Thelawyersalwaysfindawaytospinit,andtomorrowthey’llbeontosomethingelse.”Shereachedoutand
tappedthetouchscreen,andalowmelodyfloodedthecar.“Checkitout.Ihavetheperfectsongcuedupforthismoment.”

Thesombernotesof“PrisonWomen”byREOSpeedwagonfloatedoutfromthespeakers.
Piper’sskullthuddedagainsttheheadrest.“Veryfunny.”Shetappedherphoneagainstherkneeforafewseconds,before
snappingherspinestraightandopeningInstagram.

Thereitwas.Thepictureshe’dpostedearlythismorning,at2:42,accusedthetimestamp.Kirby,thetraitorouswench,hadsnappeditusingPiper’sphone.Intheshot,Piperwasperchedontheshouldersofamanwhosenameshecouldn’trecall—thoughshehadavaguerecollectionofhimclaimingtoplaysecondstringfortheLakers?—strippeddowntopantiesandboobtape,butlike,inanartisticway.HerValentinodresswasdrapedoveraloungechairinthebackground.FirecrackerswentoffaroundherliketheFourthofJuly,swathingPiperinsparklesandsmoke.Shelookedlikeagoddessrisingfromanelectricmist—andthepicturewasnearingamillionlikes.
Tellingherselfnotto,Pipertappedthehighlightedsectionthatwouldshowherexactlywhohadlikedthepicture.Adrianwasn’toneofthem.

Whichwasfine.Amillionotherpeoplehad,right?
Buttheyhadn’tspentthreeweekswithher.
Tothem,shewasjustatwo-dimensionalimage.IftheyspentmorethanthreeweekswithPiper,wouldtheyscrollpast,too?
Lettinghersinkintotheblurofthethousandothergirlsjustlikeher?

“Hey,”Hannahsaid,pausingthesong.“It’sgoingtobeallright.”
Piper’slaughsoundedforced,soshecutitshort.“Iknow.Italwaysturnsoutallright.”Shepressedherlipstogether.
“Wanttohearaboutthewetboxerscompetition?”
ChapterThree
Itwasnotallright,asitturnedout.

Nothingwas.
Notaccordingtotheirstepfather,DanielBellinger,reveredAcademyAward–winningmovieproducer,philanthropist,andcompetitive
yachtsman.

PiperandHannahhadattemptedtocreepinthroughthecateringentranceoftheirBel-Airmansion.They’dmovedinwhenPiper
wasfourandHannahtwo,aftertheirmothermarriedDaniel,andneitherofthemcouldrememberlivinganywhereelse.Every
onceinawhile,whenPipercaughtawhiffoftheocean,hermemorysentupasignalthroughthefog,remindingherofthe
PacificNorthwesttownwhereshe’dbeenborn,buttherewasnothingsubstantialtoclingtoanditalwaysdriftedawaybefore
shecouldgraspon.

Now,herstepfather’swrath?Shecouldfullygraspthat.
Itwasetchedintothetannedlinesofhisfamousface,inthedisappointedheadshakeshegavethesistersastheysat,sidebyside,onacouchinhishomeoffice.Behindhim,awardsgleamedonshelves,framedmoviepostershungonwalls,andthephoneonhisL-shapeddesklitupeverytwoseconds,althoughhe’dsilenceditfortheupcominglecture.TheirmotherwasatPilates,andoutofeverything?ThatmadePiperthemostnervous.Maureentendedtohaveacalmingeffectonherhusband—andhewasanythingbutcalmrightnow.

“Um,Daniel?”Piperchancedbrightly,tuckingapieceofwiltedhairbehindherear.“NoneofthisisHannah’sfault.Isit
okayifsheheadstobed?”

“Shestays.”HepinnedHannahwithasternlook.“Youwereforbiddentobailheroutanddiditanyway.”
Piperturnedherastonishmentonhersister.“Youdidwhat?”
“WhatwasIsupposedtodo?”Hannahwhippedoffherhatandwrungitbetweenherknees.“Leaveyouthere,Pipes?”
“Yeah,”Pipersaidslowly,facingherstepfatherwithmountinghorror.“Whatdidyouwanthertodo?Leavemethere?”

Agitated,Danielshovedhisfingersthroughhishair.“Ithoughtyoulearnedyourlessonalongtimeago,Piper.Orlessons,plural,rather.YouwerestillflittingaroundtoeverygoddamnpartybetweenhereandtheValley,butyouweren’tcosting
memoneyormakingmelooklikeafuckingidiotintheprocess.”

“Ouch.”Pipersunkbackintothecouchcushions.“Youdon’thavetobemean.”
“Idon’thavetobe—”Danielmadeanexasperatedsoundandpinchedthebridgeofhisnose.“Youaretwenty-eightyearsold,
Piper,andyouhavedonenothingwithyourlife.Nothing.You’vebeenaffordedeveryopportunity,givenanythingyourlittleheartcouldaskfor,andallyouhavetoshowforitis
a…adigitalexistence.Itmeansnothing.”

Ifthat’strue,thenImeannothing,too.
Pipersnaggedapillowandhelditoverherroilingstomach,givingHannahagratefullookwhenshereachedovertorubherknee.“Daniel,I’msorry.IhadabadbreakuplastnightandIactedout.Iwon’tdoanythinglikethateveragain.”
Danielseemedtodeflatealittle,retreatingtohisdesktoleanontheedge.“Noonehandedmeanythinginthisbusiness.
IstartedasapageontheParamountlot.Fillingsandwichorders,fetchingcoffee.IwasanerrandboywhileIworkedmy
waythroughfilmschool.”Pipernodded,doingherbesttoappeardeeplyinterested,eventhoughDanieltoldthisstoryat
everydinnerpartyandcharityevent.“Istayedready,armedwithknowledgeanddrive,justwaitingformyopportunity,so
Icouldseizeit”—hesnappedhisfistclosed—“andneverlookback.”

“That’swhenyouwereaskedtorunlineswithCorbinKidder,”Piperrecitedfrommemory.
“Yes.”Herstepfatherinclinedhishead,momentarilypleasedtofindoutshe’dbeenpayingattention.“Asthedirectorlooked
on,Inotonlydeliveredthelineswithpassionandzeal,butIimprovedthetiredtext.Addedmyownflair.”

“Andyouwerebroughtonasawriter’sassistant.”Hannahsighed,windingherfingerforhimtowrapuptheoft-repeatedstory.
“ForKubrickhimself.”

Heexhaledthroughhisnose.“That’sright.Anditbringsmebacktomyoriginalpoint.”Afingerwaswagged.“Piper,you’retoocomfortable.AtleastHannahearnedadegreeandisgainfullyemployed.EvenifIcalledinfavorstogetherthelocationscoutgig,atleastshe’sproductive.”Hannahhunchedhershouldersbutsaidnothing.“Wouldyouevencareifopportunitycameknockingonyourdoor,Piper?Youhavenodrivetogoanywhere.Ordoanything.WhywouldyouwhenthislifeI’veprovidedyouisalwayshere,rewardingyourlackofambitionwithcomfortandanexcusetoremainblissfullystagnant?”
Piperstaredupatthemanshethoughtofasafather,stunnedtofindouthe’dbeenseeingherinsuchanegativelight.
She’dgrownupinBel-Air.Vacationingandthrowingpoolpartiesandrubbingelbowswithfamousactors.Thiswastheonly
lifesheknew.Noneofherfriendsworked.Onlyahandfulofthemhadbotheredwithcollege.Whatwasthepointofadegree?
Tomakemoney?Theyalreadyhadtonsofit.

IfDanielorhermotherhadeverencouragedhertodosomethingelse,shecouldn’trememberanysuchconversation.Wasmotivation
athingthatotherpeopleweresimplybornwith?Andwhenthetimecametomaketheirwayintheworld,theysimplyacted?
Shouldshehavebeenlookingforapurposethiswholetime?

Weirdly,noneoftheinspirationalquotesshe’dpostedinthepastheldtheanswer.
“Iloveyourmotherverymuch,”Danielcontinued,asifreadinghermind.“OrIdon’tthinkIwouldhavebeenthispatient
forsolong.But,Piper…youwenttoofarthistime.”

Hereyesshottohis,herkneesbeginningtotremble.Hadheeverusedthatresignedtonewithherbefore?Ifso,shedidn’t
recall.“Idid?”shewhispered.

Besideher,Hannahshifted,asignshewaspickinguponthegravityofthemoment,too.
Danielbobbedhishead.“TheowneroftheMondrianisfinancingmynextfilm.”Thatnewslandedlikeagrenadeinthecenteroftheoffice.“He’snothappyaboutlastnight,toputitquitemildly.Youmadehishotelseemlikeitlackssecurity.Youmadeitalaughingstock.Andworse,youcouldhaveburnedthegoddamnplacedown.”Hestaredatherwithhardeyes,lettingitallsinkin.“He’sthreatenedtopullthebudget,Piper.It’saveryconsiderableamount.Themoviewillnotgetmadewithouthiscontribution.AtleastnotuntilIfindanotherbacker—anditcouldtakemeyearsinthiseconomy.”
“I’msorry,”Piperbreathed,themagnitudeofwhatshe’ddonesinkingherevenfartherintothecouchcushions.Hadshereally
blownabusinessdealforDanielinthenameofpostingarevengesnapthatwouldmakehertriumphantinabreakup?Wasshe
thatfrivolousandstupid?

HadAdrianbeenright?
“Ididn’tknow.I…Ihadnoideawhoownedthehotel.”
“No,ofcoursenot.Whocareswhoyouractionsaffect,right,Piper?”
“Allright.”Hannahsatforwardwithafrown.“Youdon’thavetobesohardonher.Sheobviouslyrealizesshemadeamistake.”
Danielremainedunfazed.“Well,it’samistakeshe’sgoingtoanswerfor.”
PiperandHannahtradedaglance.“Whatdoyoumeanby”—Piperwiggledherfingersintheshapeofairquotes—“‘answerfor’?”
Theirstepfathertookhistimeroundinghisdeskandopeningthebottomfilingdrawer,hesitatingonlyamomentbeforeremovingamanilafolder.Hetappeditsteadilyonhisdeskcalendar,consideringthenervoussistersthroughnarrowedeyes.“Wedon’ttalkalotaboutyourpast.ThetimebeforeImarriedyourmother.I’lladmitthat’smostlybecauseI’mselfishandIdidn’twantremindersthatshelovedsomeonebeforeme.”
“Awww,”Pipersaidautomatically.
Heignoredher.“Asyouknow,yourfatherwasafisherman.HelivedinWestport,Washington,thesametownwhereyourmother
wasborn.Quaintlittleplace.”

Piperstartedatthementionofherbirthfather.AkingcrabfishermannamedHenrywho’ddiedayoungman,suckeddowninto
theicydepthsoftheBeringSea.Hereyesdriftedtothewindow,totheworldbeyond,tryingtorememberwhatcamebeforethisswankylifetowhichshe’dgrownsoaccustomed.Thelandscapeandcolorofthefirstfouryearsofherlifewereelusive,
butshecouldremembertheoutlineofherfather’shead.Couldrememberhiscrackinglaugh,thesmellofsaltwateronhis
skin.

Couldrememberhermother’slaughterechoinginkind,warmandsweet.
Therewasnowaytowrapherheadaroundthatothertimeandplace—howdifferentitwasfromhercurrentsituation—andshe’d
triedmanytimes.IfMaureenhadn’tmovedtoLosAngelesasagrievingwidow,armedwithnothingmorethangoodlooksand
beingadabhandatsewing,sheneverwouldhavelandedajobworkinginwardrobeonDaniel’sfirstfilm.Hewouldn’thave
falleninlovewithher,andthislavishlifestyleoftheirswouldbenothingmorethanadream,whileMaureenexistedin
someother,unimaginabletimeline.

“Westport,”Hannahrepeated,asiftestingthewordonhertongue.“Momnevertoldusthename.”
“Yes,well.Icanimagineeverythingthathappenedwaspainfulforher.”Hesniffed,tappingtheedgeofthefolderagain.“Obviouslyshe’sfinenow.Betterthanfine.”Abeatpassed.“ThemeninWestport…theyheadtotheBeringSeaduringkingcrabseason,insearchoftheirannualpayday.Butit’snotalwaysreliable.Sometimestheycatchverylittleandhavetosplitaminorsumamongalargecrew.Becauseofthis,yourfatheralsoownedasmallbar.”
Piper’slipsedgedupintoasmile.Thiswasthemostanyonehadeverspokentoherabouttheirbirthfather,andthedetails…
theywerelikecoinsdroppingintoanemptyjarinsideofher,slowlyfillingitup.Shewantedmore.Shewantedtoknoweverything
aboutthismanwhomshecouldonlyrememberforhisboisterouslaugh.

Hannahclearedherthroat,herthighpressingagainstPiper’s.“Whyareyoutellingusallofthisnow?”Shechewedherlip.
“What’sinthefolder?”

“Thedeedtothebar.Heleftthebuildingtoyougirlsinhiswill.”Hesetthefolderdownonhisdeskandflippeditopen.
“Alongtimeago,Iputacustodianinplace,tomakesureitdidn’tfallintodisrepair,buttruthfully,I’dforgottenall
aboutituntilnow.”

“OhmyGod…”Hannahsaidunderherbreath,obviouslypredictingsomeoutcometothisconversationthatPiperwasnot
yetgrasping.“A-areyou…?”

DanielsighedinthewakeofHannah’strailed-offquestion.“Myinvestorisdemandingashowofcontritionforwhatyoudid,Piper.He’saself-mademanlikemeandwouldlikenothingmorethantostickittomeovermyspoiled,rich-kiddaughter.”Piperflinched,buthedidn’tseeitbecausehewasscanningthecontentsofthefile.“NormallyIwouldtellanyonewhodemandedsomethingfrommetofuckoff…butIcan’tignoremygutfeelingthatyouneedtolearntofendforyourselfforawhile.”
“Whatdoyoumeanby”—Piperdidairquotesagain—“‘fend’?”
“Imeanyou’regettingoutofyourcomfortzone.Imeanyou’regoingtoWestport.”

Hannah’smouthdroppedopen.
Pipershotforward.“Wait.What?Forhowlong?WhatamIsupposedtodothere?”SheturnedherpanickedgazeonHannah.“Does
Momknowaboutthis?”

“Yes,”Maureensaidfromtheofficedoorway.“Sheknows.”
Piperwhimperedintoherwrist.
“Threemonths,Pipes.Youcanmakeitthatlong.AndIhopeyouwoulddoitwithouthesitation,consideringI’llmaintain
myfilmbudgetbymakingtheseamends.”DanielcamearoundthedeskanddroppedthemanilafolderintoPiper’slap.Shestared
atitlikeonemightascuttlingcockroach.“Thereisasmallapartmentabovethebar.I’vecalledaheadtomakesureit’s
cleaned.I’msettingupadebitaccounttogetyoustarted,butafterthat…”Oh,helookedwaytoopleased.“You’reon
yourown.”

Mentallylistingallofthegalasandfashionshowsthatwouldhappenoverthecourseofthreewholemonths,Pipergotto
herfeetandsenthermotherapleadinglook.“Mom,you’rereallygoingtolethimsendmeaway?”Shewasreeling.“Whatam
Isupposedtodo?Like,fishforaliving?Idon’tevenknowhowtomaketoast.”
“I’mconfidentyou’llfigureitout,”Maureensaidsoftly,herexpressionsympatheticbutfirm.“Thiswillbegoodforyou.You’llsee.Youmightevenlearnsomethingaboutyourself.”
“No.”Pipershookherhead.Didn’tlastnightyieldtherevelationthatshewasgoodfornothingbutpartyingandlooking
hot?Shedidn’thavethesurvivalskillsforalifeoutsideofthesegates.Butshecouldcopewiththataslongaseverything
stayedfamiliar.Outthere,herineptitude,heruselessness,wouldbeglaring.“I—I’mnotgoing.”

“ThenI’mnotpayingyourlegalfees,”Danielsaidreluctantly.
“I’mshaking,”Piperwhispered,holdingupaflat,quakinghand.“Lookatme.”
Hannahthrewanarmaroundhersister.“I’mgoingwithher.”
Danieldidadoubletake.“Whataboutyourjob?IpulledstringswithSergeitogetyouacovetedspotwiththeproduction
company.”

AtthementionofSergei,Hannah’slong-standingcrush,Piperfelthersister’ssplitsecondofindecision.Forthelastyear,
theyoungestBellingerhadbeenpiningforthebroodyHollywoodupstartwhosedebutfilm,Nobody’sBaby,hadtakenthePalmed’OratCannes.MostoftheballadsconstantlyblaringfromHannah’sroomcouldbeattributedtoher
deepinfatuation.

Hersister’ssolidaritymadePiper’sthroatfeeltight,buttherewasnowayshe’dallowhersinstobanishherfavoriteperson
toWestport,too.Piperherselfwasn’tevenresignedtogoingyet.“Danielwillchangehismind,”shewhisperedoutofthe
sideofhermouthtoHannah.“It’llbefine.”

“Iwillnot,”Danielboomed,lookingoffended.“YouleaveattheendofJuly.”
Piperdidamentalcount.“That’s,like,onlyafewweeksfromnow!”
“I’dtellyoutousethetimetotieupyouraffairs,butyoudon’thaveany.”
Maureenmadeasound.“Ithinkthat’senough,Daniel.”Withafacefullofcensure,shecorralledthestunnedsistersout
oftheroom.“Comeon.Let’stakesometimetoprocess.”

ThethreeBellingerwomenascendedthestairstogether,climbinguptothethirdfloorwhereHannah’sandPiper’sbedrooms
waitedonoppositesidesofthecarpetedhall.TheydriftedintoPiper’sroom,settlingherontheedgeofthebed,andthen
steppedbacktoobserveherasiftheyweremedicalstudentsbeingaskedtomakeadiagnosis.

Handsonknees,Hannahanalyzedherface.“Howareyoudoing,Piper?”
“Canyoureallynotgethimtochangehismind,Mom?”Pipercroaked.
Maureenshookherhead.“I’msorry,sweetie.”Hermotherfellontothebedbesideher,takingherlimphand.Forlongmoments,
shewasquiet,clearlygearingupforsomething.“IthinkpartofthereasonIdidn’tfightDanielveryhardonsendingyou
toWestportis…well,Ihavealotofguiltforkeepingsomuchofyourrealfathertomyself.Iwasinsomuchpain
foralongtime.Bitter,too.AndIbottleditallup,neglectinghismemoryintheprocess.Thatwasn’trightofme.”Her
eyelidsdrifteddown.“TogotoWestport…istomeetyourfather,Piper.HeisWestport.There’ssomuchmorehistory…stilllivinginthattownthanyouknow.That’swhyIcouldn’tstayafterhedied.Hewassurroundingme…andIwasjustsoangryovertheunfairnessofitall.Notevenmyparentscouldgetthroughtome.”
“HowlongdidtheystayinWestportafteryouleft?”Hannahasked,referringtothegrandparentswhovisitedthemonoccasion,
thoughthevisitshadgrownfewandfarbetweenasthesistersgotolder.WhenDanielofficiallyadoptedPiperandHannah,
theirgrandparentshadn’tseemedcomfortablewiththewholeprocess,andthecontactbetweenthemandMaureenhadfadedin
degrees,eveniftheystillspokeonholidaysandbirthdays.

“Notlong.TheyboughttheranchinUtahshortlyafter.Farfromthewater.”Maureenlookeddownatherhands.“Themagic
hadgoneoutofthetownforallofus,Ithink.”

Pipercouldunderstandhermother’sreasoning.Couldsympathizewiththeguilt.Butherentirelifewasbeinguprootedfor
amanshedidn’tknow.Twenty-fouryearshadgonebywithoutasinglewordaboutHenryCross.Hermothercouldn’texpecther
tojumpallovertheopportunitynowbecauseshe’ddecideditwastimetodumptheguilt.

“Thisisn’tfair,”Pipergroaned,fallingbackwardonherbed,upsettingherecruMillesimobedsheets.Hannahsprawledout
besideher,throwinganarmoverPiper’sstomach.

“It’sonlythreemonths,”Maureensaid,risingandfloatingfromtheroom.Justbeforeshewalkedout,sheturnedback,handpoisedonthedoorframe.“Wordtothewise,Piper.ThemeninWestport…they’renotwhatyou’reusedto.They’reunpolishedanddirect.Capableinawaythemenofyouracquaintance…aren’t.”Hergazegrewdistant.“Theirjobisdangerousandtheydon’tcarehowmuchitscaresyou,theygobacktotheseaeverytime.They’llalwayschooseitoverawoman.Andthey’dratherdiedoingwhattheylovethanbesafeathome.”
TheuncharacteristicgravityinMaureen’stonegluedPipertothebed.“Whyareyoutellingmethis?”
Hermotherliftedadelicateshoulder.“Thatdangerinamancanbeexcitingtoawoman.Untilit’snotanymore.Thenit’s
shattering.Justkeepthatinmindifyoufeel…drawnin.”

Maureenseemedlikeshewantedtosaymore,butshetappedthedoorframetwiceandwent,leavingthetwosistersstaringafter
her.

PiperreachedbackforapillowandhandedittoHannah.“Smothermewiththis.Please.It’sthehumanethingtodo.”
“I’mcomingwithyoutoWestport.”
“No.Whataboutyourjob?AndSergei?”Piperexhaled.“Youhavegoodthingshappeninghere,Hanns.I’llfindawaytocope.”
ShegaveHannahamockseriousface.“TheymusthavesugardaddiesinWestport,right?”

“I’mdefinitelygoingwithyou.”ChapterFour
BrendanTaggartwasthefirstWestportresidenttospotthewomen.
HeheardacardoorslamoutbythecurbandslowlyturnedonthebarrelthatpassedasaseatinNoName.Hisbottleofbeer
pausedhalfwaytohismouth,theloudstorytellingandmusicfillingthebarfadingaway.

Throughthegrubbywindow,Brendanwatchedthepairexitonoppositesidesofataxiandimmediatelywrotethemoffasclueless
touristswhoobviouslyhadthewrongaddress.

Thatis,untiltheystartedhaulingsuitcasesoutofthetrunk.Seven,tobeexact.
Hegrunted.Sippedhisbeer.
Theywereawaysoffthebeatenpath.Therewasn’taninnforseveralblocks.Ontopofmisjudgingtheirdestination,they
weredressedforthebeachatnight,duringalate-summerrain,noumbrellatospeakof—andvisiblyconfoundedbytheirsurroundings.

Itwastheoneinthefloppyhatwhocaughthiseyerightaway,purelybecauseshelookedthemostridiculous,alipstick-shapedpursedanglingfromherforearm,wristslimpanddrawnuptohershoulders,asifshewasafraidtotouchsomething.Shetiltedherheadbackandgazedupatthebuildingandlaughed.Andthatlaughturnedintowhatlookedlikeasob,thoughhecouldn’thearitthroughthemusicandpaneofglass.
AssoonasBrendannoticedthewaytherainwasmoldingthedresstoFloppyHat’stits,heglancedawayquickly,goingback
towhathe’dbeendoingbefore.PretendingtobeinterestedinRandy’soverboardstory,eventhoughhe’dhearditeightygoddamn
times.

“Theseawasboilingthatday,”Randysaid,inavoiceequivalenttoscrapmetalbeingcrushed.“We’dalreadyhitourquota
andthensome,thankstothecaptainoverhere.”HesalutedBrendanwithhisfrothypint.“AndthereIwas,onadeckslipperier
thanaduck’sass,picturingthebathtubfullofcashI’dbeswimminginwhenwegothome.We’rehaulinginthefinalpot,
andthereitwas,thebiggestcrabinthedamnsea,themotherfuckinggrandpappyofallcrabs,andhetellsmewithhisbeady
littleeyesthatheain’tgoingdownwithoutafight.Noooo,sir.”

Randyproppedaleguponthestoolhe’dbeensittingonearlier,hiscraggyfeaturesarrangedformaximumdrama.He’dbeen
workingonBrendan’sboatlongerthanBrendanhadbeencaptainingit.Hadseenmoreseasonsthanmostofthecrewcombined.
Attheendofeachone,hethrewhimselfaretirementparty.Andthenheshowedupforthenextseasonlikeclockwork,having
spenteverylastdimeoflastyear’stake.

“WhenItellyouthatsuckerwrappedalegaroundthearmofmyslicker,rightthroughthepot,themesh,allofit,I’mnotlying.Hewashell-bentforleather.Timefroze,ladiesandgentlemen.Thecaptainisyellingatmetohaulinthepot,buthearmenow,Iwasbamboozled.Thatcrabputaspellonme—I’mtellingyou.Andthat’swhenthewavehit,conjuredbythecrabhimself.Nobodysawitcoming,
andjustlikethat,Iwastossedintothedrink.”

ThemanwhowaslikeagrandfathertoBrendantookapausetodrainhalfhisbeer.
“Whentheypulledmein…”Heexhaled.“Thatcrabwasnowheretobefound.”
Thetwopeopleinthecrowdedbarwhohadn’talreadyheardthelegendlaughedandapplauded—andthatwasthemomentFloppy
Hatandtheotheronedecidedtomaketheirentrance.Withinseconds,itwasquietenoughtohearapindrop,andthatdidn’t
surpriseBrendanonebit.Westportwasatouriststoptobesure,buttheydidn’tgetalotofoutsidersstumblingintoNo
Name.Itwasanestablishmentthatcouldn’tbefoundonYelp.

Mainlybecauseitwasillegal.
Butitwasn’tonlytheshockofnon-localswalkinginanddisruptingtheirSunday-nightbullshitsession.No,itwastheway
theylooked.EspeciallyFloppyHat,whowalkedinfirst,hittingtheeasyenergyoftheroomwithshockpaddles.Inhershort,loose
dressandsandalsthatwrappedaroundhercalves,shecouldhavesteppedoutofthepagesofafashionmagazineforallthose…
tightlinesandsmoothcurves.

Brendancouldbeobjectiveaboutthat
Hisbraincouldpointoutanattractivewomanwithouthimcaringonewayortheother.
Hesethisbeerdownonthewindowsillandcrossedhisarms,feelingaflashofannoyanceateveryone’sstupefiedexpressions.Randyhadrolledouttheredcarpetintheformofhistonguelollingoutofhismouth,andtherestofthemenwerementallypreparingmarriageproposals,bythelookofit.
“Littlehelpwiththeluggage,Pipes?”calledthesecondgirlfromtheentrance,whereshe’dproppedopenthedoorwitha
hip,strugglingundertheweightofasuitcase.

“Oh!”FloppyHatwhirledaround,pinkclimbingthesidesofherface—andhell,thatwassomeface.Nodenyingit,nowthat
therewasn’tadirtywindowpanedistortingit.Thosewerethekindofbabybluesthatmademensigntheirlifeaway,tosay
nothingofthatwide,stubbornupperlip.Thecombinationrenderedherguilelessandseductiveatthesametime,andthat
wastroubleBrendanwantednopartof.“Sorry,Hanns.”Shewinced.“I’llgogettherest—”

“I’llgetthem,”atleastninemensaidatonce,trippingoverthemselvestoreachthedoor.Oneofthemtookthesuitcase
fromFloppyHat’scompanion,whileseveralotherslungedintotherain,gettingstucksidebysideinthedoorway.Halfof
thosejackasseswereonBrendan’screw,andhealmostdisownedthemrightthenandthere.

Withinseconds—althoughnotwithoutsomefamiliarbickering—allsevensuitcaseswerepiledinthemiddleofthebar,everyone
standingaroundthemexpectantly.“Whatgentlemen!Sopoliteandwelcoming,”FloppyHatcrooned,huggingherbizarrehandbag
toherchest.“Thankyou!”

“Yes,thanks,”saidthesecondgirlquietly,dryingtherainoffherfacewiththesleeveofaUCLAsweatshirt.LosAngeles.Ofcourse.“Uh,Pipes?”Sheturnedinacircle,takingintheirsurroundings.“Areyousurethisistherightplace?”

Inresponsetoherfriend’squestion,sheseemedtonoticewhereshewasstandingforthefirsttime.Thoseeyesgreweven
biggerasshecataloguedtheinteriorofNoNameandthepeopleoccupyingit.Brendanknewwhatshewasseeing,andalready
heresentedthewaysherecoiledatthedustonthemismatchedseats,thebrokenfloorboards,theancientfishingnetshanging
fromtherafters.Thedisappointmentinthedownturnedcornersofhermouthspokevolumes.Notgoodenoughforyou,baby?There’sthedoor.
Withprimmovements,Pipes—keeperofridiculousnamesandpurses—snappedthehandbagopenanddrewoutajewel-crustedphone,tappingthescreenwith
asquarerednail.“Isthis…sixty-twoNorthForrestStreet?”

Achorusofyesesgreetedthestrangledquestion.
“Then…”Sheturnedtoherfriend,chestexpandingonquickbreaths.“Yes.”
“Oh,”respondedUCLA,beforesheclearedherthroat,pastingatensesmileonafacethatwasprettyinamuchsubtlerway
thanPipes’s.“Um…sorryabouttheawkwardentrance.Wedidn’tknowanyonewasgoingtobehere.”Sheshiftedherweight
inbootsthatwouldn’tbegoodforanythingbutsittingdown.“I’mHannahBellinger.Thisismysister,Piper.”

Piper.NotPipes.

Notthatitwasmuchofanimprovement.
Thefloppyhatcameoff,andPipershookoutherhair,asiftheywereinthemiddleofaphotoshoot.Shegaveeveryonea
sheepishsmile.“Weownthisplace.Isn’tthatcrazy?”

IfBrendanthoughttheirentrancehadproducedsilence,itwasnothingcomparedtothis.
Ownedthisplace?
NooneownedNoName.Ithadbeenvacantsincehewasingradeschool.
Originally,thelocalshadpooledtheirmoneytostocktheplacewithliquorandbeer,sothey’dhaveaplacetocometoescape
thetouristsduringaparticularlyhellishsummer.Adecadehadpassedsincethen,butthey’dkeptcoming,theregularstaking
turnscollectingduesonceaweektokeeptheboozeflowing.Brendandidn’tmakeitovertoooften,butheconsideredNoName
tobetheirs.Alloftheirs.Thesetwoout-of-townerswalkinginandclaimingownershipdidn’tsitrightatall.

Brendanlikedroutine.Likedthingsintheirplace.Thesetwodidn’tbelong,especiallyPiper,whonoticedhimgloweringand
hadthenervetosendhimapinkywave.

RandydrewherattentionawayfromBrendanwithabaffledlaugh.“How’sthatnow?YouownNoName?”
Hannahsteppedupbesidehersister.“That’swhatyoucallit?”
“Beencallingitthatforyears,”Randyconfirmed.
OneofBrendan’sdeckhands,Sanders,disentangledhimselffromhiswifeandcameforward.“Lastownerofthisplacewasa
Cross.”

BrendannoticedtheslighttremorthatpassedthroughPiperatthename.
“Yes,”Hannahsaidhesitantly.“We’reawareofthat.”
“Ooh!”Piperstartedscrollingthroughherphoneagainatthespeedoflight.“There’sacustodiannamedTanner.Ourstepdad
hasbeenpayinghimtokeepthisplaceclean.”Thoughhersmileremainedinplace,hergazecrawledoverthedistinctlynotcleanbar.“Hashe…beenonvacation?”

IrritationsnuckupthebackofBrendan’sneck.Thiswasaproudtownoflong-standingtraditions.Wherethehelldidthisrichgirlgetoffwaltzinginandinsultinghislifelongfriends?Hiscrew?
RandyandSanderstradedasnort.“Tannerisoverthere,”Sanderssaid.Thecrowdpartedtorevealtheir“custodian”slumped
overthebar,passedout.“He’sbeenonvacationsincetwothousandandeight.”

Everyoneinthebarhoistedtheirbeersandlaughedatthejoke,Brendan’sownlipstwitchinginamusement,eventhoughhis
annoyancehadn’tebbed.Notevenalittlebit.Heretrievedhisbottleofbeerfromthewindowsillandtookapull,keeping
hiseyesonPiper.Sheseemedtofeelhisattentiononherprofile,becausesheturnedwithanotheroneofthoseflirtatious
smilesthatdefinitelyshouldn’thavecausedahotnudgeinhislowerbody,especiallyconsideringhe’dalreadydecidedhedidn’tcareforher.

Butthenhergazesnaggedontheweddingbandhestillworearoundhisringfinger—andshepromptlylookedaway,herposture
losingitsplayfulness.

That’sright.Takeitsomewhereelse
“IthinkIcanclearuptheconfusion,”Hannahsaid,rubbingatthebackofherneck.“Ourfather…wasHenryCross.”
ShockdrewBrendan’seyebrowstogether.ThesegirlswereHenryCross’sdaughters?Brendanwastooyoungtoremembertheman
personally,butthestoryofHenry’sdeathwasalegend,notunlikeRandy’sevilcrabstory.Itwasutteredfarlessoften
lestitproducebadluck,whisperedbetweenthefishermenofWestportaftertoomuchliquororaparticularlyroughdayon
theseawhenthefearhadtakenhold.

HenryCrosswasthelastmanoftheWestportcrewtodiewhilehuntingthealmightykingcrabontheBeringSea.Therewasamemorialdedicatedtohimontheharbor,awreathplacedonthepedestaleveryyearontheanniversaryoftheseatakinghim.
Itwasnotunusualformentodieduringtheseason.Kingcrabfishingwas,bydefinition,themostdangerousjobintheUnited
States.Everyfall,menlosttheirlives.Buttheyhadn’tlostaWestportmaninovertwodecades.

Randyhaddroppedontohisstool,dumbfounded.“No.Areyou…Youain’tMaureen’sgirls,areyou?”
“Yes,”Pipersaid,hersmiletooengagedforBrendan’speaceofmind.“Weare.”
“Holymackerel.Iseetheresemblancenow.Sheusedtobringyougirlsdowntothedocks,andyou’dleavewithpocketsfull
ofcandy.”Randy’sattentionswungtoBrendan.“Yourfather-in-lawisgoingtoshithimself.Henry’sgirls.Standingright
hereinhisbar.”

“Ourbar,”Brendancorrectedhimquietly.
Twowordsoutofhismouthwereallittooktodropachillintotheatmosphere.Acoupleofthelocalsshrunkbackintotheir
seats,drinksforgottenonthecratesthatservedastables.

Brendanfinishedhisbeercalmly,givingPiperachallengingeyebrowraiseovertheglassneck.Tohercredit,shedidn’t
blanchlikemostpeopleonthereceivingendofoneofhislooks.Astonystarethroughthewheelhousewindowcouldmakea
greenhornshithimself.Thisgirlonlyseemedtobeevaluatinghim,thatlimpwristonceagaindrawnupagainsthershoulder,
thatlongmaneofgolden-rosy-honeyhairtossedback.

“Aw.Thedeedsaysotherwise,”Pipersaidsweetly.“Butdon’tworry.We’llonlybekillingyourweirdlyhostilevibeforthreemonths.Thenit’sbacktoLA.”
Ifpossible,everyoneretreatedfartherintotheirseats.
ExceptforRandy.Hewasfindingthewholeexchangehilarious,hissmilesowideBrendancouldcounthisteeth,threeofwhich
weregold.

“Whereareyoustaying?”Brendanasked.
Thesistersbothpointedupattheceiling.
Brendanbitoffalaugh.“Really?”
Severalpatronsexchangedanxiousglances.SomeoneevenhoppedupandtriedtorouseTanneratthebar,butitwasnothing
doing.

Thiswholesituationwasabsurd.Iftheythoughtthebarwasinshambles,theyhadn’tseenanythingyet.They—especiallyher—wouldn’tlastthenightinWestport.Atleastnotwithoutcheckingintooneoftheinns.

Satisfiedwiththatconclusion,Brendansethisbeerasideandpushedhimselftohisfeet,kindofenjoyingthewayPiper’s
eyeswidenedwhenhereachedhisfullheight.Forsomereason,hewaswaryofgettingtooclosetoher.Hesureashelldidn’t
wanttoknowwhatshesmelledlike.Buthecalledhimselfanidiotforhesitatingandstrodeforward,pickingupasuitcase
ineachhand.“Well,then.Allowmetoshowyoutheaccommodations.”
ChapterFive
Whothefuck.Even.Wasthisdouche?

Piperforcedherchinupandfollowedthebeasttothebackofthebar—thebarwhichwasessentiallythesizeofhercloset
backinBel-Air—andupanarrowstaircase,Hannahintow.God,hewasfreakishlybig.Justtomakeitupthestairs,hehad
tobenddownslightly,sohisbeanie-coveredheadwouldn’thittheceiling.

Forasplitsecond,she’dfoundthesilver-greeneyesunderthebandofthatbeaniekindofcaptivating.Hisblackbeardwas
decentlygroomed.Fullandclosecropped.Thoseshoulderswouldhavebeenseriouslyvaluableinthechicken-fightcompetition
acoupleofweeksago,tosaynothingoftherestofhim.Hewaslargeallaround,andnotevenhisbeat-upsweatshirtcouldconcealthebeefymusculatureofhischest,arms.

He’dbeenstaringather,soshe’ddonewhatshedidbestwhenamanseemedinterested.Shedidalittlestationaryflossing.
Itwasasnaturalasbreathing,thesubtlehipshift.Findingthelightwithhercheekbones,drawingattentiontohermouthandsuckinghissouloutwithhereyes.Itwasamaneuvershenormallyperformedwithahighsuccessrate.Instead,he’donlylookedpissedoff.
Howwasshesupposedtoknowhewasmarried?They’dwalkedintoacrowdoftwodozenpeople.Intoherfather’sbar,which
hadapparentlybeencommandeeredbyagroupoftownies.There’dbeenalottotakeinatonce,orshemighthavenoticedthe
goldband.He’dseemedtopurposefullyflashitather,andasshewasdefinitelynotthetypetogoaftersomeonewhowas
taken,she’dshutdownhercome-hitherglanceimmediately.

Piperrolledhershouldersbackonebyoneanddecidedtotrybeingfriendlytothebeast,atleastonemoretime.Itwas
kindofadmirableofhim,wasn’tit?Tobeaggressivelyfaithfultohiswife?Ifsheevergotmarriedsomeday,shehopedher
husbandwoulddothesame.Onceherealizedshewasn’ttryingtocatchhiseye,maybehe’dchill.SheandHannahwouldbe
livinginWestportforninetydays.Makingenemiesrightoffthebatwouldsuck.

“Don’tweneedtogetanapartmentkeyfromTanner?”Pipercalledupthestairs.
“Nope,”herespondedshortly.“Nolocks.”
“Oh.”
“Thebarentrancehasalock,”hesaid,kickingopentheapartmentdooranddisappearinginside.“Butalmosteveryonedownstairs
hasacopy.”

Piperchewedherlip.“Thatdoesn’tseemverysecure…”
Hisderisionwaspalpable.“Areyouworriedsomeoneisgoingtobreakinandstealyourlipstickpurse?”
Hannahsuckedinasharpbreath.“Hewentthere.”
Tenaciously,Piperheldontoherpoiseandjoinedhimintheapartment.Thelighthadn’tbeenturnedonyet,soshesteppedasidetoletHannahinandwaited,moregratefulthaneverthathersisterwasstubbornandrefusedtoletherbebanishedtoWestportalone.“Ithinkwemighthavegottenoffonthewrongfoot,”Pipersaidtotheman.Whereverhe’dgone.“Whatdidyousayyournamewas?”
“Ididn’t,”camethatmockingbaritonefromthedark.“It’sBrendan.”
“Brendan—”
Thelightflippedon.
PipergrippedHannah’sarmtokeepfromcollapsing.
Ohno.
Nonono.
“Ohhhhfuuuuuck,”Hannahwhisperedbesideher.
Therehadtobesomemistake.
She’dgoogledWestportanddonesomenosingaround,ifminimally.EverywhereelsewassimplynotLosAngeles,sowhatdiditmatter?HersearchtoldherWestportwasquaintandeclectic,locatedrightonthecuspofthe
PacificOcean.Asurfingdestination.Acutevillage.She’dimaginedanoceanviewinarusticbutlivableapartment,with
lotsofphotoopsofherroughingit,withthehashtag#PNWBarbie.

Thiswasnotthat.
Everythingwasinoneroom.Therewasapaper-thinpartitionblockingoffthebathroom,butifshewentthreestepstotheleft,she’dbeintheminiature
kitchen.Threetotheright,andshe’dramintothebunkbed.

Bunk.Bed.
Hadsheeverevenseenoneofthoseinreallife?
Brendan’sbootsscuffedtoastopinfrontofthesisters.Hecrossedhisarmsoverhiswidechestandsurveyedtheapartment,hisdispositionsuddenlyjovial.“Secondthoughts?”
Piper’seyestrackedalongtheceiling,andshelostcountofthecobwebs.Therehadtobeaninchofgrimeoneverysurface—and
shehadn’tevenseenthebathroomyet.Theonewindowlookeddirectlyatthebrickwallofthebuildingnextdoor,sothe
muskyodorcouldn’tevenbeairedout.

ShestartedtotellHannahtheywereleaving.TheywouldtakethepittanceDanielputintheirdebitaccountsanduseitto
rentacaranddrivebacktoLosAngeles.Dependingonhowmuchitcosttorentacar,thatwas.Itcouldbeathousanddollars
orfifty.Shehadnoclue.Otherpeopleusuallyarrangedthesekindsofthingsforher.

MaybeiftheycalledDanielandtoldhimhiscustodianhadbeencashingacheckanddoingnoneofthework,hewouldrelent
andallowherandHannahtoreturnhome.Howcouldhesayno?Thisplacewasunlivable.Atleastuntilitwasscouredclean—and
whowasgoingtodothatforthem?

Brendan’sunwaveringgazeremainedonher,waitingforhertocrack.
Shewasgoingtocrack,right?

Multiplevoicesdriftedbacktoher,tighteningthenapeofherneck.
Youplaydress-upandspendyourdaddy’smoney.
Youdon’thaveareasontolearnanything.
There’sjustnothingtoyou,okay?
Youhavenodrivetogoanywhere.Ordoanything.WhywouldyouwhenthislifeI’veprovidedyouisalwayshere,rewardingyourlackofambitionwithcomfortandanexcusetoremainblissfullystagnant?
Brendan’ssmugnesswassuddenlycloying,likegluedryinginherwindpipe.Howoriginal.Anothermanwhothoughtshewasworthless?
Howpositivelybreathtaking.

Hedidn’tmatter.Hisopinionwasmoot.
Everyone’slowexpectationsofherwerebeginningtowearkindofthin,though.
Onelookatherandthisprickhadbecomeasdismissiveofherabilitiesasherstepfatherandherex-boyfriend.Whatwas
itaboutherthatcourtedsuchharshjudgment?

Piperwasn’tsure,butafterbeingdumpedandbanishedtothismurderhostel,shedidn’treallyfeelliketakinganotherlump,
especiallywhenitwasn’twarranted.

Onenight.Shecoulddoonenight.Couldn’tshe?
“We’regood,aren’twe,Hanns?”Pipersaidbrightly.“Wenevergottodothewholesummer-campthing.It’llbefun.”
PiperglancedoveratHannah,relievedwhenherfacewarmedintoasmile.“We’regood.”Shesashayedacrossthespacelike
shewassurveyingamillion-dollarpenthouse.“Veryversatile.Cozy.Justneedsasplashofpaint.”

“Mmmm,”Piperhummedinagreement,noddingandtappingafingeragainstherchin.“Formandfunction.Thatabandonedpalletinthecornerwillmakealovelydisplayshelfformyshoecollection.”

WhensheriskedalookatBrendan,itstressedherouttofindhissuperiorsmilehadn’tslippedaniota.Whichwaswhenshe
heardthescratching.Itremindedherofanewspaperbeingcrumpledinafist.“Whatisthat?”sheasked.

“Yourotherroommate.”Brendantuckedhistongueintohischeek,saunteredtowardtheexit.“Oneofseveral,I’mguessing.”
Nosoonerhadthewordslefthismouththanarodentscurriedacrossthefloor,dartingoneway,thentheother,hisitty-bitty
nosetwitching.Whatwasit?Amouse?Weren’ttheysupposedtobecute?Piperscrambledontothetopbunkwithayip,Hannah
hotonherheels.Theymetinthemiddleandclungtoeachother,Pipertryingnottogag.

“Enjoyyournight,ladies.”Brendan’sarrogantchucklefollowedhimoutthedoor,hisbootsmakingthestairsgroanonhis
waybackdowntothebar.“Seeyouaround.Maybe.”

“Wait!”Gingerly,PiperclimbeddownoffthebunkandshudderedherwayoutontothelandingwhereBrendanhadpaused,keeping
hervoicelow.“Youwouldn’thappentoknowagood,um…exterminatorslashhousekeeperinthearea,wouldyou?”

Hisderisionwaspalpable.“No.Wecleanourownhousesandcatchourownverminhere.”
“Catchy.”Shecheckedaroundheranklesforhungrycritters.“Putthatonthetownwelcomesignandwatchrealestateprices
soar.”

“Realestateprices,”heechoed.“ThatkindoftalkbelongsinLA.Nothere.”
Piperrolledhereyes.“Whatisitlikehavingsuchanaccuratesenseofwherethingsbelong?Andwhobelongswhere?”Still
scoutingforcritters,shesaidabsently,“IcanbeinaroomfullofpeoplethatIknowandstillnotfeellikeIbelong.”

Assheplayedthatstatementbacktoherself,Piper’seyessnappeduptofindBrendanfrowningdownather.Shestartedtosmoothherblurtedtruthoverwithsomethinglightanddiverting,butherexhaustionmadeittoomuchofaneffort
“Anyway,thanksforthewarmwelcome,MayorDoomandGloom.”Sheretreatedastepbackintotheapartment.“You’vesureput
meinmyplace.”

Hesquintedaneye.“Holdon.”Weirdly,Piperheldherbreath,becauseitseemedlikehewasgoingtosaysomethingimportant.
Infact,shekindofgotthefeelinghedidn’tsaymuchunlessitwassignificant.Butatthelastsecond,heseemedtochangehismind,droppingthethoughtfulexpression.“You’renot
heretofilmarealityshoworsomeshit,areyou?”

Sheslammedthedoorinhisface.ChapterSix
Brendanlockedthedoorofhishouseanddouble-checkedhiswatch.Eightfifteen,onthedot.Aswasacaptain’shabit,he
tookamomenttojudgethesky,thetemperature,andthefogdensity.Smelledlikethesunwouldburnthemistoffbyten
o’clock,keepingtheearlyAugustheatminimaluntilhecouldfinishhiserrands
Theshopswerejustopening,thesquawkingcallsofhungryseagullsblendingwithbellstinklingasemployeesproppedopen
doors.Thedragofachalkboardsignbeinghauledouttothecurbadvertisingfreshcatches,someofwhichBrendan’screw
hadcaughtthemselvesontheirlastouting.Shopkeeperscalledlazygoodmorningstoeachother.Acoupleofyoungkidslit
cigarettesinahuddleoutsidethebrewery,alreadydressedforthebeach.

Sincetheywerenearingtheendoftouristseason,thereweremarkdownsadvertisedeverywhere.Onfishinghatsandpostcardsandlunchspecials.Heappreciatedthecycleofthings.Tradition.Thereliabilityofweatherchanging,andtheshiftingseasonssettingpeopleaboutaroutine.Itwastheconsistencyofthisplace.Enduring,justliketheoceanheloved.He’dbeenborninWestport,andheneverintendedtoleave.
Arippleofaggravationfannedoutbeneathhisskinwhenherecalledthenightbefore.Thestonetossedintothecalmwaters
ofhowthingsweredone.Outsidersdidn’tsimplyshowupandclaimownershipofthingshere.InWestport,peopleworkedfor
everythingtheyhad.Nothingwashandedoverwithoutblood,sweat,andtears.Thetwogirlsdidn’tstrikehimaspeoplewho
hadanappreciationfortheplace,thepeople,thepastitwasbuilton.Thehardworkittooktosustainacommunityonthe
whimsofavolatileocean—anddoitwell.

Goodthingtheywouldn’tbestickingaroundforlong.He’dbeshockedifPipermadeitthroughthenightwithoutchecking
intotheclosestfive-starhotel.

IcanbeinaroomfullofpeoplethatIknowandstillnotfeellikeIbelong.
Whydidhismindrefusetoletthatdrop?
He’dgnaweditoverforfartoolonglastnight,thenagainthismorning.Itdidn’tfit.Andhedidn’tlikethingsthatdidn’t
fit.Abeautifulgirl—withadmittedlysharphumor—likePipercouldbelonganywhereshechose,couldn’tshe?

Justnothere.
BrendanwaitedatastoplightbeforecrossingMontesano,breezingthroughtheautomaticdooroftheShop’nKart,thewrinkleofirritationsmoothingitselfoutwhenhesawthateverythingwasinitsplace.HewavedatCarol,theusualregisterattendant.Papergullshungfromtheceilingandblewaroundinthebreezehe’dallowedinside.Notmanypeoplewereinthestoreyet,whichwaswhyhelikedtocomeearly.Noconversationsorquestionsabouttheupcomingcrabseason.Ifheexpectedabighaul,thecoursehe’dcharted.IfthecrewoftheDellaRaywouldbeatouttheRussians.Talkingabouthisplanswouldonlyjinxthem.

Asaseaman,Brendanwasallaboutluck.Heknewhecouldonlycontrolsomuch.Hecouldconstructatightschedule,guide
theboatinadirectionofhischoosing.Butitwasuptotheoceanhowandwhenshegaveuphertreasures.Withcrabseason
quicklyapproaching,hecouldonlyhopefortunewouldfavorthemonceagain,asithadthelasteightyearssincehe’dtaken
overfromhisfather-in-lawascaptain.

Brendanpickedupahandcartandheadedwest,tothefreezeraisle.Hedidn’thavealistanddidn’tneedone,sincehegot
thesamegrocerieseverytime.Firstthingshe’dgrabweresomefrozenburgerpattiesandthen—

“Siri,whatshouldImakefordinner?”
Thatvoice,driftingoverfromthenextaisle,madeBrendanstopinhistracks.
“Here’swhatIfoundontheWeb,”cametheelectronicreply.
Awhinefollowed.“Siri,whatisaneasydinner?”

Hegroundafistintohisforehead,listeningtoPiperspeaktoherphoneasifitwerealiving,breathinghumanbeing.
Therewassomefrustratedmuttering.“Siri,whatistarragon?”

Brendandraggedahanddownhisface.Whohadletthisgirlchildoutintotheworldonherownwithoutsupervision?Frankly,hewaskindofshockedtofindherinasupermarketatall.Nottomentionthisearlyinthemorning.Buthewasn’tgoingtoquestionher.Hedidn’tcareaboutherexplanation.Therewasascheduletoadhereto.

Hetrudgedon,rippingtheburgerpattiesoutofthefreezerandthrowingthemintothehandcart.Heturnedtotheotherside
ofthelaneandpickedouthisusualbread.No-frillswheat.Hehesitatedbeforeturningdownthenextaisle,wherePiper
wasstillyackingatherphone…andcouldn’thelpbutdrawupshort,afrowngatheringhisbrowstogether.Whothefuck
woreasequinedjumpsuittothegrocerystore?

Atleast,hethoughtitmightbecalledajumpsuit.Itwasoneofthosedealswomenworeinthesummertimewiththetopattached
tothebottom.Exceptthisonehadshortsthatendedrightbelowhertightassandmadeherlooklikeagoddamndiscoball.

“Siri…”Hershoulderssagged,herhandcartdanglingfromlimpfingers.“Whatisamealwithtwoingredients?”

Brendanletoutaninadvertentsigh,andwithatossofhair,sheglancedup,blinking.
Heignoredthestabofaweinhischest.
She’dgottenprettierovernight,damnher.
Witharollofhisshoulders,hetriedtoeasethetensionbracketedbyhisribcage.Thisgirlprobablyinspiredthesame
reactionineverymansheevercameacross.Evenintheharshsupermarketlighting,hecouldn’tpickoutasingleflaw.Didn’t
wanttolookthatclosely.Buthe’dhavetobedeadnotto.Mightaswelladmitit.Piper’sbodyremindedhim,forthefirsttimeina
long,longtime,thathehadneedsthatcouldn’tbesatisfiedforeverbyhisownhand.

AddittothelistofreasonsherstayinWestportcouldn’tbeoverfastenough.
“Stillhere?”Jawbunched,Brendantorehiseyesawayfromherlong,achinglysmooth-lookinglegsandmoveddowntheaisle,droppingpastaandajarofsauceintohisbasket.“Thoughtyou’dbelonggonebynow.”
“Nope.”Hecouldsensehowpleasedshewaswithherselfasshefellintostepbesidehim.“Lookslikeyou’restuckwithme
atleastonemoreday.”

Helobbedaboxofriceintohisbasket.“Didyoumakepeacewiththemicehorde?”
“Yes.They’remakingmeadressfortheballrightnow.”Shepaused,seemingtostudyhimtoseeifhegottheCinderellareference.Buthegaveawaynothing.“Um…”

Didhejustslowhisstepsoshecouldkeepupwithhim?Why?“Um,what?”
Tohercredit,shedidn’tbataneyelashathisshittytone.Hersmilemighthavebeenalittlebrittle,butshekeptitin
place,chinup.“Look,Isenseyou’reinahurry,but…”

“Iam.”
Thatfirehe’dseeninhereyeslastnightwasback,flickeringbehindthebabyblue.“Well,ifyou’relateforanappointment
togorollaroundinfish…”Sheleanedforwardandsniffed.“Mightaswellcancel.You’realreadynailingit.”

“WelcometoWestport,honey.Everythingsmellslikefish.”
“Notme,”shesaid,cockingahip.
“Giveittime.”Hereachedforacanofpeas.“Matteroffact,don’t.”
Shethrewthehandholdingherphone,letitslapdownagainsttheoutsideofherthigh.“Wow.Whatisyourproblemwithme?”
“Betyou’reusedtomenfallingalloverthemselvestomakeyouhappy,huh?”Hetossedthecanupintheair,caughtit.“Sorry,I’mnotgoingtobeoneofthem.”
Forsomereason,hisstatementhadPiper’sheadtippingbackonasemi-hystericallaugh.“Yes.Mensalivatetodomybidding.”Sheusedherphonetogesturebetweenthem.“Isthatallthisis?You’rebeingrudetomebecauseI’m
spoiled?”

Brendanleanedclose.Closeenoughtowatchherincrediblelipspart,tocatchthescentofsomethingblatantlyfeminine—not
flowers.Smokyandsensual,yetsomehowlight.Thefactthathewantedtogetcloserandinhalemorepissedhimofffurther.
“Isawyourjudgmentofthisplacebeforeanyoneelselastnight.Thewayyoulookedupatthebuildingandlaughed,like
itwassomecrueljokebeingplayedonyou.”Hepaused.“It’slikethis.Onmyboat,Ihaveacrew,andeachmemberhasa
family.Ahistory.Thoserootsrunallthroughthetown.They’velivedalotofitinsideNoName.Andonthedeckofmyboat.
Rememberingtheimportanceofeachmemberofmycrewandthepeoplewaitingonshoreforthemismyjob.Thatmakesthistown
myjob.Youwouldn’tunderstandthecharacterittakestomakethisplacerun.Thepersistence.”

“No,Idon’t,”shesputtered,losingsomesteam.“I’vebeenherelessthanoneday.”
Whensympathy—andalittleregretoverbeingsoharsh—needledhiminhismiddle,heknewitwastimetomoveon.Butwhen
heturnedthecornerintothenextaisle,shefollowed,tryingtolooklikesheknewwhatshewasdoingbyputtingapplecider
vinegarandlimabeansinhercart.

“JesusChrist.”Hesethiscartdownandcrossedhisarms.“Justwhatthehellareyouplanningonmakingwiththatcombination?”
“Somethingtopoisonyouwithwouldbenice.”Shegavehimonelastdisgruntledlookandstompedoff,thatwork-of-artbackside
twitchingallthewaytotheendoftheaisle.“Thankyouforbeingsoneighborly.Youknow,youobviouslylovethisplace.
Maybeyoushouldtrybeingabetterrepresentationofit.”

Allright.Thatgothim.
Brendanhadbeenraisedbyacommunity.Avillage.Bythetimehewastenyearsold,he’dseentheinsideofeveryhousein
Westport.Eachandeveryresidentwasafriendofhisparents.Theybabysathim,hisparentsreturnedthefavor,andsoon.
Hismotheralwaysbroughtadishtocelebrationswhenthemencamebackfromsea,didthesameforacquaintanceswhowere
sick.Kindnessandgenerositycouldbecountedon.Ithadbeenadamnlongwhilesincehe’dwonderedwhathismotherwould
thinkofhisbehavior,buthethoughtofitnowandgrimaced.

“Fuck,”hemuttered,snatchinguphisbasketandfollowingPiper.Spoiledrichgirlornot,she’dbeenright.Aboutthisonething.AsaresidentofWestport,hewasn’tdoingthisplacejustice.Butjustliketheraretimeshegotoffcourseonthe
water,hecouldeasilycorrectthepath—andgetthehellonwithhisday.“Allright,”hesaid,comingupbehindPiperin
thebakingaisleandwatchinghershoulderbladesstiffen.“Basedontheconversationyouwerehavingwithyourphone,it
soundslikeyou’relookingforaquickmeal.Thatright?”

“Yes,”shemumbledwithoutturningaround.
HewaitedforPipertolookathim,butshedidn’t.Andhedefinitelywasn’timpatienttoseeherface.Oranythinglikethat.Thisclose,hejudgedthatthetopofherheadjustaboutreachedhisshoulder,andfeltanotherminorpangofregretforbeingadick.“Italian’seasiest,ifyoudon’tneedittobefancy.”
Finally,shefacedhim,mid–eyeroll.“Idon’tneedfancy.Anyway,it’smostly…”Sheshookherhead.“Nevermind.”
“What?”
“It’smostlyforHannah.”Sheflutteredherfingerstoindicatethelinedshelves.“Thecooking.Tothankherforcomingwith
me.Shedidn’thaveto.You’renottheonlyonewithimportantpeopleandroots.IhavepeoplewhoIwanttolookoutfor,
too.”

Brendantoldhimselfhedidn’twanttoknowanythingaboutPiper.Whyexactlyshe’dcome,whatsheplannedtodohere.None
ofit.Buthismouthwasalreadymoving.“WhyareyouinWestport,anyway?Tosellthebuilding?”

Shewrinkledhernose,consideredhisquestion.“Iguessthat’sanoption.Wehaven’treallythoughtthatfarahead.”
“Thinkofallthegianthatsyoucouldbuy.”
“Youknowwhat,assho—”Sheturnedonaheelandstartedtobail,buthecaughtherelbowtohaltherprogress.Whensheripped
outofhisholdimmediatelyandbackedawaywithacensoriousexpression,itcaughthimoffguard.Atleastuntilhenoticed
shewaslookingpointedlyathisweddingring.

Thetemptationtoputhermisconceptiontorestwassuddenand…alarming.
“I’mnotinterested,”shesaidflatly.
“I’mnot,either.”Liar,accusedthetrippingofhispulse.“Whatyousaidbefore,aboutyoursisterbeingyourroots.Igetthat.”Heclearedhis
throat.“You’vegototherones,too.HereinWestport.Ifyoufeellikebothering.”

Herdisapprovalclearedslightly.“Youmeanmyfather.”
“Forastart,yes.Ididn’tknowhim,buthe’spartofthisplace.Thatmeanshe’spartofusall.Wedon’tforget.”
“Therearebarelyanymemoriesformetoforget,”shesaid.“Iwasfourwhenweleft,andafterthat…itwasn’tspoken
about.NotbecauseIwasn’tcurious,butbecauseithurtourmother.”Hereyesflickered.“Irememberhislaugh,though.I…
canhearit.”

Brendangrunted,reallybeginningtowishhe’dsteppedbackandconsideredherfrommorethanoneanglebeforegoingonthe
defensive.“There’samemorialforhim.Acrossfromthemuseum,upontheharbor.”

Sheblinked.“Thereis?”
Henodded,surprisedbytheinvitationtobringhertherethatnearlysnuckout.
“I’malmostscaredtogolookatit,”shesaidslowlytoherself.“I’vegottensocomfortablewithwhatlittlememoriesI
have.Whatifittriggersmore?”

ThemoreminutestickedpastinPiper’spresence,themorehestartedtoquestionhisfirstimpressionofher.Wassheactually
anoverindulgedbratfromthelandofmake-believe?Hecouldn’thelpbutcatalogueeverythingelseheknewabouther.Such
as,shewouldn’tpursueanunavailableman.Thoughtshecouldn’tbelonginaroomfullofpeoplesheknew.Andshewasin
thestoreateightthirtyinthemorningtobuyingredientstomakeamealforhersister.So.Maybenotasselfishashe’d
originallythought.

Honestly,though.Whatthehelldidhisimpressionofhermatter?
She’dbegonesoon.Hewasn’tinterested.Endof.
“ThenIguessyou’llhavetocallyourtherapist.I’msureyou’vegotone.”
“Two,ifyoucountmybackup,”sheresponded,chinraised.
Brendanstavedoffhisinterestininspectingthelineofherthroatbyrootingaroundinhisbasket.“Look.Makeyoursister
aneasyBolognesesauce.”Hetransferredhisjarofmarinaraintoherbasket,alongwiththefluteofpasta.“Comeon.”

Heturnedtomakesureshewasfollowingonthewaytothemeataisle,wherehepickedupapoundofgroundbeefandwedged
itinalongwithherotherpurchases,whichstillincludedthelimabeansandapplecidervinegar.Hewaskindofcurious
ifshe’dbuythosetwoitemsjusttobestubborn.

Piperlookedbetweenhimandthemeat.“WhatdoIdowiththat?”
“Putalittleoliveoilonthepan,brownitup.Addsomeonions,mushroomsifyouwant.Whenit’sallcooked,addthesauce.
Putitoverpasta.”

Shestaredathimlikehe’djustcalledafootballplay.
“Solike…everythingstaysinlayers?”Pipermurmuredslowly,asifenvisioningtheactionsinherheadandfindingit
mind-blowinglystressful.“OrdoImixitallup?”

Brendantookthesaucebackoutofherbasket.“Here’sabetteridea.WalkuptoWestOceanandgrabsometakeoutmenus.”
“No,wait!”Theystartedatug-of-warwiththesaucejar.“Icandoit.”
“Behonest,you’veneverusedastove,honey,”heremindedherwryly.“Andyoucan’tsellthebuildingifyouburnitdown.”
“Iwon’t.”Shegaveaclosed-mouthscream.“God,Ifeelsorryforyourwife.”

Hisgriploosenedautomaticallyonthejar,andhesnatchedhishandbacklikehe’dbeenburned.Hestartedtorespond,but
therewassomethingcaughtinhisthroat.“Youshould,”hesaidfinally,hissmilestiff.“Sheputupwithalot.”

Piperpaled,hereyestickingtothecenterofhischest.“Ididn’tmean…Isshe…?”
“Yeah.”Histonewasflat.“Gone.”
“I’msorry.”Sheclosedhereyes,rockingbackonherheels.“Iwanttocurlupanddierightnow,ifitmakesyoufeelany
better.”

“Don’t.It’sfine.”Brendancoughedintohisfistandsteppedaroundher,intendingtograbafewmorethingsandcheckout.
Buthestoppedbeforehecouldgettoofar.Forsomestupidreason,hedidn’twanttoleaveherfeelingguilty.Therewas
nowayshecouldhaveknown.“Listen.”Henoddedatherbasket.“Don’tforgettohavethefiredepartmentonspeeddial.”

Afterthebriefesthesitation,Piperhuffedathim.“Don’tforgettobuysoap,”shesaid,wavingahandinfrontofherface.
Buthedidn’tmissthegratitudeinthosebabyblues.“Seeyouaround.Maybe.”

“Probablynot.”
Sheshrugged.“We’llsee.”
“Guesswewill.”
Fine.
Done.
Nothingmoretosay.
Ittookhimanotherhandfulofsecondstogetmoving.
Andhellifhedidn’tsmileonhiswaybackupWestOcean.ChapterSeven
Afterthegrocerieshadbeenpurchasedandorganizedinthemini-fridge,theBellingersistersdecidedtogoexploring—and
escapethegrungeoftheupstairsapartment.NowPipersatperchedonthewoodenrailingoverlookingtheharbor,headtilted
toallowtheearlyafternoonbreezetoliftthehairfromherneck,sunshinepaintinghercheek.Shelookedinspiredandwell
rested,fashion-forwardinascoop-backbodysuitandskinnyjeans.Chloeanklebootiesthatsaid,Imightgoononeoftheseboats,butsomeoneelsewillbedoingthework.
“Hanns,”shesaidoutofthesideofhermouth.“Liftthephoneandangleitdown.”
“Myarmsaregettingtired.”
“Onemore.Gostandonthatbench.”
“Piper,I’vegottennofewerthanfortyshotsofyoulookinglikeagoddess.Howmanyoptionsdoyouneed?”
Shegaveanexaggeratedpout.“Please,Hannah.I’llbuyyouanicecream.”
“I’mnotaseven-year-old,”Hannahgrumbled,climbingontothestonebench.“I’mgettingsprinkles.”
“Ooh,thatwouldbeacutepictureofyou!”
“Yes,”hersisterreplieddrily.“I’msureallnineteenofmyfollowerswouldloveit.”
“Ifyou’dletmesharejustonce—”

“Noway.Wetalkedaboutthis.Tipyourheadback.”Pipercomplied,andhersistersnappedthepic.“Ilikebeingprivate.
Nosharing.”

Piperswungherselfofftherail,acceptingherphonebackfromHannah.“You’rejustsocute,andeveryoneshouldknowit.”
“Uh-uh.Toomuchpressure.”
“How?”
“You’reprobablysousedtoitbynow,youdon’tstoptothinkofhow…allthesestrangersandtheirresponsestoyour
postsaredeterminingyourenjoyment.Like,areyouevenexperiencingtheharborrightnow,orareyoutryingtocomeupwith
acaption?”

“Oof.Belowthebelt.”Shesniffed.“Is‘Feelingalittlenauti’cute?”
“Yes.”Hannahsnorted.“Butthatdoesn’tmeanyoucantagme.”
“Fine.”Piperharrumphedandshovedherphoneintoherbackpocket.“I’llwaittopostitsoIwon’tbecheckingforlikes.
Ican’tgetanyreception,anyway.WhatshouldIlookatwithmyeyeballs?Whatdoesrealityhavetoofferme?Guideme,O
wiseone.”

Withanindulgentgrin,HannahlockedherarmthroughPiper’s.Theyeachgotanicecreamfromasmallshopandheadedtowardtherowsofmooredfishingvessels.Seagullscircledominouslyoverhead,butafterawhile,thesightofthemandtheirshrillcallsbecamepartofthescenery,andPiperstoppedworryingaboutbeingshaton.ItwasaclammyAugustafternoon,andtouristsinsandalsandbuckethatsshuffledpastsignsadvertisingwhalewatchingandboardedboatsthatbobbedinthewater.Othersstoodincirclesontheedgesofthedocksdroppingwhatlookedlikesteelbucketsintotheblue.
PipernoticedupaheadthewhitebuildingproclaimingitselfthemaritimemuseumandrecalledwhatBrendanhadsaidabout
HenryCross’smemorial.“Hey.Um…nottospringthisonyou,butapparentlythere’samemorialforourfatheruphere.
Doyouwanttogolook?”

Hannahconsidered.“That’sgoingtobeweird.”
“Soweird,”Piperagreed.
“Itwouldbeweirderforhisdaughtersnottovisit,though.”Shechewedherlip.“Let’sdoit.Ifwewait,we’llkeepfindingreasonstoputitoff.”

“Wouldwe?”Notforthefirsttimetoday,itoccurredtoPiperhowlittlethey’dspokenabouttheweirdelephantintheroom.
Alsoknownastheblurrystartoftheirlives.“FindingoutaboutHenryissomethingyou’dwanttoavoid?”

“Isn’tit?”Theytradedaglance.“MaybefollowingMom’sleadonthisisjustnatural.”
“Yeah.”Onlyitdidn’tfeelnatural.Itkindoffeltlikeachunkwasmissingfromhermemory.Orliketherewasaloosestring
inasweaterthatshecouldn’tignore.OrlikeperhapsBrendan’sjudgmenthadgottentoherinthesupermarket.Hermother
andgrandparentshadkeptimportantdetailsaboutHenryfromher,butshecouldhavefoundoutabouthimonherown,right?
Maybethiswasherchance.“IthinkIwanttogo.”

“Okay.”Hersisterstudiedher.“Let’sdoit.”
PiperandHannahcontinuedalongtheharbor,scanningforthememorial.Theyreturnedthewaveofanelderlymanwhosaton
themuseumlawnreadingthepaper.Shortlyafter,theyspottedabrassstatueoutlinedbythesea.Theirstepsslowedalittle,
buttheykeptgoinguntiltheystoppedinfrontofit.Gullsscreechedaroundthem,boatshummedinthedistance,andlife
continuedasusualwhiletheystoodinfrontofanartist’srenderingoftheirlong-lostfather
Therehewas.HenryCross.He’dbeenstandingthere,immortalized,thewholetime.Alarger-than-lifebrassversionofhim,
anyway.Maybethat’swhyhisfrozensmileandthemetalrippleofhisfisherman’sjacketseemedsoimpersonal,foreign.Piper
searchedforsomekindofconnectioninsideofher,butcouldn’tfindit,andtheguiltmadehermouthdry.

Aplaquepositionedathisfeetread:HenryCross.DeeplyMissed,ForeverRemembered.
“HelookslikeayoungKevinCostner,”Pipermurmured.
Hannahhuffedasound.“Ohshit,hereallydoes.”
“Youwereright.Thisisweird.”
Theirhandsmetandclasped.“Let’sgo.IhavethatZoomcallwithSergeiintenminutes,anyway.”
HannahhadagreedtodosomeremoteadministrativeworkwhileinWestport,andsheneededtimetobrushherhairandfind
agoodbackground.

Theirpacebrisk,thesistersturneddownthestreetthatwouldguidethembacktoNoNameandtheirapartment,butneitherspoke.Hannahseemeddeepinthought,whilePipertriedtocontendwiththeguilt—andamildsenseoffailure—thatshehadn’tbeen…grabbedbyherfirstencounterwithHenry.
Wasshetooshallowtofeelanything?Orwasthebeginningofherlifesofarremovedfromherreality,shecouldn’treach
itsomanyyearslater?

Pipertookadeepbreath,herlungsrejoicingfromthelackofsmog.Theypassedfishermenastheywalked,mostofthemen
ontheolderside,andeverysingleoneofthemgavethesistersatipofthecap.PiperandHannahsmiledback.Evenifthey
stayedayearinWestport,she’dprobablynevergetusedtothefriendlyeaseofthelocals,astheywentaroundacknowledging
otherhumansfornoreason.Therewassomethingkindofniceaboutit,thoughshedefinitelypreferredtheboredindifference
ofLosAngeles.Definitely.

Therewasalsosomethingtobesaidfornotlookingatherphoneasshewalked.Ifshe’dbeenrespondingtocommentsonher
post,shemighthavemissedthewomanputtingfreshfishintothewindowofhershop,twoseagullsfightingoveraFrench
fry,atoddlertrundlingoutofacandyshopstuffingsaltwatertaffyintohismouth.Maybesheshouldtrytoputherphone
downmoreoften.Oratleasttakeintherealmomentswhenshecould.

WhentheyreachedNoName,Piperwassurprisedtofindamanleaningupagainstthedoor.Heappearedtobeinhissixties,
slightlyroundatthemiddle,anewsboycaprestingontopofhishead.Hewatchedthemapproachthroughnarrowedeyes,a
slightcurvetohismouth.

“Hi,”Hannahcalled,gettingoutherkeys.“Canwehelpyou?”
Themanpushedoffthedoor,slappedahandagainsthisthigh.“JustcametoseeHenryandMaureen’sgirlsformyself,andthereyouare.Howaboutthat?”
Afterlivingtwodecadeswithouthearingherfather’snameatall,itwasajolttohearitoutloud,haveitconnectedwith
them.Andtheirmother.“I’mPiper,”shesaid,smiling.“ThisisHannah.Andyou’re…?”

“MickForrester,”hesaidaffably,puttingouthishandforashake,givingeachsisteraheartyone.“Irememberwhenyou
werekneehigh.”

“Oh!It’snicetomeetyouasadults.”SheglancedatHannah.“Mysisterhasaworkthing.Butifyou’dliketocomein,I
thinkthere’sstillsomebeerinoneofthecoolers.”

“No,Icouldn’t.I’monmywaytolunchwiththeold-timers.”Hesmoothedhisthick-knuckledhandsoverhisbelly,asifpondering
whathe’dordertofillit.“Couldn’tletadaypassbeforeIstoppedbytosayhello,seeifyougirlsendedupfavoring
MaureenorHenry.”Hiseyestwinkledashelookedbetweenthem.“I’dhavetosayyourmother,forsure.Lucky,that.Noone
wantstolooklikeaweatheredfisherman.”Helaughed.“Although,Henrymighthavehadthatocean-wornlookabouthim,but,
boy,yourdadhadagreatlaugh.SometimesIswearIstillhearitshakingtheraftersofthisplace.”

“Yeah.”Inwardly,Piperwincedatthisstrangerhavingmoresubstantialmemoriesandfeelingsforherownfather.“That’s
kindoftheonlythingIremember.”

“Shoot.”Hannah’ssmilewastight.“I’mgoingtobelatetothemeeting.Pipes,you’llfillmein?”
“Willdo.Goodluck.”PiperwaiteduntilHannahhaddisappeared,thesoundofherrunningupthebackstairsofNoNamefadingafteramoment.“So,howdidyouknowHenry?”
Micksettledintohimself,armscrossingoverhischest.Aclassicstorytellingstance.“Wefishedtogether.Workedourway
uptheranks,sidebyside,fromgreenhornstodeckhandstocrew,untileventuallyIboughttheDellaRayandbecamemyowncaptain.”Someofthelusterdulledinhiseyes.“Nottobringupasadsubject,Piper,butIwasright
thereinthewheelhousewhenwelosthim.Itwasadarkday.IneverhadabetterfriendthanHenry.”

Piperlaidahandonhiselbow.“I’msorry.”
“Hell,you’rehisdaughter.”Herearedback.“I’mtheoneshouldbecomfortingyou.”
“Iwish…Well,wedon’tremembermuchabouthimatall.Andourmother…”
“Shewashurtingtoomuchtofillintheblanks,I’mguessing.That’snotunusual,youknow.Wivesoffishermencomefrom
toughstock.Theyhavenervesofsteel.Mywifehasthem,passedthemontomydaughter,Desiree.”Hegaveanod.“Youmight
havemetherhusband,Brendan,theothernightwhenyouarrived.”

Desiree.ThatwasBrendan’slatewife’sname?Justlikethat,shewasreal.Someonewithapersonality.Someonewithaface,avoice,
apresence.

Sadnesshadturneddownthesidesofhismouthatthementionofhisdaughter.“Wivesoffishermenaretaughttolockuptheirfears,getonwithit.Nocryingorcomplaining.Yourmotherrebelledagainstthenormalittle,Isuppose.Couldn’tfindawaytocopewiththeloss,soshepickedupandleft.Startedoverinaplacethatwouldn’tremindherofWestport.Can’tsayIwasn’ttemptedatimeortwotodothesameaftermydaughterpassed,butIfounditwasworthstayingthecourse.”
Piper’sthroatfelttight.“I’msorry.Aboutyourdaughter.”
Micknoddedonce,wearinesswalkingacrosshisface.“Listen,I’vegotalotmoretotellyou.Sinceyou’restayingawhile,
Ifigurewe’llhavechances.Alotofuslocalsrememberyourfather,andwenevermissachancetoreminisce.”Hetooka
pieceofpaperoutofhisbackpocket,handeditovertoPiper.Anaddresswaswrittenonit,bluntbutlegible.“Speaking
oflocals,Ifiguredthere’sonewho’dbemoreeagertocatchupthananyofus.ThishereistheaddressforOpal.Iwasn’t
sureifyou’dhadachancetostopoverandseeheryet.”

WasOpalawomanPiperwassupposedtoknow?
Noclue.
ButaftervisitingHenry’smemorialandnotbeingmovedthewaysheshouldhavebeen,shewasn’tupforadmittinghercluelessness,
ontopofthelingeringguilt.Plus,therewassomethingelseshe’dbeenwonderingaboutanddidn’twanttomissherchance
toask.

“Opal.Ofcourse.”Piperfoldedupthepieceofpaper,debatingwhetherornotsheshouldaskhernextquestion.“Mick…
howexactlydidHenry…?”Shesighedandstartedover.“Weknowithappenedatsea,butwedon’tknowthedetails,really.”

“Ah.”Heremovedhishat,pressedittothecenterofhischest.“Roguewaveiswhatdidit.Hewasstandingthereoneminute,gonethenext.Shejustsnatchedhimrightoffthedeck.Wealwaysthoughthemusthavehithisheadbeforegoingintothedrink,becausenoonewasastrongerswimmerthanHenry.Hehadtobeoutcoldwhenhewentoverboard.AndthatBeringSeawaterissodamnfrigid,there’sonlyaminute’swindowbeforeitsucksthebreathrightoutofaman’slungs.”
Ashuddercaughtheroffguard,goosebumpsliftingoneveryinchofherskin.“OhmyGod,”shewhispered,imaginingtherobust
manmadeofbrassbeingpitchedoverthesideofaboat,sinkingtothebottomoftheoceanallalone.Cold.Didhewakeup
orjustdriftoff?Shehopeditwasthelatter.Oddly,herthoughtsstrayedtoBrendan.Washesafewhenheventuredouton
thewater?Wasallfishingthisdangerous?Orjustcrabfishing?“That’sterrible.”

“Yeah.”Micksighedandreplacedhishat,reachingouttopatherawkwardlyontheshoulder.Untilhetouchedher,Piperdidn’t
realizehereyeswerewet.“IpromiseIwon’tmakeyoucryeverytimeIseeyou,”hesaid,obviouslytryingtolightenthe
mood.

“Justonceinawhile?”Shelaughed
Amusementlithiseyesagain.“Herenow,listen.We’rehavingalittlepartyonFridaynight.Justuslocalshavingsomedrinks,
apotluck.Sharingmemories.ConsideryourselfandHannahinvited.”Hepointedtowardtheharbor.“Upthatway,there’sa
barcalledBlowtheManDown.We’llbeinthepartyroomdownstairs,aroundeightintheevening.Ihopewe’llseeyouthere.”

“Idoloveaparty.”Shewinkedathim,andheblushed.
“Allright,then.”HegaveherthesignatureWestporthattip.“Greatmeetingyou,Piper.Youhaveagooddaynow.”
“Youtoo,Mick.”
“HenryCross’sdaughter,”hemuttered,headingoff.“Hellofathing.”
Piperstoodandwatchedhimwalkforalittlebeforegoinginside.Shedidn’twanttointerruptHannah’sZoomcall,soshetookaseatononeofthebarrels,lettingthequietsettlearoundher.Andforthefirsttime,NoNamefeltlikealittlemorethanfourwalls.ChapterEight
Laterthatnight,Piperstareddownatthepackageofgroundbeefandtriedtogatherthecouragetotouchitwithherbare
hands.“Ican’tbelievemeatlookslikebrainsbeforeit’sbeencooked.Doeseveryoneknowaboutthis?”

Hannahcameupbehindhersister,proppingherchinonPiper’sshoulder.“Youdon’thavetodothis,youknow.”
ShethoughtofBrendan’ssmugface.“Oh,yesIdo.”Shesighed,proddingtheredblobwithherindexfinger.“Evenifwecould
findawaytostretchourbudgettocovertakeoutforeverynight,youshouldhavehome-cookedmeals.”Shiftingsidetoside,
sheshookoutherwrists,tookinabracingbreath.“I’mthebigsister,andI’mgoingtoseethatyou’reproperlynourished.
Plus,youcleanedthetoiletfromhell.You’veearneddinnerandsainthood,asfarasI’mconcerned.”

Shesensedhersister’sshiver.“Ican’targuewiththat.TherewerestainsintheredatingbacktotheCarteradministration.”
Afterherworkcall,Hannahhadtrippedovertothehardwarestoreforcleaningsupplies.They’dfoundabroom,dustpan,andafewragsinasupplyclosetdownstairsinthebar,butthatwasit.Meaningthey’dbeenforcedtospendachunkoftheirbudgetonbleach,amop,abucket,papertowels,sponges,cleaningfluids,andsteelwooltoblockthemouseholes.Alleightofthem.Whenthey’ddraggedthebunkbedawayfromthewall,thepanelrunningalongthebottomhadresembledSwisscheese.
They’dbeencleaningsincemidafternoon,andthestudio,whilestillirreversiblygrungy,lookedawholelotbetter.AndPiper
couldadmittoacertainsatisfactionthatcamealongwithmakingherownprogress.Beingpartofabeforeandafterthat
didn’tinvolvemakeuporworkingwithapersonaltrainer.

Notthatshewantedtogetusedtocleaning.Butstill.
Itsmelledlikelemonsnowinsteadofrottinggarbage,andtheBellingersistersofBel-Airwereresponsible.Nobodyback
homewouldbelieveit.Nottomention,hermanicuristwouldshitabrickifshecouldseethechippedpolishonPiper’snails.
Assoonastheyweresettled,findingafull-servicesalonthatdidhair,nails,andwaxingwastopoftheagenda.

Butfirst.Bolognese.
Lookingatthelined-upingredientsforcedhertorecallherimpromptumorningshoppingtripwithBrendan.God,he’dbeen
smug.Rightupuntilshe’dbroughtuphisdeceasedwife.Hehadn’tbeensmugthen.Morelikedistraught.Howlonghadthe
womanbeengone?

IfBrendanwasstillwearinghisweddingring,thedeathhadtoberecent.
Ifso,hehadathundercloudattitudeforagoodreason.
Despiteherdislikeoftheburly,beardedfisherman,shecouldn’tstaveoffarushofsympathyforhim.Maybetheycouldlearntowaveandsmileateachotheronthestreetforthenextthreemonths.IfgrowingupinLosAngeleshadtaughtheranything,itwashowtomakeafrenemy.Nexttimetheycrossedpaths,shealsowouldn’tmindtellinghimshe’dmasteredBologneseandhadmovedontosoufflésandcoqauvin.
Whoknew?Maybecookingwasherundiscoveredcalling.
Piperturnedthestoveburneron,holdingherbreathasitclicked.Clickedsomemore.
Flamesshotoutoftheblackwroughtiron,andsheyelped,stumblingbackwardintohersister,whothankfullysteadiedher.
“Maybeyoushouldtieyourhairback?”Hannahsuggested.“Fingersmightbesacrificedtonight,butlet’snotlosethoseeffortless
beachwaves.”

“OhmyGod,you’resoright.”Piperexhaled,whippingtheblackbandoffherwristandsecuringaneatponytail.“Goodlooking
out,Hanns.”

“Noproblem.”
“Okay,I’mjustgoingtodoit,”Pipersaid,holdingherspreadfingersabovethebeef.“Hesaidtocookitonthepanuntil
itturnedbrown.Thatdoesn’tsoundtoohard.”

“Whosaid?”
“Oh.”Shemadeadismissivesound.“Brendanwasinthesupermarketthismorningbeingaone-manassholeparade.”Closingher
eyes,shepickedupthemeatanddroppedthewholethingintothepan,alittlealarmedbytheloudsizzlethatfollowed.
“He’sawidower.”

Hannahcamearoundthesideofthestove,proppinganelbowonthewallthatwasmuchcleanerthanithadbeenthismorning.
“Howdidyoufindthatout?”

“Wewerearguing.IsaidIfeltsorryforhiswife.”
“D’oh.”
Pipergroanedwhilepokingthemeatwitharustyspatula.Wasshe,like,supposedtoturnitoveratsomepoint?“Iknow.
Hekindofletmegetawaywithstickingmyfootinit,though.Whichwassurprising.Hecouldhavereallylaidontheguilt.”
Piperchewedonherlipamoment.“DoIcomeacrossreallyspoiled?”

Hersisterreachedupunderherredballcaptoscratchhertemple.“We’rebothspoiled,Pipes,inthesensethatwe’vebeen
giveneverythingwecouldwant.ButIdon’tlikethatword,becauseitimpliesyou’re…ruined.Likeyouhavenogood
qualities.Andyoudo.”Shefrowned.“Didhecallyouspoiled?”

“Ithasbeenheavilyimplied.”
Hannahsniffed.“Idon’tlikehim.”
“Meeither.Especiallyhismuscles.Yuck.”
“Thereweredefinitelymuscles,”Hannahagreedreluctantly.Thenshehuggedhermiddleandsighed,lettingPiperknowexactly
whomshewasthinkingabout.“Hecan’tcompetewithSergei,though.Nobodycan.”

Realizingherhandsweregreasyfromthemeat,Piperreachedovertothesink,whichwasrightthere,thankstothekitchen
beingalloffourfeetwide,andrinsedherhands.Shedriedthemonaclothandsetitdown,thenwentbacktoproddingthe
meat.Itwasgettingprettybrown,soshetossedintheonionslices,congratulatingherselfonbeingthenextGiada.“You’ve
alwaysgoneforthestarving-artistboys,”shemurmuredtoHannah.“Youlikethemtortured.”

“Won’tdenyit.”Hannahslippedoffherhatandranherfingersthroughhermedium-lengthhair.HairjustasniceasPiper’s,butworndownfarlessoften.Acrime,toPiper’swayofthinking,butshe’drealizedalongtimeagothatHannahwasgoingtobeHannah—andshedidn’twanttochangeasinglethingabouthersister.“Sergeiisdifferent,though.He’snotjustpretendingtobeedgy,liketheotherdirectorsI’veworkedwith.Hisartissobittersweetandmovingandstark.LikeanearlyDylansong.”
“Haveyoutalkedtohimsincewegothere?”
“OnlythroughthegroupZoommeetings.”HannahwenttothenarrowrefrigeratorandtookoutaDietCoke,twistingoffthe
cap.“Hewassounderstandingaboutthetrip.Igettokeepmyjob…andhegetstokeepmyheart,”shesaidwistfully.

Theytradedasnort.
ButthesounddiedinPiper’sthroatwhenflamesleaptupfromthecounter.
Thecounter?
No,wait.Therag…theoneshe’dusedtodryherhands.
Itwasonfire.
“Shit!Hannah!”
“OhmyGod!Whatthefuck?”

“Idon’tknow!”Operatingonpurereflex,Piperthrewthespatulaatthefire.Notsurprisingly,thatdidnothingtosubdue
theflames.Theflaringorangefingerswereonlygrowinglarger,andthecounter’slaminatewasbasicallynonexistent.Could
thecountersthemselvescatchonfire,too?Theywerenothingmorethanbrittlewood.“Isthattheragweusedtoclean?”

“Maybe…yeah,Ithinkso.Itwassoakedinthatlemonstuff.”InPiper’speriphery,Hannahdancedontheballsofher
feet.“I’mgoingtorundownstairsandlookforafireextinguisher.”

“Idon’tthinkthere’stime,”Piperscreeched—anditgalledherthatinthismomentofcertaindeath,shecouldalmosthearBrendanlaughingatherfuneral.“Okay,okay.Water.Weneedwater?”
“No,Ithinkwatermakesitworse,”Hannahreturnedanxiously.
Themeatwasnowengulfedinflames,justlikehershort-livedcookingcareer.“Well,Jesus.Idon’tknowwhattodo!”She
spiedapairoftongsontheedgeofthesink,grabbedthem,hesitatedasplitsecondbeforepinchingacorneroftheflaming
raganddraggingthewholeburningmessintothepan,ontopofthemeat.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Hannahscreamed.
“Idon’tknow!We’veestablishedthat!I’mjustgoingtogetitoutsideofthisbuildingbeforeweburntheplacedown.”
AndthenPiperwasrunningdownthestairswithapan.ApanthatheldaninfernoofmeatandPine-Sol-soakedcotton.She
couldhearHannahsprintingdownthestairsbehindherbutdidn’tcatchawordofwhathersistersaid,becauseshewasone
hundredpercentfocusedongettingoutofthebuilding.

Onherwaythroughthebar,shefoundherselfthinkingofMickForrester’swordsfromearlierthatday.Boy,yourdadhadagreatlaugh.SometimesIswearIstillhearitshakingtheraftersofthisplace.Theremembranceslowedherstepmomentarily,hadherglancingupattheceiling,beforeshekickedopenthefrontdoorand
ranoutontothebusyWestportstreetwithaflamingfryingpan,shoutingforhelp.
ChapterNine
BrendanwentthroughthemotionsoflookingoverthechalkboardmenuattheRedBuoy,eventhoughhealreadyknewdamnwell
he’dbeorderingthefishandchips.EveryMondaynight,hemetFoxatthesmallWestportrestaurant.Aninstitutionthat
hadbeenstandingsincetheirgrandfathersworkedthefishingboats.Brendanhadneverfailedtogetthesamething.Nosense
infixingsomethingthatwasn’tbroken,andtheRedBuoyhadthebestdamnfishintown.

Localscameandwent,callinghellostoeachother,mostofthempickinguptakeouttobringhometotheirfamilies,greasy
bagstuckedundertheirarms.Tonight,BrendanandFoxweremakinguseofoneofthreetablesintheplace,waitingfortheir
orderstobecalled.AndifFoxnoticedBrendanglancingtoomanytimesatNoNameacrossthestreet,hehadn’tmentioned
it.

“You’reevenmorequietthanusual,”Foxremarked,leaningbacksofarinhischair,itwasawonderhedidn’ttoppleover.
Hewouldn’t,though,Brendanknew.HisbestfriendandreliefskipperoftheDellaRayrarelymadeamisstep.Inthatway,heliveduptohisname.“Yougotcrabsonthebrain,Cap?”

Brendangrunted,lookingacrossthestreetagain.
Ifhedidn’thavecrabsonthebrain,hesureasshitneededtoputthemthere.Inacoupleofweeks,theywouldbemakingthejourneytotheBeringSeafortheseason.Fortwoweeksafterthat,they’dbehuntinginthosefrigidyetfamiliarwaters,doingtheirbesttofillthebellyoftheboatwithenoughcrabtosupporttheirteamofsixuntilnextyear.
EverycrewmemberanddeckhandoftheDellaRayhadyear-roundfishingjobsworkingoutofWestportHarborinadditiontoparticipatingintheseason,butkingcrabwas
theirpayday,andBrendan’smencountedonhimtodeliver.

“Beenstudyingthemaps,”Brendansaidfinally,forcinghimselftofocusontheconversationandnotthebuildingacrossthe
way.“GotafeelingtheRussiansaregoingtosettheirpotswherewedroppedourslastyear,figuringit’striedandtrue.
Buttheseasonisearlierthaneverthisyear,andthetidesaremorevolatile.Nothingissurefire.”

Foxconsideredthat.“You’rethinkingofheadingfartherwest?”
“North.”Theytradedaknowinglook,bothofthemawareoftherougherwatersthatlayinthatdirection.“Can’tthinkof
acrewthat’shadmuchluckuptowardSt.LawrenceIslandinseveralyears.ButI’vegotahunch.”

“Hey.Yourhuncheshavealwaysmademybankaccounthappy.”Hedroppedforward,clinkedhisbottleofBudagainstBrendan’s.
“Let’sdothedamnthing.”

Brendannodded,contenttoletthesilencesettle.
ButhenoticedthatFoxseemedtobebattlingasmile.“Yougotsomethingtosay?”Brendanfinallyasked.
Fox’smouthspreadintothesmilethatmadehimpopularwithwomen.Infact,hehadn’tbeenatNoNameonSundaynightbecausehe’dtakenatriptoSeattletoseeawomanhe’dmetonline.Seeingashe’dspenttwonightsthere,Brendanhadtoassumethedatehadbeen…successful,thoughhe’dcuthistongueoutbeforeaskingfordetails.Thatkindofthingwasbetteroffleftprivate.
Forsomereason,thefactthathisbestfriendwaspopularwithwomenwasannoyinghimtodaymorethanusual.Hecouldn’t
fathomwhy.

“Imighthavesomethingtosay,”Foxanswered,inawaythatpresumedhedid.“Tookawalkuptotheharborthismorning.
Heardwe’vegotsomeLAtransplantsinoldWestport.Wordisyouhadalittlebattleofwillswithoneofthem.”

“Whosaid?”
Hisfriendshrugged.“Don’tworryaboutit.”
“Someoneonthecrew,then.Sanders.”
Foxwasvisiblyenjoyinghimself.“You’restaringaholethroughthewindowofNoName,Cap.”Therewasastupiddimplein
hisreliefskipper’scheek.Haditalwaysbeenthere?Didwomenlikeshitlikethat?“Heardshedidn’tbackdownfromyour
deathstare.”

Brendanwasdisgusted.Mostlybecausehewasright.Piperhadn’tbackeddownfromit.Notlastnightandnotthismorning.
“Yousoundlikeateenagegirlgossipingatherfirstsleepover.”

ThatgotalaughoutofFox.Buthisfriendwentbacktodrinkinghisbeerforamoment,hissmilelosingsomeofitsenthusiasm.
“It’sokay,youknow,”hesaid,keepinghisvoicelowindeferencetotheothercustomerswaitingfortheirorders.“It’s
beensevenyears,man.”

“Iknowhowlongit’sbeen.”
“Okay.”Foxrelented,knowinghimwellenoughtodropthesubject.Notthesubjectofhiswife.Butthesubjectof…moving
on.Atsomepoint,nearorfar.Eventheglimmerofthatconversationmadehimnervous.Likeeverythingelseinhislife,
he’dremainedmarriedinhismindsinceshe’dpassed,becauseithadbecomeahabit.Aroutine.Acomfortofsorts.Sohe
wasn’twelcomingthepossibility.

Still,whentheybothrosetocollecttheirordersaminutelaterandsatbackdownatthetable,Brendandidn’tstarteating
rightaway.Instead,hefoundhishandfistedonthetable,totherightofhisplate.Foxsawit,too,andwaited.

“Don’tgosniffingaroundtheolderone.Piper,”Brendanmuttered.“Anddon’taskmetoexplainwhy,either.”
Foxdippedhischin,hismouthinaseriouslinebuthiseyesmerryasfuck.“Notasinglesniff.You’vegotmyword…”
Brendan’sfrienddroppedtheforkhe’djustpickedup,hisattentionrivetedonsomethinghappeningoutinthestreet.“What
inthesweethell?”

Brendan’sheadjerkedaroundandpiecedthesituationtogetherinthespaceofasecond,hiscaptain’smindimmediatelysearching
forasolution.Hislifemightrunonschedulesandroutine,butthatorganizedmentalitywaswhatmadeiteasierforhim
tomanagechaos.Problemsarose,solutionspresentedthemselves.Justanothertypeoforder.

Butthis…
Hedidn’tfeellikehisusualselfwatchingPiperbarrelintothestreetwieldingfire.
Hisbodymovedforhim,though.Heshotfromthetableandshoutedtothevisor-wearingregistergirl,“Fireextinguisher.Now.”
Sheturnedaspaleasaghost,anddammit,he’dhavetoapologizeforscaringherlater,butrightthen,hewasmovingacross
thestreetatafastclip,pullingthepinoutofthefireextinguisher.Forafewhellishseconds,hewatchedPiperturn
incircles,lookingforsomewheresafetosetdowntheenflamedpan,beforeshehadnochoicebuttothrowitintothestreet.

“Move,”Brendanordered,aiminganddousingtheflamesinsodiumbicarbonate.Leftbehindwasacharredpanfromthenineteenth
century,bythelookofit.Hetookabreath,realizedhisheartwassprintinginhischest.Withoutstoppingtothink,he
droppedtheextinguisherandgrabbedPiper’swrists,turningherhandsovertolookforburnmarks.“Didyougetyourself?”

“No,”shebreathed,blinkingupathim.“Thanks.Um…thanksforputtingitout.”
Hedroppedherhands,notsurehewantedtoacknowledgethefreefallofreliefhefeltoverherbeingunharmed.Stepping
back,hewhippedoffhisbeanie,lettingawelcomerushofirritationsnakeitswayintohisbelly.“Really,Piper?”Brendan
shouted.“Iwasonlyjokingabouthavingthefiredepartmentonspeeddial.”

UntilHannahsteppedbetweenthem,Brendanwasn’tevenawarethelittlesisterhadfollowedPiperoutofthebuilding.Oh,
butshewasthere,shewaspissed,andherangerwasdirectedsquarelyathim.“Don’tyellather,youfuckingbully.”

Inwardly,heflinched.Bully?
Foxmadeachokingsound.Brendanturnedtotellhisfriendtokeephismouthshutandrealizedtheyweredrawingacrowd.Acuriousone.
“Hannah,it’sfine.”Pipersighed,movingoutfrombehindhersister.Faceredfromembarrassment,sheusedthehemofher
shirttopickupthefryingpan.Themoveleftalmostherentiretrimstomachexposed,andBrendangroundhismolarstogether.
Ifhecouldn’thelpnoticingthelittlemoletotherightofherbellybutton,nobodyelsecould,either.Shewasn’twearing
thesequinedthinganymore,butinbikeshorts,withloosehairandadirtsmudgeonhernose,shewasn’tanylessbeautiful.
“Ignorehim,”Pipersaid,dismissinghimwithaflickofherhand.“DoyouseeaplaceIcanthrowthisaway?”

“Ignorehim,theladysays,”Foxsaid,amused.

“Whatareyou,hispretty-boysidekick?”HannahwavedoffastunnedFoxwithasuckofherteethandrefocusedherwrathon
Brendan.“Thelastthingsheneedsisanotherdudemakingherfeellikegarbage.Leaveheralone.”

“Hannah,”Piperhissedsharply,walkingpast.“It’snotworthgettingupsetover.Comehelpme.”

Buthersisterwasn’tfinished.“Anditwasmyfault.Ileftthecleaningragonthekitchencounter,allsoakedinchemicals.She’stheonethatsavedthebuildingfrom
burningdown.”Hannahpokedhiminthemiddleofhischest.“Leave.Her.Alone.”

Brendanwasfeelingshittierbythesecond.Somethingfunnywasstuckinhisthroat,andtheappetitehe’dleftthehouse
withhaddesertedhim.He’dstillbeenreelingoverHannahcallinghimabullywhenshe’dsaid,Thelastthingsheneedsisanotherdudemakingherfeellikegarbage,andnowsomethinghotanddangerouswassimmeringinhisbelly.

Noneofthiswasfamiliar.Women,especiallyoneshalfhissize,didn’tyellathiminthestreet.Orscaretheshitoutof
himbynearlycatchingonfire.Partofhimwantedtoswipeahandacrossthechessboardofthedayandstartovertomorrow,
hopingandprayingeverythingwouldbebacktonormal.Butinsteadhefoundhewantedto…fixthissituationwithPiper
morethanhewantedtoclingtothestatusquo.Maybehewascomingdownwiththegoddamnfluorsomething,becausewhenPiper
tossedthepanintoatrashcanandsailedbacktowardherbuilding,itwasclearsheintendedtogohomewithoutsayinganother
wordtohim.Andforsomereason,hejustcouldn’tallowthattohappen.

Leaveheralone,thesisterhadsaid,andhisapologygotstuckinhisthroat.

Likehewasaprizeassholewhowentaroundhurtingwomen’sfeelings.
No.Justthisone.
Whyjustthisone?
Brendanclearedhisthroathard.“Piper.”
Thewomaninquestionpausedwithherhandonthedoor,gaveanimpatienthairtossthatwaswaytoosexyforaMondaynight
inWestport.Herexpressionsaid,Youagain?
Meanwhile,Hannahfrownedupathim.“Isaidtoleavemysister—”
“Listenup,”Brendansaidtotheyoungerone.“Iheardwhatyousaid.Irespectyouforsayingit.You’vegotanice,solid
backboneforsomeonefromLosAngeles.ButIdon’tfolloworders,Igivethem.”Heletthatsinkin.“Iyelledatherbecause
that’swhatpeopledowhenthere’saclosecall.”OverthetopofHannah’shead,hemetPiper’sgaze.“Iwon’tdoitagain.”

AwrinkleappearedbetweenPiper’sbrows,anddamn,hewasrelieved.Atleastshenolongerseemedindifferentabouthim.
“It’sokay,Hannah,”Pipersaid,herhanddroppingawayfromthedoor.“Ifyouwanttoheadbackupstairs,Icangograbsome
takeoutfordinner.”

Hannahstillwasn’tbudging.Neitherwasthecrowdsurroundingthem.Brendancouldn’treallyblamethelocalsforbeingcurious,
either.Thesetwogirlsweretotallyoutofplaceintheirsmall-fishing-townsurroundings.Liketwoexplosionsofcolor.

Pipercameforwardandlaidherheadonhersister’sshoulder.“Iappreciateyoudefendingme,Hanns,butyou’realover,
notafighter.”Shedroppedakissonhercheek.“Godecompress.YourRadioheadalbumsarehidinginthesecretpocketof
myredquiltedChanelsuitcase.”

Theyoungersistergasped,whirlingonPiper.“Theywouldn’tfitinanyofmysuitcases.Yousnuckthemforme?”
“Iwassavingthemforarainyday.”ShebumpedherhiptoHannah’s.“Go.Fireuptheturntableandlistenasloudasyou
want.”

“Youavinylfan?”Foxpipedup,remindingBrendanhewasstandingthereinthefirstplace.HannahlookedatBrendan’sfriend
dubiously,butitonlyservedtodeepenthatstupiddimple.Hejerkedathumbinthedirectionoftheharbor.“Youknow,there’s
arecordstorewithinwalkingdistance.Icouldshowyou.”

TheyoungerBellinger’seyeshadgonewideassaucers.
“Fox,”Brendanwarned,takinghisarmandpullinghimaside.
“Oh,comeon,”Foxthrewback,beforehecouldsayanything.“She’sakid.”
“I’mnotakid,”Hannahcalled.“I’mtwenty-six!”
Foxdroppedhisvoiceanotheroctave,movedincloser.“Jesus,she’scute,butshecouldn’tbefurtherfrommytype.I’mjust
tryingtobuyyousomealonetimewithPiper.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“Andwhowouldn’twantalonetimewithPiper.GoodChrist,
man.Sandersdidn’tdoherjustice.”

“Shutthefuckup.”
Hisfriendlaughed.“Youreallyknowhowtomakeupforlosttime,don’tyou?”
“Isaid,don’tmakemeexplain,”Brendangrittedout.
“Allright.Allright.Justvouchforme,”Foxmuttered.“I’llhaveherbackintwentyminutes,andImightevensaysome
nicethingsaboutyourgrouchyass.Wouldn’thurt.”

BrendanhatedadmittingthatFoxhadapoint.ThiswashisthirdencounterwithPiper,andhe’dbeenadickallthreetimes.
Atfirstbecauseshe’djudgedhistown.Thenhe’dlandedontheconclusionthatshewasanoverindulgedrichgirl.Afterthat,
hecouldonlyblamebeingpainfullyrustywiththeoppositesex.Andthis…beingalonewithawoman.Itwasahugestep.
Hecouldgiveherasimpleapologynow,gohome,trytostopthinkingabouther.Yeah,hecoulddothat.Justavoidthispartoftownforthreemonthsandstaythecourseofhisroutine.

Sheglancedupathimthroughhereyelashes.Notinaflirtatiousway.More…inquisitive.Asifshewaswonderingabouthim.Andhefoundhimselfregrettingthebadimpressionshe’dmade.“He’smyreliefskipper.Ifhedoesn’thaveherbackintwentyminutes,Icoulddrownhimandmakeitlooklikeanaccident.”
Asmileteasedherlips,andhewondered—couldn’thelphimself—whatkindofmanwouldgetakissfromawomanlikethat.“Take
apictureofhisID,Hanns,”Pipersaid,stilllookingatBrendanlikehewasapuzzleshewasn’tsureshewantedtosolve.
“Textittomefirst.”

Slidinghiswalletfromhisbackpocket,Foxnodded.“IguesstheygrowthemsmartaswellasbeautifulinLA.”
“Wow.”PipersmiledatFox.“Acompliment.IwasstartingtothinkthosewereagainstthelawinWestport.”
BrendanturnedadeathglareonFox.“What’dIsay?”
FoxslidhisIDtoHannah.“Sorry,Captain.Thecharmcomesnaturally.”
TheyoungerBellingersnappedapictureofFox’sdriver’slicense.Amomentlater,therewasabing,andPiperconfirmedthatshehadtheman’svitalinformation.FoxgesturedforHannahtoprecedehimdownthesidewalk,
andshedid,armscrossed.ButnotbeforeshemouthedawarningtoBrendan.

GoodLord,whathappenedtohimbeingwellrespectedinthistown?
Ifthesetwogirlshadhadthepropertools,hewasprettydamnsurehe’dbetarredandfeatheredrightaboutnow.Maybehanging
fromhistoesintheharborlikeaprizecatch.

Brendanclosedthedistancebetweenthem,feelinglikehewaswalkingaplank.Butheneedn’thaveworriedaboutbeingalone
withPiper,becausehesworehalfthedamntownwasstillstandingaround,leaningintoseehowhe’dgetoutofthedoghouse.
“Thatfireruinyourdinner?”

Shenodded,playingwiththehemofhershirt.“Iguesstheuniversejustcouldn’tallowsomethingsoperfect.Youshouldhaveseenit.Themeatbarelylookedlikebrainsanymore.”
Hewascaughtoffguardbytheurgetosmile.“I,uh…”Hereplacedhisbeanie,triedtoscareoffafewlocalswitha
loudsniff,gratifiedwhentheyscatteredinalldirections.“Itwasrudetoshoutbefore.Iapologize.”Lord,shewaseven
prettierwiththesunsetinhereyes.Thatwasprobablywhyheadded,“Forthistimeandtheothertimes.”

Piper’smouthtwistedandsheduckedherheadsomewhat,likeshewastryingtocamouflageherownsmile.“Thankyou.Iaccept.”
Brendangrunted,dippedhischintowardtheRedBuoy.“Theycalledmynumberrightbeforeyouranoutonfire.Gointhere
andeatit.”Whensheblinked,heplayedbackhisdemandandrealizedthat’sexactlywhatithadbeen.Ademand.“Ifyou’d
like,”hetackedon.

Shehummedandslippedpasthim,herperfumereachingupandapparentlydoingsomethingtohisbrain,becausehefollowed
inherwakewithoutsendingtheordertohisfeet.Everyoneturnedandstaredwhentheywalkedinsideandsatdownatthe
sametable.Hell,thecustomerswaitingfortheirordersdidn’tevenattempttodisguisetheirinterest.

Hedidn’twantanyofthemtooverheartheirconversation.Itwasnoneoftheirbusiness.Thatwastheonlyreasonhetook
theseatnexttoPiperandtuggedherchairalittlecloser.

Brendanpushedtheplateoffishandchipsinfrontofher,thenpickeduptheforkandputitinherhand.
“So…”Sheforkedthesmallestfryontheplate,andhefrowned.“Yourfriendisyourreliefskipper.Thatmakesyou…
thecaptain?”

ThankChrist.Somethinghecouldtalkabout.
“That’sright.IcaptaintheDellaRay.”

“Oh.”Shetiltedherhead.“Wheredoesthatnamecomefrom?”
“Itookthewheelfrommyfather-in-law,Mick.It’snamedafterhiswife.”
“Howromantic.”Ifbringinguphisin-lawsmadeforawkwardconversation,shedidn’tletitshow.Instead,herinterestseemed
piqued.“MeandHannahwalkeduptotheharborthisafternoon.Somanyboatsarenamedafterwomen.Isthereareasonfor
that?”

HethoughtofPiperstruttingalonghisharborandwonderedhowmanycaraccidentsshe’dcaused.“Womenareprotective.Nurturing.
Aboatisgiventhenameofawomaninthehopesthatshe’llprotectthecrew.Andhopefullyputagoodwordinwiththeother
importantwomaninourlives,theocean.”

Shetookabiteoffish,chewingaroundasmile.“Haveyoueverhadawomanonyourcrew?”
“JesusChrist,no.”Therewentthesmile.“I’mtryingnottosink.”

Amusementdancedacrossherface.“Sotheideaofwomeniscomforting,buttheiractualpresencewouldbeadisaster.”
“Yes.”
“Well,thatmakesperfectsense.”Hersarcasmwasdeliveredwithawink.“Mystepfathertoldusalittlebitaboutkingcrab
fishing.It’sonlyafewweeksoutoftheyear?”

“Changeseveryseason,dependingonthesupply,theoverallhaulfromtheprioryear.”
Pipernodded.“Whatdoyoudotherestoftheyear?Besidesyellatharmlesswomeninthestreet.”
“Youplanningonholdingthatovermeforlong?”
“Ihaven’tdecided.”
“Fairenough.”Hesighed,noticedshe’dstoppedeating,andnudgedherforkhandintoaction.Whenshe’dputadecent-sized
biteintohermouth,hecontinued.“Inthesummer,wefishfortuna.Thosearethelongerjobs.Four,fivedaysout.Inbetween
thoselonghauls,wedoovernighttripstobringinsalmon,trout,cod.”

Hereyebrowswentup,andsheangledherforktowardtheplate.“Didyoucatchthis?”
“Maybe.”
Shecoveredhermouth.“That’ssoweird.”
Wasit?Hekindoflikedsittingtherewhilesheatesomethinghe’dbroughtbackonhisboat.Helikedknowingmostofthe
towneithermademoneyoffhiscatchesorfedthemtotheirfamilies,butithadneverquitefeltlikethemasculinepride
hardeninghischestrightnow.“Youwantmetoputinanorderforyoursister?
“She’llbehappywiththeotherhalfofyours.”ShepushedFox’splatetowardhim.“Youshouldeathis,though.Idon’tknow
whatitis,butitlooksgood.”

Brendangrunted.“It’sapotpie.”
“Ohh.”Shewaited,buthemadenomovetopickuphisfork.“Youdon’tlikepotpie?”
“It’snotfishandchips.”
“Andthat’sbad.”
“It’snotbad,it’sjustnotwhatIorder.”Heshiftedinhischair,wonderingiftheseatshadalwaysbeensouncomfortable.
“Ialwaysorderthefishandchips.”

Piperstudiedhiminthatwayagain,frombeneathherlongeyelashes—andhewishedshewouldn’t.Everytimeshedidthat,thezipperofhisjeansfelttight.“You’venevereatenanythingelseonthemenu?”
“Nope.IlikewhatIlike.”
“That’ssoboring,though.”
“Icallitsafe.”
“Ohno.”Aseriousexpressiondawnedonherface.“Doyouthinkthereisafemalefishermanhidinginthispie,Brendan?”
Hisbarkoflaughtermadeherjump.Hell,itmadehimjump.Hadanyoneevercaughthimoffguardlikethat?No,hedidn’tthinkso.Heturnedslightlytofindtheemployeesof
theRedBuoyandahalf-dozencustomersstaringathim.Whenheturnedback,Piperwasholdingoutthefork.“Trythepie.
Idareyou.”

“Iwon’tlikeit.”
“So?”
So?“Idon’ttrythings.IfImakethedecisiontoeatthepie,I’llhavetoeatthewholething.Idon’tjustgoaroundsamplingshitand
movingon.That’sindecisive.”

“IfHannahwashere,she’dtellyouyourproblemispsychological.”
Brendansighedupattheceiling.“Well,Ididn’tseemtohaveanydamnproblemsuntilyoutwoshowedupandstartedpointing
themout.”

Abeatpassed.“Brendan.”
Hedroppedhischin.“What?”
Sheheldoutthefork.“Trythepie.It’snotgoingtokillyou.”
“Christ.Ifit’sthatimportanttoyou.”Brendansnatchedtheforkoutofherhand,carefulnottograzeherwiththetines.Asheheldtheforkabovethepastryshell,shepressedherknucklestohermouthandsquealedalittle.Heshookhishead,butsomepartofhimwasrelievedshedidn’tseemtobehavingaterribletime.Evenifherentertainmentcameathisexpense.Hereckonedhekindofowedherafterthesceneinthestreet,though,didn’the?
Yeah.
Hestabbedtheforkintothepie,pulleditoutwithsomechicken,vegetables,andgravyattached.Putitinhismouthand
chewed.“Ihateit.”Someonebehindthecountergasped.“Nooffense,”hecalledwithoutturningaround.“It’sjustnotfish
andchips.”

Piper’shandsdroppedawayfromherface.“Well,thatwasdisappointing.”
Hekepteating,eventhoughtherunninessofthegravycurledhisupperlip.
“You’rereallygoingtoeatthewholething,”shemurmured,“aren’tyou?”
Anotherlargebitewentin.“SaidIwould.”
Theyateinsilenceforacoupleofminutesuntilhenoticedherattentiondriftingtothewindow,andhecouldseeshewas
thinkingaboutthefryingpanincident.Anotherstabofguiltcaughthiminhismiddleforyellingather.“Youplanningon
tryingtocookagain?”

Sheconsideredherplateoffood,whichshe’dhardlymadeadentin.“Idon’tknow.Thegoalwastomakeitthroughonenight
andgofromthere.”Shesquintedaneyeathim.“MaybeI’llhavebetterluckifIgiveourstoveawoman’sname.”

Brendanthoughtforasecond.“Eris.”Shegavehimaninquisitiveheadtilt.“Thegoddessofchaos.”
“Ha-ha.”
Piperlaidherforkdown,signalingshe’dfinishedeating,andBrendanfeltakickofurgency.They’dbeensittingtherea
goodtenminutes,andhestilldidn’tknowanythingabouther.Nothingimportant,anyway.Andhewouldn’tmindmakingsense
ofher,thisgirlwhocameacrosspamperedoneminuteandvulnerablethenext.Hell,therewassomethingfascinatingabout
howsheglimmeredinonedirection,thentheother,deliveringhintsofsomethingdeeper,beforedancingaway.Hadhereally
talkedaboutfishingformostofdinner?

HewantedtoaskwhatHannahhadmeantwhenshesaidmentreatPiperlikegarbage.Thatstatementhadbeenstuckinhiscrawsince
he’dheardit.“Youneveransweredmethismorning.WhyexactlyareyouinWestport?”waswhatheaskedinstead.She’dbeen
runningfingersthroughherhair,butpausedwhensheheardhisquestion.“Yousaidthreemonths,”hecontinued.“That’sa
prettyspecificamountoftime.”

Beneaththetable,herlegstartedtojiggle.“It’skindofanawkwardstory.”
“Doyouneedabeerbeforetellingit?”
Herlipstwitched.“No.”Sheclosedhereyesandshivered.“It’smorethanawkward,actually.It’shumiliating.Idon’tknow
ifIshouldgiveyouthatammunition.”

Man,he’dreallybeenabastard.“Iwon’tuseitagainstyou,Piper.”
Shespearedhimwiththosebabybluesandseemedsatisfiedwithwhatevershesaw.“Okay.Justkeepanopenmind.”Sheblewoutabreath.“Ihadabadbreakup.Apublicone.AndIdidn’twanttobelabeledsocialmediapathetic,right?SoImasstextedhundredsofpeopleandbrokeusintotherooftoppoolattheMondrian.Itgotoutofcontrol.Like,policehelicoptersandfireworksandnudityoutofcontrol.SoIgotarrestedandalmostcostmystepfathertheproductionmoneyforhisnextfilm.Hesentmeherewithbarelyanymoneytoteachmealesson…andforcemeintobeingself-sufficient.Hannahwouldn’tletmecomealone.”
Brendan’sforkhadbeensuspendedintheairforagoodminute.Hetriedtopieceitalltogether,buteverythingaboutthis
worldshe’ddescribedwassofarfromhis,italmostsoundedlikemake-believe.“Whenwasthis?”

“Afewweeksago,”shesaidonanexhale.“Wow,itsoundsalotworsewhenit’sallstrungtogetherlikethat.”Chewingher
bottomlip,shesearchedhisface.“Whatareyouthinking?ThatyouwererightandI’mjustsomerich,spoiledbrat?”

“Don’tputwordsinmymouth.You’realreadymakingmeeatthisgoddamnpie.”
“No,I’mnot!”
Heshoveledinanotherbiteofcrap,hismindcirclingbacktothebadbreakupshe’dmentioned.Whydidhisspinefeellike
itwasgettingreadytosnap?“I’mthinkingalotofthings,”hesaid.“Mostly,Ican’timagineyouinjail.”

“Itwasn’tsobad.Theguard,Lina,wasadoll.Sheletmeusetheregularbathroom.”
“How’dyoupullthatoff?”
“Peoplelikeme.”Shelookeddownheradorablenoseathim.“Mostofthetime.”
Hesnorted.“Yeah,Icanseethat.Flirt.”
Shegasped.Thenshrugged.“Yeah.”Acoupleofsecondstickedpast.“Youdidn’tletmeflirtwithyou.AndthenIthoughtyouweremarried.Mywholepatterngotthrownoff,andnowIdon’tknowhowtoact.Tryingtoflirtagainseemspointless.”
Thehellitwas.“Tryit.”
“No.Ican’t!”shesputtered.“Thethirdwallisalreadydown.”
Washesweatingunderhisclothes?Whatthehellwaswrongwithhim?“Whatisthenextstageafterflirting?Onceyou’vesettled
in?”

“Settledin?Ew.”Sheshrugged.“Also,Idon’tknow.I’venevergottenthatfar.”Shecrossedherlegs,drawinghisgazetotheslide
ofhershortsalongthatsmoothundersideofherthigh.Andtherewenthiszipperagain,confiningthings.“We’vegottenway
offthetopicofmywholesordidstory.”

“No,wehaven’t,”heresponded.“I’mstilldigestingitall.Alongwith—”
“Don’tyoudarebringupthepieagain.”Theyeachoffereduphalfasmile.“Anyway,unlessIcanfinagleawaybacktoLos
Angeles,meandHannahwillbehereuntilHalloween.Ithinkmybestbetistospendlesstimecooking,moretimefiguring
outhowtofinagle.”Shetappedafingernailonthetable.“MaybeiftherewasawaytoproveI’velearnedhowtoberesponsible,
Danielwouldletmecomehome.”

BrendanwasbroodingoverPiperbeingatapartythatinvolvednudity—inwhatcapacity,exactly?Hadshebeennaked?—sohespokemoreharshlythanintended.“Here’sanidea.Whydon’tyoutryandactuallyenjoyyourtimeoutside
theninthcircleofhellthatisLosAngeles?”

“WhosaidI’mnotenjoyingmyself?Lookatme,gettingsnippedatoverfishandchips.Ifthisisn’tlivingitup,I’vebeendoingitwrong.”Smirking,shepoppedafryintohermouth,andhetriednottowatchherchew.“Butyou’reright.Icouldtryharder.MaybeI’llcharmoneofthosecutefishermenupontheharborintotakingmefishing.”
Somethingacidicburbledinhiswindpipeattheprospectofheronanotherman’sboat.“Youcould.Ifyouwantedasubpar
experience.”

“Areyousayingyoucoulddeliverabetterone?”
“Damnright.”
Weretheystilltalkingaboutfishing?Brendandidn’tknow.Buthewasturnedon…andsheappearedtobewaitingfor
something.Forhimtoaskheroutonhisboat?

Abreezeofpanickepthismouthshutamomenttoolong.Pipergavehimanassessinglookandvisiblymovedon,risingto
herfeetwhenhersisterandFoxappearedoutsidetherestaurant.“Theretheyare.I’llgrabato-goboxfortherestofthis.”
Sheleaneddownandkissedbothofhischeeks,liketheywereingoddamnParisorsomething.“Thanksfordinner,Captain.
Ipromisetostayoutofyourhair.”

Asshedumpedtheremainingfishandchipsintoacontainerandbouncedofftojoinhersister,Brendanwasn’tsureifhe
wantedPiperoutofhishair.Ifhedidn’t,he’djustmissedaclearopeningtoaskherout.Inthemorning,he’dbeleaving
forathree-dayfishingtrip,so—assuminghewantedtheopportunitytoseemoreofthegirlfromLosAngeles—he’dhavetowaitforanotherone.Anditmightnevercome
Foxdroppedintothechairbesidehim,grinningeartoear.“How’ditgo,Cap?”
“Shutup.”ChapterTen
Piperwasstuckinanightmareinwhichgiantmicewithtwitchylittlenoseschasedherthroughamazewhileshewieldeda
flamingfryingpan.Sowhensheheardtheknockonthedoorthefollowingmorning,herwakingthoughtwasThemousekinghascomeforme.Shepinwheeledintoasittingpositionandsoundlysmackedherheadonthetopbunk.

“Ow,”shecomplained,pushinghereyemaskuptoherforeheadandtestingthecollisionspotwithafinger.Alreadysore.
Ayawncamefromabove.“Didyouhityourheadagain?”
“Yes,”shegrumbled,tryingtopiecetogetherwhyshe’dwokenupinthefirstplace.Itwasn’tlikemuchsunlightcouldfilterinthroughtheirwindowandthebuildingnextdoor.Notwhenascantinchseparatedthemandtheneighboringwall.
Theapartmentwasallbutblack.Itcouldn’tevenbesunriseyet.

Afistrappedtwiceonthedoor,andshescreamed,herhandflyingtothecenterofherchest.“Mouseking,”shegasped.
Hannahgiggled.“What?”
“Nothing.”Pipershookoffthementalcobwebsandeyedthedoorwarily.“Who’sthere?”
“It’sBrendan.”
“Oh.”SheglancedupandknewshewastradingafrownwithHannah,eventhoughtheycouldn’tseeeachother.Whatdidthe
grumpyboatcaptainneedfromherthatcouldn’twaituntilnormal-peoplehours?Everytimeshethoughtthey’dseenthelast
ofeachother,heseemedtoberightthere,frontandcenter.Confusingher.

Shehadn’tbeenlyingaboutnotknowinghowtoactinhispresence.Itwasusuallyeasytocharm,flirt,flatter,andwrap
menaroundherpinky.Untiltheygotboredandmovedon,whichtheyseemedtodofasterandfasterthesedays.Butthatwas
besidethepoint.Brendanhadrobbedherdeckofthepretty-girltrumpcard,andshecouldn’tgetitback.He’dhadtoomany
peeksbehindthecurtainnow.Thefirsttimethey’dmet,she’dbeenadrownedratandoffendedhisbelovedWestport.Meeting
two,she’dblasphemedhisdeadwife.Three,she’dalmostburnedthisrelicofabuildingdown…

Althougheatingwithhimhadbeenkindof…nice.
Maybethatwasn’ttherightword.
Different.Definitelydifferent.She’dengagedinconversationwithamanwithoutconstantlytryingtopresentherbestangleandlaugh
injusttherightway.He’dseemedinterestedinwhatshehadtosay.Couldhehavebeen?

Obviously,hehadn’tbeeninstantlyenrapturedwithherappearance.Herpracticedcome-hitherglancesonlymadehimgrumpier.
Somaybehewantedtobefriends!Like,basedonherpersonality.Wouldn’tthatbesomething?

“Huh,”shemurmuredthroughayawn.“Friends.”
Swingingherlegsovertheedgeofthebed,sheslippedherfeetintoherblackvelvetDolce&Gabbanaslippersandpaddedtothedoor.Beforesheopenedit,shegaveintovanityandscrubbedawaythesleepcrustiesinthecornersofhereyes.Sheopenedthedoorandcranedherneckinordertolookupintothefaceofthesurlyboatcaptain.
Piperstartedtosaygoodmorning,butBrendanclearedhisthroathardanddidaquarterturn,staringatthedoorjamb.“I’ll
waituntilyou’redressed.”

“Sorry…?”Nosewrinkled,shelookeddownathertanktopandpanties.“Oh.”
“Here,”Hannahcalledsleepily,tossingPiperapillow.
“Thanks.”Shecaughtit,helditinfrontofherselflikeapuffyshield.
Holdon.Wasthismanshe’djudgedaslittlemorethanabully…blushing?
“Oh,comeon,Brendan,”shechuckled.“There’salotworseonmyInstagram.Anyone’sInstagram,really.”
“Notmine,”Hannahsaid,voicemuffled.Asecondlater,shewassnoringsoftly.
Forthefirsttime,PipernoticedthetoolkitatBrendan’sfeet.“What’sallthatfor?”
Finally,Brendanallowedhisattentiontodriftbacktoher,andamusclewormedinhisjaw.ThepillowcoveredPiperfrom
necktoupperthigh,butthecurveofherpanty-cladbacksidewasstillvisible.Brendan’seyestraveledoverthatswellnow,
continuingupthelineofherback,hisAdam’sapplebobbinginhisthroat.“Ichangedthelockonthedoordownstairs,”he
saidhoarsely,hisgazetickingtohers.“Cametochangethisone,too.It’llonlytakeafewminutes.”

“Oh.”Piperstraightened.“Why?”
“Weleavethismorningforthreenights.Lastfishingtripbeforecrabseason.Ijust…”Hecroucheddownandstartedrootingthroughhisbox,metalclangingsoshecouldbarelyhearhimwhenhesaid,“Wantedtomakesurethisplacewassecure.”
Piper’sfingerstightenedonthepillow.“Thatwasreallyniceofyou.”
“Well.”Toolsinhand,hestraightenedonceagaintohisfullheight.“Isawyouhadn’tdoneit.Eventhoughyou’vehadtwo
days.”

Sheshookherhead.“Youhadtogoandruinthenicegesture,didn’tyou?”
Brendangruntedandsettowork,apparentlyhavingdecidedtoignoreher.Fine.Justtospitehim,sheletthepillowdrop
andwenttomakecoffee.Onhersister’striptotherecordstorewithFox,Hannahhadfoundamom-and-popelectronicsshop,
purchasingthekindofone-cupbreweryou’dnormallyfindinahotelroom.They’dbeensellingitfortendollars.Whosoldanythingfortendollars?They’drejoicedoverHannah’sbargainhuntingthewayPiperusedtocelebratefinding
afour-thousand-dollarBalmaindressatasamplesale.

“Wouldyoulikeacupofcoffee?”PiperaskedBrendan.
“No,thanks.Alreadyhadone.”
“Letmeguess.”Afteraddingamugofwater,sheloweredthelidonthemakerandswitchediton.“Youneverhavemorethan
asinglecup.”

Grunt.“TwoonSundays.”Hisbrowsangleddownandtogether.“What’sthatredmarkonyourhead?”
“Oh.”Herfingersliftedtoprodthesorepatch.“I’mnotusedtosleepingwithanotherbedthreefeetabovemine.Ikeep
whackingmyheadonthetopbunk.”

Hemadeasound.Keptfrowning.
HisvisiblegrumpinessmadethecornerofPiper’smouthedgeup.“Whatareyougoingfishingforthistime?”
“Halibut.Rockfish.”
Sherolledhereyesathisabruptanswer,leanedbackagainstthechippedkitchencounter.“Well,HannahandItalkeditover
andwe’rerunningwithyoursuggestion.”Shepickedupherfinishedcoffee,stirringitwithherfingerandsipping.“Wewant
toenjoyourtimeinWestport.Tellmewheretogo.Whattodo.”

Brendantookanotherminutetofinishupthelock.Hetesteditoutandreplacedhistoolsintheboxbeforeapproachingher,
diggingsomethingoutofhisbackpocket.Shecaughtatingleonthesoftinnerfleshofherthighsandknewhewaschecking
herout,butshepretendednottonotice.Mostlybecauseshedidn’tknowhowtofeelaboutit.Thatfamiliarburnofaman’s
regardwasn’tgivinghertheobligatorythrumofsuccess.Brendan’sattentionmadeherkindof…fidgety.He’dhaveto
bedeadnottolook.Butactualinterestwassomethingelse.Shewasn’tevensurewhatshewoulddoifBrendanshowedmore
thanapassing
Andhewasstillwearinghisweddingring.
Meaning,hewasstillhunguponhisdeceasedwife.
SosheandBrendanwouldbefriends.Definitelyonlyfriends.

Brendanclearedhisthroat.“You’reafive-minutewalktothelighthouse.Andit’sstillwarmenoughforthebeach.There’s
asmallwineryintown,too.Mymenarealwayscomplainingabouthavingtogothereondatenights.Theyhavesomethingcalled
aselfiespot.Soyoushouldloveit.”

“Thattracks.”
“Ialsobroughtyousometakeoutmenus,”hesaidinalowvoice,slappingthemdownonthecounter,andwithhimstandingsoclose,itwasimpossiblenottoregistertheirmajorsizedifference.Orcatchawhiffofhissaltwater-and-no-nonsensedeodorant.
Friends,sheremindedherself
Agrievingwidowerwasnotflingmaterial.
Swallowing,Piperlookeddownatthemenus.He’dbroughtthreeofthem.
Shepursedherlips.“Iguessit’stooearlytobeinsulted.”
“Thisisn’tmetellingyounottocook.Thesearefallbacks.”Heopenedthefirstfoldedmenu,foraChineserestaurant.“In
eachofthem,IwentaheadandcircledwhatIordereverytime,soyou’dknowthebestdish.”

Shehip-bumpedhim,althoughthankstohimbeingafoottaller,herhiplandedsomewherenearthetopofhisthigh.“Youmean,
theonlyoneyou’veevertried?”

Asmilethreatenedtoappearonhisface.“They’reoneandthesame.”
“Bah.”
“Youhaveyourphonehandy?”Brendanasked.
Nodding,sheturnedonaheel,tooktwosteps,andpickedupthediscardedpillow,holdingitoverherbutttoendhissuffering—and
tolethimknowshe’dgottenthefriends-onlymessage.Shecollectedhercellfromitsplaceofhonorbeneathherpillow,
thenpivoted,transferringthepillowonceagaintoblockherfront.Whensheturnedaround,Brendanwaswatchinghercuriously,
butdidn’tcommentonhersuddenmodesty.

“IfyouandyoursisterhaveanyproblemswhileI’mgone,callMick.”Hedippedhischin.“That’smy…myfather-in-law.”
“Wemethimyesterday,”Pipersaid,smilingthroughtheoddtensionatthementionofBrendanhavingafather-in-law.“He’s
asweetie.”

Brendanseemedmomentarilycaughtoffguard.“Ah.Right.Well,he’snottoofarfromhere.Letmegiveyouhiscontactinfo
incaseyouneedsomething.”

“Yes,Captain.”Sheclickedherbareheelstogether.“Andafterthat,I’llswabthedeck.”
Hesnorted.“Sheusesamoponce…”
Piperbeamed.“Oh,younoticedoursprucejob,didyou?”
“Yeah.Notbad,”hecommented,glancingaroundtheapartment.“Ready?”
PiperhumoredhimbyprogrammingMick’snumberintoherphoneasherattleditoff.“Thanks—”
“Takemine,too,”hesaidabruptly,suddenlyfascinatedbyoneofthemenus.“Iwon’thavereceptiononthewater,but…”
“TakeitincaseIneedcookingadvicewhenyougetback?”
Hemadeanaffirmativesoundinhisthroat.
Piperpressedherlipstogethertohideasmile.She’dseenBrendanwithhisfriendFox.Howtheyneedledeachotherlike
brothersasameansofcommunication.Itreallyshouldn’tcomeasasurprisethatmakingnewfriendsdidn’tcomenaturally
tohim.“Allright.Givemethosedigits,Captain.”

Heseemedrelievedbyherencouragement,recitingthenumberasshepuncheditintoherphone.Whenshehitdialonhisnumber,
hisheadcameupasiftryingtofigureoutwherethesoundwascomingfrom.

“That’syourphone,”shesaid,andlaughed.“I’mcallingyousoyou’llhavemynumber,too.”
“Oh.”Henodded,thecornerofhismouthtuggingalittle.“Right.”
Shecuppedahandaroundhermouthandwhispered,“ShouldIbeexpectingnudes?”
“JesusChrist,Piper,”hegrumped,straighteningthetakeoutmenusandsignalinganendtothediscussion.Buthehesitated
asecondbeforestridingforthedoor.“NowthatI’minyourphone,doesthismeannexttimeyoubreakintoarooftoppool,
I’llbeonthemassinvite?”

Brendanwinkedtoletherknowhewasjoking.Butshecouldn’thelpgrinningatthementalimageofthisearthygiantofa
manwalkingthroughaseaofpolishedLAsocialclimbers.“Ohyeah.You’rein.”

“Great.”
Afteronemorealmostimperceptiblesweepofherlegs,Brendancoughedintohisfistandturnedagain.Hepickeduphistoolbox
andstarteddownthestairs.Justlikethat.Hisworkwasdoneandformalitieswerestupid.Piperfollowed,lookingdownat
himfromthetopofthestairs.“Arewefriends,Brendan?”

“No,”hecalledback,withoutmissingabeat.
Hermouthhungopen,alaughhuffingoutofherassheclosedthedoor.
Hannahsatupandasked,“Whatthehellisgoingonthere?”
Slowly,sheshookherhead.“Ihavenofreakingidea.”ChapterEleven
BrendansatinthewheelhouseoftheDellaRaystabbingatthescreenofhisphone.

Heshouldhavebeenhelpingthecrewloadgroceriesandtheicetheywouldneedtokeepthefishfreshinthehold.Butthey’d
bepushingoffintenminutes,andheneededtotakeadvantageofthelastremainingminutesofinternetaccess,spottythough
itwasintheharbor.

He’ddownloadedInstagram;nowtheywereaskinghimforpersonalinformation.Didhehavetobeamemberofthisstupidthing
tolookatpictures?Chrissakes.Heshouldn’tbedoingthis.EvenifPiperhadvolunteeredtheinformationthatshewasapparently
half-nakedonthisfuckingapp,heshouldn’tbelooking.Infact,ifheexpectedtoconcentrateworthadamnonthistrip,
heabsolutelyshouldnotbeaddingtothetreasuretroveofPiperimageryalreadyfloatingaroundinhishead.

FirstandforemostwasthememoryofPiperansweringthedoorinthoselittlewhitepanties.White.Hewouldn’thavefiguredonthat.Maybesparklypinkorpeacockblue.Buthellifthewhitecottoncuppingherpussy,acontrastofinnocentandsexy,hadhimsportingasemianhourlateranddownloadingappslikeagoddamnteenager.He’dbeengrindinghisbackteethsincehewalkedoutofNoName,bereftoverhispalmsnotslidingdownthesupplecurveofherass—andGod,hehadnobusinessthinkingaboutthat.
Whyhadshecoveredherselfwiththepillowthesecondtime?
Hadhebeensoobviouslyturnedonitmadeheruncomfortable?
Consideringthat,hefrowned.Hedidn’tliketheideaofherbeingnervous.
Notaroundhim.Notatall.
“Allloaded.Readytogo,”Foxsaid,swingingintothewheelhouse,hisMarinerscappulleddownlowoverhiseyes.Butnot
lowenoughthatBrendancouldmissthemlightingup.“YoudownloadingInstagram,Cap?”

“Who’sdownloadingInstagram?”Sandersasked,duckinghisredcurlyheadunderthedoorframe.“Whodoesn’talreadyhaveInstagram?”
“Peoplewhohavebettershittodo,”Brendangrowled,snappingbothoftheirmouthsshut.“They’reaskingmetomakeausername.”
Incameathirdmemberofthecrew,Deke,hisdarkbrownfingerswrappedaroundabottleofCokeashetookasip.“Username
forwhat?”

Brendantippedhisheadback.“JesusChrist.”
“Instagram,”Sanderssaid,fillinginDeke.
“You’redoingalittlePiperrecon,aren’tyou?”Foxasked,hisexpressiononeofpure,everlastingenjoyment.“Downloading
afewpicturestokeepyouwarmonthetrip?”

“Youcandothat?”Brendanhalfshouted.“Anyonecanjustdownloadpicturesofher?”
“Orme,oryou,oranyone,”Dekesaid.“It’stheinternet,man.”
Brendanstaredathisphonewithreneweddisgust.Asfarashewasconcerned,thiswasevenmorereasontogetonthisdumb
appandseewhat’swhat.“Itwon’tletmejustusemyownnameasmyusername.”

“Yeah,probablybecauseaboutninehundredBrendanTaggartsjoinedbeforeyou.”
“SowhatshouldIuse?”
“CaptainCutie69,”Foxspatout.
“IGotCrabs4U,”Dekesupplied.
“SlipperyWhenWet.”
Brendanstared.“You’reallfired.Gohome.”
“Allright,allright,we’llbeserious,”Foxsaid,holdinguphishands.“DidyoutryCaptainBrendanTaggart?”
Hegrunted,puncheditinwithonebluntdigit.Ittookhimforever,becausehisfingerwassobig,hekepthittingerroneous
characters.“Accepted,”hegrumbledfinally,shiftinginthecaptain’schair.“Nowwhat?”

DekesettledinnexttoSanders,liketheywereinthemiddleofgoddamngossiphour.“Searchhername,”hesaid,pulling
outhisownphone.

Brendanpointedathim.“Youbetternotbelooking.”
Themanpocketedhisphoneagainwithoutanotherword.
“ThecaptainisalittlesensitiveaboutPiper,”Foxexplained,stillwearingthatshit-eatinggrin.“Hedoesn’tknowwhat
todowithhisconfusingmanfeelings.”

BrendanignoredhisfriendinfavoroftypingPiper’snameintothesearchbar,sighingwhenawholelistofoptionscameup.“Doesthebluecheckmarkmeanit’sher?”
“Ooh.”Sandersperkedup.“She’sgotacheckmark?”
“Isthatgoodorbad?”
DekepolishedoffhisCoke,lettingoutabelchthatnoonereactedto.Itwasmerelyacomponentofthefishing-boatsoundtrack.
“Itmeansshe’sgotabigfollowing.Meansshe’sinternetfamous,boss.”

Makingalowsoundinhisthroat,Brendanpunchedthecheckmark…andPiperexplodedacrossthescreenofhisphone.
AndChrist,hedidn’tknowwherethehelltolookfirst.Onelittlesquarehadapictureofherkneelinginthesurfatthe
beach,herbackondisplay,wearingnothingbutathongbikinibottom.Hecouldhavestaredathergorgeousassallday—and
he’ddefinitelybecomingbacktoitlaterwhenhewasalone—buttherewasmore.Somuchmore.ThousandsofpicturesofPiper.

Inanotherone,shehadonareddress,withlipstomatch,amartiniinherhand,herfootkickingupplayfully.Morebeautiful
thananyonehadtherighttobe.Hezeroedinonarecentone,fromafewweeksago,andfoundhismouthdroppingopenat
thespectacle.Whenshe’dtoldhimthatstoryabouthowshe’dgottenarrestedandsenttoWestport,he’dassumedshe’dembellished
alittle
Nope.
Thereshewas,amongtherowdycrowd,wreathedinsmokeandfireworks,armsthrownup.Happyandalive.Andwasthatthenumber
ofpeoplewho’dclickedtheheart?

Overthreemillion?

Brendandraggedahanddownhisface.
PiperBellingerwasfromadifferent,flashierplanet.
She’soutofyourleague.
Wayout.
Rememberinghowhe’dfedherfishandchipslastnightwhenshewasobviouslyusedtocaviarandchampagne,hewasembarrassed.
Ifhecouldgobackintimeandnotbringherthosestupidtakeoutmenus,hewoulddoitinaheartbeat.God,shemusthave
beenlaughingathim.

“Well?”Foxprompted.
Brendanclearedhisthroathard.“Whatdoes‘follow’mean?”
“Don’t,”Dekerushedtosay.“Don’tpressit.”
Histhumbwasalreadyonthewaybackup.“Toolate.”
Allthreeofhiscrewmemberssurgedtotheirfeet.“No.Brendan,don’ttellmeyoujusttappedthebluebutton,”Sanders
groaned,handsonhismopofredhair.“She’sgoingtoseeyoufollowedher.She’sgoingtoknowyouinternetstalkedher.”

“Can’tIjustunfollownow?”Brendanstartedtotapagain.
Foxlungedforward.“No!No,that’sevenworse.Ifshealreadynoticedyoufollowedher,she’sjustgoingtothinkyou’re
playinggames.”

“Jesus.I’mdeletingthewholething,”Brendansaid,throwingtheoffendingdeviceontothedashboard,whereitbashedup
againstthewindshield.Hiscrewstaredbackexpectantly,waitingforhimtoputhismoneywherehismouthwas.“Later,”he
growled,firingupthemotor.“Gettowork.”

Assoonasthethreemenwereoutofsight,hepickedthephonebackupslowly.Weighingitinhishandforamoment,heopenedtheappagainandscrolledthroughPiper’sfeeduntiloneimagestoppedhim.ShewassittingbesideHannahonadivingboard,bothofthemwrappedinthesametowel,waterdropletsalloverherface.ThislookedlikethePiperhe’dhaddinnerwithlastnight.Wasshethatgirl?Orthedaringjet-setter?

Thesheernumberofphotosofherglitteringatparties,balls,evenawardsshowssuggestedshelovedthespotlight,thewealth
andluxury.Shitheknewnothingabout.Morethanthat,sheclearlylikedpolished,manicuredmen,probablywithbankaccounts
thatmatchedherown.Andthatmeanthisinterestinherwasn’tonlyannoying,itwaslaughable.Hewasaset-in-his-ways
fisherman.Shewasarich,adventuroussocialite.Hecouldn’tevenordersomethingnewatarestaurant,andshedinedwith
celebrities.Datedthem.

He’djusthavetospendthenextfewmonthskeepinghisadmirationofhertohimself,lesthemakehimselflooklikeafucking
fool.

Withonelastglanceatthepictureofhersmilingonthedivingboard,hedeterminedlyshovedhisphoneintothefrontpocket
ofhisjeansandfocusedonwhatheknew.

Fishing.ChapterTwelve
Obviouslytheyvisitedthewineryfirst.
BrendanwasrightaboutPiperlovingtheselfiespot—damnhim—ajewel-tonedwallpaintedtolooklikestainedglass,vines
crawlingupthesidesandwrappingaroundaneonvinosign.Essentiallyanaltaratwhichtoworshipthesocialmediagods.

Hannahwasnotadrinker.Thankstofourglassesofwine,manyattemptsweremadetogetanon-blurrypictureofPiperbefore
anadequateonewasselected.

PiperappliedafilterbeforeswipingovertoInstagram.Automatically,shetappedhernotifications.“Oh,lookatthat.”
Herpulsestuttered.“Brendanfollowedme.”Shetappedhisprofileandchoked.“Oh.I’mtheonlyonehe’sfollowing.Hejustjoined.”

Hannahsquishedhercheekstogether.“Ohboy.Rookiemove.”
“Yeah…”Butitwasareally,reallyendearingmove,too.
HowdidshefeelaboutBrendanlookingatherplethoraofsideboobandbooty?Evenhermostmodestpictureswerekindofprovocative.Whatifherlackofmodestyturnedhimoff?Didhereallycreateaprofilejusttofollowher?

MaybeHannahhadapointaboutsocialmediahavingtoomuchownershipoverherthoughtsandenjoyment.Nowshewasgoingto
spendthenextthreedayswonderingwhichpicturesBrendanlookedatandwhathethoughtaboutthem.Wouldhelaughather
captions?IfthisInstagramfeedwashisglimpseintoPiperBellinger’slife,woulditoverridethereal-lifeimpressionshe’d
givenhim?

“Youshouldhaveseenthislittlerecordshop,Pipes,”Hannahsaidaroundasipofwine.Leaveittohersistertowaxpoetic
aboutarecordstoreaftertoomuchtodrink,insteadofanex-boyfriendoracrush.Asfarbackasshecouldremember,Hannah
hadbeenhunkereddowninheadphones,herfaceburiedinsonglyrics.Whensheturnedsixteen,PiperbroughtHannahtoher
firstconcert—Mumford&Sons—andthepoorgirlhadalmostpassedoutfromstimuli.Hersoulwasmadeofmusicalnotes.“They
hadaposterfora1993AliceinChainsconcert.Justtackedtothewall!Becausetheyhaven’thadachancetotakeitdown!”

Pipersmiledathersister’senthusiasm.“Whydidn’tyoubuyanything?”
“Iwantedto.TherewasareallynicePurpleRainLP,buttheyhaditwayunderpriced.Itwouldhavefeltlikestealing.”

“You’reagoodapple,kid.”PiperhadthenigglingurgetoscrollherInstagramfeedandseeeverythingthroughBrendan’s
eyes,butshedeterminedlyignoredit.“So.What’sFoxlike?”

Hannahsetdownherglass.“Uh-uh.Don’taskmelikethat.”
“What?He’scute.”
“He’snotmytype.”
“Notdepressedandbitterenough?”
Hersistersnorted.“Hisphonedingedlikeahundredtimesintwentyminutes.That’seitheronepassionategirlorseveral
admirers,andmymoneyisonthelatter.”

“Yeah,”Piperadmitted.“Hedidhavethatplayboylookabouthim.”
Hannahswungherfeet.“Besides,Ithinkhewasjustdoingthewingmanthing.HewastednotimeextollingBrendan’svirtues.”
“Oh?”Pipertookatoo-casualgulpofwine.“WhatdidFoxhavetosayabouthim?Justoutofcuriosity.”
Hersisternarrowedhereyes.“Tellmeyou’renotinterestedinhim.”
“Whoa.I’mnot.Hisweddingringislike,weldedontohisfinger.”
“Andhe’smeantoyou.”Hannahshiftedherweightonherstool,lookingasifshewasworkinguptosayingsomething.“You’ve
beentreadonbysomemeanguyslately,allright?TherewasAdrian.Theonebeforehimwhoproducedthatsci-fiHBOpilot,
whosenameIcan’tremember.Ijustwanttomakesureyou’renotfallingintoabadpattern.”

Piperrearedbackalittle.“ApatternwhereIpickmenwho’llmakemefeelshitty?”
“Well…yeah.”
Shereplayedherlastthreerelationships.Whichdidn’ttakethatlong,sincecollectivelythey’dlastedsixweeks.“Shit.
Youmightbeontosomething.”

“Iam?”Hannah’seyebrowsshotup.“Imean…Iknow.”
“Okay,I’llbemoreawareofit,”Pipersaid,rubbingatthedullacheinthecenterofherchest.Ifhersisterwasright,whywasshepickingbadapplesonpurpose?Didtheideaofagoodrelationshipscareher?Becauseshedidn’tthinkshecouldpulloneoff?Itwasnotonlypossible,butprobable.Still,putting
Brendaninthe“badapple”categorydidn’tquitesitright.“Noneofthoseotherguyswerethetypetoapologize.Theydefinitely
weren’tthekindofguyswho’dpinefortheirdeadwife.IthinkmaybeI’mjustcuriousaboutBrendanmorethananythingelse.
Wedon’tgrowthemlikehiminLA.”

“Thatistrue.”
“Wehadanactualconversationwithoutsexualovertones.Neitheroneofuscheckedourphonesevenonce.Itwasfuckingweird.I’mprobablyjust…fascinated.”

“Well,becareful.”Tonguetuckedinthecornerofhermouth,Hannahstartedfoldingabarnapkinintoanairplane.“Orhave
somefunwithFoxinstead.Betitwouldbewaylesscomplicated.”

Pipercouldn’tevenremembertheguy’sface.Onlythatshe’dclassifieditasattractive.
Now,Brendan’sface.Shecouldrecallcrow’s-feetfanningoutatthecornersofhiseyes.Thesilverflecksdottingthegreenofhisirises.
Hisgigantic,weatheredhandsandthebreadthofhisshoulders.

Sheshookherself.They’dhadamealtogetheryesterday.
Ofcoursesherecalledthosethings.
CanyouevenrememberAdrian’svoice?
“IthinkmaybeI’lljuststicktomyselfonthistrip,”Pipermurmured.
Twohourslater,theyweaveddownthesidewalkonthewayhome.Itwaswellpasttimetoputherlittlesistertobed.Atfouro’clockintheafternoon,butwhowaskeepingtrack?
Crossingthestreettowardhome,Piper’sstepslowed.Itappearedtheyhadavisitor.Alittleoldmanwithatoolboxand
asmilelikesunshine.

“Ma’am.”
“Um,hi.”PipernudgedHannahintoalertness,noddingatthemanwaitingoutsideNoName.Cometothinkofit,returninghome
tofindalocalattheirdoorwasbeginningtobeahabit.“Hi.CanIhelpyou?”

“Actually,I’mheretohelpyou.”Withhisfreehand,hepluckedaslipofpaperfromthepocketofhisshirt.“Iownthe
hardwarestoredownonWestPacific.Mysonshavetherunoftheplacenow,buttheyhavelittleones,sotheydon’tmake
itinuntillaterinthemorning.WhenIopeneduptoday,therewasanotetapedtomydoor.”

HehelditouttoPiper.Howcouldthispossiblypertaintoher?Withamentalshrug,shetookthenoteandscannedthefour
bluntlineswithaburgeoningcloginherthroat.

NoNamebar.Upstairsapartment.PiperBellinger.
Needspaddinginstalledonthebaseofthetopbunk.
Shekeepshittingherhead.
CaptainTaggart
“Ohmy,”shebreathed,fanningherselfwiththenote.AmIlevitating?
She’djustdecidedtobefriends-onlywiththeseacaptain.Thisdefinitelywasn’tgoingtohelpdivertherratherirritatingattractiontohim.

“Heleftsomecashtocoverit,”themansaid,reachingouttopatherarm.“You’regoingtohavetohelpmeupthestairs
oncewe’reinside,I’mafraid.Mylegsdecidedthey’dhadenoughlivingwhenIturnedseventy,buttherestofmeisstill
here.”

“Sure.Ofcourse.Letmetakethetools.”GratefulforsomethingtodistractherfromBrendan’sgesture,Piperclaimedthe
dustybox.“Um.Hannah?”

“What?”Owlisheyesblinkedback.“Oh.”
Yawning,HannahtransferredherdrunkenweightontothesideofthebuildingsoPiperwouldbefreetounlockthedoor.They
allwentinside,travelinginacomicallyslow-movingpacktowardthestairs.Piperhookedherrightarmthroughtheoldman’s
left,andtheyfollowedHannah’sunevengaituptowardtheapartment.“I’mPiper,bytheway.Thegirlfromthenote.”

“Iprobablyshouldhavechecked.MywifewouldhavehadsomequestionsifI’dletsomestrangersquiremeuptoherapartment.”
Shelaughed,helpinghimupthefifthstairandthesixth,theirpaceslowandsteady.“I’mAbe.Isawyouwalkingyesterday
intheharbor.I’musuallysittingoutsidethemaritimemuseumreadingmynewspaper.”

“Yes.That’showIrecognizeyou.”

Heseemedpleasedthatsheremembered.“Iusedtoreadthepaperoutsideeveryday,butit’sgettinghardertoclimbthestairs
totheporch.I’monlyabletogetupthemonWednesdaysandThursdaysnow.Thosearemydaughter’sdaysofffromthesupermarket.
Shewalksmeoverandhelpsmeclimbthem,soIcansitintheshade.Theotherdays,Isitonthelawnandpraythesunisn’t
toobright.”

KeepingholdofAbe,Piperunlockedtheapartmentdoor.Oncetheywereinsideandshe’dshovedabottleofwaterintoHannah’shands,Pipergesturedtothebunk.“Thisistheone.Youmightbeabletoseetheoutlineofmyheadonthoseboardsbynow.”
Abenoddedandcroucheddownveryslowlytoaccesshistoolbox.“Nowthatwe’reinthelight,Icanseethatbruiseyou’resporting,too.Goodthingwe’re
gettingthisfixed.”

WhileAbegottoworknailingmemoryfoamtothetopbunkwithanailgun,PipertriedtoavoidHannah’steasingpokesin
herside.“BrendannolikePiperboo-boo.Brendanfix.”

“Oh,shutup,”shewhispered,forhersister’searsalone.“Thisisjustwhatpeopledoinsmalltownslikethis.Maybehe’s
tryingtorubLA’sawfulnessinmyface.”

“Nope.Firstthelock.Nowthis.”Wow.She’dreallyslurredthats.“He’sarealchamp.”

“Ithoughtyoudidn’tevenlikehim.Whathappenedto‘Leavemysisteralone,youbully’?”
“Atthetime,Imeantit,”Hannahgrumbled.
“Look,I’mjustbidingtimeuntilIcangetbacktomynaturalhabitat.Nodistractionsneedapply.”
“But—”
“Youwouldn’tbeencouragingmetomaketimewithacrabfisherman,wouldyou?”ShegaveHannahaonce-over,followedbya
sniff.“I’mtellingMom.”

Hannahrolledhereyesandopenedhermouthtodeliverarejoinder,butAbeinterruptedwithajolly“Allfinished!”
God,howloudhadtheybeenattheendofthatconversation?
Abemusthaveinterpretedherworriedexpression,becausehelaughed.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindmesaying,itwasnicelisteningtosomebickeringbetweensisters.Ourshavegrownup,gottenhitched,andmovedout,youknow.Ispendalotoftimewithmysonsattheshop,buttheyhavethenervetogetalong.”
PiperstoopeddowntohelpAbeputeverythingbackinhistoolbox.“So…um.”Sheloweredhervoiceseveraloctaves.“Do
youknowCaptainTaggartwell?”

Hersistersnorted.
“Everyoneknowsthecaptain,buthedoesliketokeeptohimself.Doesn’tdoalotofjawing,justcomesintotheshopand
buyswhatheneeds.Inandout.”Abeslappedhiskneeandstood.“He’sdownrightfocused.”

“Heis,”Piperagreed,thinkingalittletoolongandhardaboutthosegreen-and-silvereyes.Howtheytriedsohardtostay
aboveherneck.WhenAbeclearedhisthroat,sherealizedshe’dbeenstaringintospace.“Sorry.Letmehelpyoudownthe
stairs.”

“I’llbeonmyway,”Abesaidwhenthey’dreachedthefirstlevel,asmilewreathinghismouth.“Say,haveyougonetosee
Opalyet?”

Opal.Opal.
Piperrootedaroundhermemorybankforthatname.Hadn’tMickForrestermentionedanOpalandwrittendownthewoman’saddress?
Whydideveryonethinkshewouldvisitthisperson?Obviously,sheneededtogetsomeanswers.“Um,no.Notjustyet.”

Heseemedalittledisappointed,buthiditquickly.“Right.Well,itwasnicetomeetyou,Piper.Don’tforgettogiveme
awavewhenyouseemeoutsidethemuseum.”

“Iwon’t.”Shehandedhimthetoolboxcarefully,makingsurehecouldtaketheweight.Whilewatchinghimheadforthedoor,hisfeetshuffling,thestiffnessinhislegsobvious,anideaoccurred.“Hey,Abe.I’vegotaprettyflexibleschedulehere,andthemuseumisonlyaquickwalk.So…like,Idon’tknow,ifyouwantedtositoutsideandreadyourpapermorethantwiceaweek,Icouldwalkoverandhelpyouclimbtheporch.”
Whywasshenervousthislittleoldmanwasgoingtoturnherdown?
Isthiswhatamanfeltwhenheaskedforhernumber?
HernervessettledwhenAbeturnedtoherwithahopefulexpression.“Youwoulddothat?”
“Sure,”shesaid,surprisedbyhowniceitfelttobeuseful.“Fridaymorning?Icouldmeetyououtsidethehardwarestore
aftermyrun.”

Hewinked.“It’sadate.”
***
Hannahhadswornoffbooze,sotheyavoidedanymoretripstothewinery.Instead,theycleaned.Evenputupsomegreen-and-white
stripedcurtainsintheapartment.OnBrendan’ssuggestion,theyvisitedthelighthouseandtookadaytriptothebeach,
althoughtheabundanceofrocksandtheneedforasweatshirtbythreep.m.madeitnothinglikethecoastlineinCalifornia.Still,Piperfoundherselfrelaxing,enjoyingherself,andtherestofthe
weekwentbyfasterthanexpected.

ShewentoutonherrunFridaymorning,finishingupoutsidethehardwarestorewhereAbewaited,arolled-upnewspapertuckedunderhisarm.HepepperedherwithquestionsaboutlifeinLosAngelesonthewalkovertothemaritimemuseum—hewasyetanothermanwho’drarelyventuredoutsideofWestport—andshelefthimintheAdirondackchairwithapromisetomeethimagaintomorrowmorning.
Piperwalkeddowntotheendofoneofthedocksintheharboranddangledherfeetovertheside,lookingoutatthewide
mouthofthePacific
WhatwasBrendandoingatthatverymoment?
She’dkindofhopeddistanceandtimewouldridheroftheadamanttingleshefelteverytimeshethoughtofhim.Butthree
dayshadpassed,andhisimagestillpoppedintohermindwithannoyingregularity.Thismorning,she’dwokenupwithastart,
jerkedintoanuprightposition,andthememoryfoamhadblockedherforeheadfromrammingintotheupperbunk.Andshe’d
driftedbackdowntoherpillowwithanenamoredsigh.

Washethinkingabouther?
“Ugh,Piper.”Shesurgedtoherfeetattheendofthedock.“Getyourlifetogether.”Sheneededanotherdistraction.Another
waytoabsorbsometime,soherthoughtswouldn’tkeepdriftingbacktoBrendan.

MaybenowwasagoodtimetosolvethemysteryofthisOpalcharacter.
PiperhadtakenapictureoftheaddressMickgaveheroutsideNoName,andshescrolledtoitnow,tappingitwithherthumb.
Distractionachieved.She’dtoldMickshe’dvisitthewoman,andwithawholedayinfrontofher,therewasnotimelike
thepresent.

Shepunchedtheaddressintohermapapp,snortingtoherselfwhenshearrivedafterameretwominutesofwalking.OpallivedinanapartmentbuildingoverlookingGraysHarbor,anditwaskindofweird,buzzingsomeone’sapartmentwithoutcallingaheadoftime,butthevestibuledoorunlockedimmediately.Withashrug,Pipertooktheelevatortothefifthfloorandknockedonthedoorofapartment5F.
ThedoorswungopenandawomanPiperestimatedtobeinherlatesixtiesleaptback,ahandflyingtoherthroat.“OhGod,
Ithoughtyouweremyhairdresser,Barbara.”

“Oh!Sorry!”Piper’scheeksburned.“Iwonderedwhyyoubuzzedmeupsofast.YouareOpal,right?”
“Yes.AndI’mnotbuyinganything.”
“No,I’mnotsellinganything.I’mPiper.Bellinger.”Sheputoutherhandforashake.“MicktoldmeIshouldcomeseeyou.
I’m…HenryCross’sdaughter?”

AdifferentkindoftensiongrippedOpal’sshoulders.“OhmyLord,”shebreathed.
Somethingchargedtheair,causingthehaironthebackofPiper’snecktostandup.“Didyou…knowmewhenIwasababy,
or…?”

“Yes.Yes.Idid.”Opalpressedahandtohermouth,droppedit.“I’mOpalCross.I’myourgrandmother.”
***
I’myourgrandmother.
Thosewordssoundedliketheyweremeantforsomeoneelse.
PeoplewhogotuglyknittedsweatersonChristmasmorningorfellasleepinthebackofastationwagonafteraroadtriptoBakersfield.Hermother’sparentswerelivinginUtahandcommunicatedthroughsporadicphonecalls,butHenry’s…well,she’dstoppedwonderingaboutanyextendedfamilyonherbiologicalfather’ssidesolongago,thepossibilityhadfadedintonothing.
Butthewomanhadn’t.ShewasstandingrightthereinfrontofPiper,lookingasifshe’dseenaghost.
“I’msorry,”Piperwhisperedfinally,afteranextendedsilence.“Micktoldmetocomehere.HeassumedIknewwhoyouwere.
ButI…I’msosorrytosayIdidn’t.”

Opalgatheredherselfandnodded.“Thatisn’ttoosurprising.YourmotherandIdidn’tendonthebestterms,I’mafraid.”
SheranhereyesoverPiperoncemore,shakingherheadslightlyandseemingatalossforwords.“Pleasecomein.I…
Barbarashouldbehereforcoffeesoon,soI’vegotthetablesetup.”

“Thankyou.”Piperwalkedintotheapartmentinadaze,herfingerstwistinginthehemofherrunningshirt.Shewasmeeting
herlong-lostgrandmotherinsweatyrunningclothes.

Classic.
“Well,Ibarelyknowwheretostart,”Opalsaid,joiningPiperinthesmallroomjustoffthekitchen.“Sitdown,please.
Coffee?”

Itwaskindofdisconcertingthewaythiswomanlookedatherasifshe’dreturnedfromthedead.Itfeltalittlelikeshe
had.Asifshe’dwalkedintoaplaythatwasalreadyinprogress,andeveryoneknewtheplotexcepther.“No,thankyou.”
Pipergesturedtotheslidingglassdoorleadingtoasmallbalcony.“B-beautifulview.”

“Itis,isn’tit?”Opalsettledintoherchair,pickingupahalf-finishedmugofcoffee.Settingitbackdown.“Originally,IwantedanapartmentfacingtheharborsoIcouldfeelclosetoHenry.Butalltheseyearslater,itjustseemslikeasadreminder.”Shewinced.“I’msorry.Idon’tmeantobesocasualaboutitall.Ithelpsmetobeblunt.”
“It’sfine.Youcanbeblunt,”Piperassuredher,eventhoughshefeltalittlejarred.Notonlybythesuddenappearance
ofagrandmother,butbythewayshespokeofHenrylikehe’donlypassedyesterday,insteadoftwenty-fouryearsago.“I
don’trememberalotaboutmyfather.Justsmallthings.AndIhaven’tbeentoldmuch.”

“Yes,”Opalsaid,leaningbackinherchairwithatightenedjaw.“Yourmotherwasdeterminedtoleaveitallbehind.Some
ofusfindthathardertodo.”Abeatpassed.“I’dbeenasinglemothersinceHenrywasalittleboy.Hisfatherwas…
well,acasualrelationshipthatneitherofushadamindtopursue.YourfatherwasallIhad,besidesmyfriends.”Sheblew
outabreath,visiblygatheringherself.“WhatareyoudoingbackinWestport?”

“MysisterandI…”Pipertrailedoffbeforeshecouldgettothepartaboutconfetticannonsandpolicehelicopters.
Apparentlytheneedtomakeagoodimpressiononone’sgrandmotherwasstrong,evenwhenmeetingherasafullygrownadult.
“We’rejusttakingavacation.”Forsomereason,sheadded,“Anddoingalittlediggingintoourrootswhilewe’rehere.”

Opalwarmed,evenappearingrelieved.“Itmakesmeveryhappytohearthat.”
Pipershiftedinherchair.Didshewantherfathertobecomeamore…substantialpresenceinherlife?Aseriouspart
ofPiperdidn’twantsentimentalattachmenttoWestport.Itscaredhertohavethiswholenewaspectofherworld,herexistenceopenedup.What
wasshesupposedtodowithit?

She’dfeltsolittleatthebrassstatue—whatifthesamehappenednow?WhatifherdetachmentfromthepastextendedtoOpalandshedisappointedthewoman?ShehadclearlybeenthroughenoughalreadywithoutPiperaddingtoit.
Still,itwouldn’texactlyhurttofindoutalittlemoreaboutHenryCross,thismanwho’dfatheredherandHannah.Thismanpeoplespokeofwithahushedreverence.Thisman
who’dbeenhonoredwithamemorialupontheharbor.Wouldit?Justthismorningduringherrun,she’dseenawreathofflowers
laidatitsfeet.Hermotherhadbeenright.HewasWestport.Andalthoughshe’dfeltlessemotionthanexpectedthefirsttimeshevisitedthebrassstatue,shewasdefinitely
curiousabouthim.“Doyou…haveanythingofHenry’s?Ormaybesomepictures?”

“Iwashopingyou’dask.”Opalpoppedup,movingprettydamnquicklyforawomanherage,crossedtothelivingroom,and
retrievedaboxfromashelfunderthetelevision.Shetookherseatagainandremovedthetop,leafingthroughafewpieces
ofpaperbeforepullingoutanenvelopemarkedHenry.ShesliditacrossthetabletoPiper.“Goahead.”

Piperturnedtheenvelopeoverinherhands,hesitatingmomentarilybeforeliftingtheflap.Outspilledanoldfisherman’s
licensewithagrainypictureofHenryinthelaminatedcorner,mostofhisfaceobscuredbywaterdamage.Therewasapicture
ofMaureen,twenty-fiveyearsyounger.AndasmallsnapshotofPiperandHannah,tapestillattachedtotheback.

“ThosewereinhisbunkontheDellaRay,”Opalexplained.

PressurecrowdedintoPiper’sthroat.“Oh,”shemanaged,runningherfingeroverthecurlededgesofthepictureofherandHannah.HenryCrosshadn’tbeensomephantom;he’dbeenaflesh-and-bloodmanwithaheart,andhe’dlovedthemwithit.Maureen,Piper,Hannah.Opal.Hadtheybeenapartofhisfinalthoughts?Wasitcrazytofeellikethey’ddesertedhim?Yes,he’dchosentoperformthisdangerousjob,buthestilldeservedtoberememberedbythepeopleheloved.He’dhadOpal,butwhatabouthisimmediatefamily?
“Hewasadeterminedman.Lovedtodebate.Lovedtolaughwhenitwasallover.”Opalsighed.“Yourfatherlovedyoutopieces.
Calledyouhislittlefirstmate.”

ThatfeelingPiperhadbeenmissingatthememorial…itrodeinnowonaslowtide,andshehadtoblinkbackthesudden
hotpressurebehindhereyes.

“I’msorryifthiswastoomuch,”Opalsaid,layingahesitanthandonPiper’swrist.“Idon’tgetalotofvisitors,and
mostofmyfriends…Well,it’sacomplicatedthing…”

PiperlookedupfromthepictureofherandHannah.“Whatis?”
“Well.”Opalstareddownintohercoffeemug.“Peopletendtoavoidthegrieving.Grief,ingeneral.Andthere’snoonewith
moregriefthanaparentwhohaslostachild.Atsomepoint,IguessIdecidedtospareeveryonemymiseryandstartedstaying
home.That’swhyIhavemyhairappointmentshere.”Shelaughed.“Notthatanyonegetstoseetheresults.”

“But…you’resolovely,”Pipersaid,clearingherthroatoftheemotionwroughtbythepictures.“There’snowaypeople
avoidyou,Opal.Youhavetogetoutthere.Gobarhopping.GivethemeninWestporthell.”

Hergrandmother’seyessparkledwithamusement.“Ibetthat’smoreyourdepartment.”
Pipersmiled.“Youwouldberight.”
Opaltwistedhermuginacircle,seemingunsure.“Idon’tknow.I’vegottenusedtobeingalone.ThisisthemostI’vetalkedtoanyonebesidesBarbarainyears.MaybeI’veforgottenhowtobesocial.”Sheexhaled.“I’llthinkaboutit,though.Ireallywill.”
Offeringarelationshiptothiswomanwasn’tasmallthing.Thiswashergrandmother.Itwasn’tjustapassingacquaintance.
Itcouldbealifelongcommitment.Arelationshipwithactualgravity.“Good.Andwhenyou’reready…I’myourwingwoman.”

Opalswallowedhardandduckedherhead.“It’sadeal.”
Theysatincompanionablesilenceforamoment,untilOpalcheckedherwatchandsighed.“IloveBarbaratodeath,butthe
womanisflakierthanabowlofcereal.”

Piperpursedherlips,studiedthewoman’sclose-croppedgrayhair.“Whatwereyouplanningonhavingherdo?”
“Justatrim,likealways.”
“Or…”Piperstood,movingbehindOpal.“MayI?”
“Please!”
PiperslippedherfingersintoOpal’shairandtestedthetexture.“Youdon’tknowthis,Opal,butyou’reinthepresence
ofacosmeticgenius.”Herlipscurvedup.“Haveyoueverthoughtaboutrockingafauxhawk?”

Twentyminuteslater,PiperhadshapedOpal’shairintoaslick,subtlehilldownthecenterofherhead,usingthelackof
arecenthaircuttotheiradvantagebytwistingandspikingthegraystrands.Thenthey’dbrokenoutaMaryKaymakeupkit
Opalhadcavedandpurchasedfromadoor-to-doorsaleslady—leadingtohercurrentsuspicionofsolicitors—andtransformed
herintoastunner.

PipertookalotofpleasureinhandingOpalthemirror.
“So?”
Opalgasped.“Isthatme?”
Piperscoffed.“Hellyes,it’syou.”
“Well.”Hergrandmotherturnedherheadleftandright.“Well,well,well.”
“Consideringthatnightoutalittlemoreseriouslynow,aren’twe?”
“YoubetIam.”Shelookedatherselfinthemirroragain,thenbacktoPiper.“Thankyouforthis.”Opaltookalongbreath.
“Willyou…comebackandseemeagain?”

“Ofcourse.AndI’llbringHannahnexttime.”
“Oh,Iwouldjustlovethat.ShewassotinylasttimeIsawher.”

PiperleaneddownandkissedOpalonbothcheeks,whichsheseemedtofindinordinatelyfunny,thenleftthesmallapartment,
surprisedtofindherselffeeling…light.Buoyant,even.ShenavigatedthestreetsbacktoNoNamewithouttheuseof
herphone’smap,recognizinglandmarksasshewent,nolongerunfamiliarwiththefriendlysmilesandcirclingseagulls.

TheenvelopeholdingHenry’spossessionswastuckedintoherpocket,andthatseemedtoanchorherinthisplace.Shestopped
outsideofNoName,takingamomenttolookupatthefadedbuilding,andthistime…shetriedtoreallyseeit.Toreallythinkaboutthemanwhomadehislivelihoodwithinitswalls,onceuponatime.TothinkaboutMaureenfalling
inlovewiththatman,somuchthatshemarriedandconceivedtwodaughterswithhim.

Shewasoneofthosedaughters.Aproductofthatlove.NomatterwhatPiperfeltforherpast,itwasreal.Anditwasn’tsomethingshecouldignoreorremaindetachedfrom.Nomatterhowmuchitscaredher.
Feelingthoughtfulandalittlerestless,shewenttofindHannah.
***
PiperandHannahstareddownatthephone,listeningtotheirmother’svoicethroughthespeakerphone.“IreachedouttoOpal
severaltimesthroughouttheyears,”Maureensaid.“She’sasstubbornasyourfatherwas.Shesawmyleavingasabetrayal,
andtherewasnofixingit.And…Iwasselfish.Ijustwantedtoforgetthatwholelife.Thepain.”

“YoucouldhavetoldmeaboutherbeforeIcame,”Piperintoned.“Iwasblindsided.”
Maureenmadeasoundofdistress.“Iwasrightonthevergeand…”Maureensighed.“IguessIdidn’twanttoseeyour
faceswhenItoldyouI’dbeenholdingontosomethingsoimportant.I’msorry.”

Twentyminuteslater,PiperpacedthescuffedfloorofNoNamewhileHannahsatcross-leggedonabarreleatingFrenchfries,
athousand-yardstareinhereyes.Hersisterwasstillprocessingthenewsthattheyhadafreakinggrandmother,butshe
probablywouldn’treachfullunderstandinguntilshecouldbealonewithherrecords.

ReachingouttorubHannah’sshouldercomfortingly,Piperlookedaroundandsurveyedthespace.Wasshesufferinganemotional
upheavalfromtheshockoffindingalong-lostfamilymember…orwasshestartingtodevelopaninterestinthisplace?

They’dbeensoyoungwhenMaureenmovedthem.Itwasn’ttheirfaultthey’dforgottentheirfather,buttheycouldn’tvery
wellignorehimnow.Notwithpiecesofhimeverywhere.Andthisdisheveledbarwastheperfectrepresentationofaforgotten
legacy.Somethingthatwasoncealive…andnowcorroded.

Whatifitcouldbebroughtbacktolife?
Howwouldoneevenbegin?
Pipercaughtherreflectioninasectionofbrokenglasspeekingoutfrombehindapieceofplywood.Hertalentforfinding
themostflatteringlightingcouldnotbediscounted,buttherewereonlyacoupleofcobweb-coveredbulbs,withnolight
fixtures.Itwasbasicallyanyoneovertwenty-five’sworstnightmare,becauseithighlightedeverycreviceinaperson’sface.
Theplacehadacertainspeakeasyvibethatcouldreallybenefitfromsomesoft,redlighting.Moody.

Hmm.Shewasnodecorator.MaureenpaidaninteriordesignertocomeinannuallyandrefreshthehouseinBel-Air,andthatincluded
theirbedrooms.ButPiperunderstoodatmosphere.Whatinspiredpeopletostayawhile.

Somemenwenttobarstowatchsports.Orwhatever.Butwhatpackedabarfullofmen?Women.Appealtotheladies,andmenstartedcoughingupcoverchargesjustforachancetoshoottheir
shot.

Wherewouldsheevenstartwiththisplace?
“Justforthesakeofargument,let’ssaywewantedtoprettythisplaceup.Consideringwehavelimitedfunds,doyouthink
wecouldmakeitworthwhile?”

Hannahappearedcaughtoffguard.“Whereisthiscomingfrom?”
“Idon’tknow.WhenIwastalkingtoOpal,IstartedthinkinghowunfairitisthatHenry’sownfamilynevergrievedhim.Sure,itwasmostlyMom’sdecision,butmaybethisisawaytomakeamends.To…connectwithhimalittlebit.Tohaveahandinthewayhe’sremembered.Isthatsilly?”
“No.”Hannahshookherhead.“No,ofcourseit’snot.Justalottotakein.”
Pipertriedadifferenttack.“Attheveryleast,thiscouldbeawaytoconvinceDanielwe’reresponsibleandproactivecitizens
oftheworld.Wecouldmakeoverthebar,showhimhowdazzlinglycapableweare,andgetanearlytriphometoLosAngeles.”

Hannahraisedaneyebrow.
“That’snotabadidea.Notbadatall.”Withablown-outbreath,heryoungersisterhoppedoffthestool,wipingherhands
ontheseatofherjeans.“Imean,we’dneedaDJbooth,obviously.”

“Overthereinthecornerbythewindow?”Piperpointed.“Ilikeit.PeoplewalkingbywouldseeMCHannahspinningandtrip
overthemselvestogetinside.”

Thesistershadtheirbackstoeachotherastheycompletedarevolutionaroundthebar.“Thisplaceisn’tbigenoughfor
adancefloor,butwecouldbuildashelfalongthewallforpeopletosettheirdrinks.Itcouldbestandingroomonly.”

“Ooh.That’stotallyanoptionforanewname.StandingRoomOnly.”
“Love.”Hannahpursedherlips.“We’dhavetodoalotofcleaning.”
Theysharedagroan.
“Doyouthinkwecouldfixthesechairs?”Piperasked,runningherfingeralongthebackofalopsidedseat.“Maybepolishthebar?”
Hannahsnorted.“Imean,whatthefuckelsearewedoing?”
“God,you’reright.Canyoubelieveithasonlybeenfivedays?”Piperdugaknuckleintothecornerofhereye.“Whatistheworstthatcanhappen?Wedoatonofwork,spendallofour
money,Danielisn’timpressedandforcesustofinishoutoursentence,whichshouldreallyjustbemysentence?”

“Don’tsplithairs.Andthebestthatcanhappeniswegohomeearly.”
Theytradedathoughtfulyetnoncommittalshrug.
Inthatmoment,thefinalshardofsunsetpeekedinthroughthegrimywindow,illuminatingthemirrorbehindtheplywood.
Therewasawhitecornerofsomethingontheotherside,andwithoutthinking,Pipermovedinthatdirection,steppingover
emptybottlestoscootbehindthebarandpinchthewhiteprotrusionbetweenherfingers.Shegaveitatugandoutcamea
photograph.Init,twopeopleshedidn’trecognizeappearedtobesinginginthisveryestablishment,thoughamuchcleaner
version,theirhairproclaimingthemchildrenoftheeighties.

“Oh.Apicture.”Hannahcranedhernecktogetabetterlookattheareabehindtheplywood.“Youthinkthere’smore?”
“Wecouldpullthisboarddown,butwe’reeithergoingtoendupwithsplintersoraherdofspidersisgoingtorideout
onthebacksofmice,holdingpitchforks.”

Hannahsighed.“Aftercleaningthatupstairstoilet,I’mprettydesensitizedtoanythingunpleasant.Let’sdoit.”
Piperwhimperedasshetookholdoftheplywood,Hannah’sgriptighteningalongsidehers.“Okay.One,two,three!”

Theythrewthewoodboardonthegroundandleaptback,waitingfortherepercussions,butnonecame.Instead,theywereleftstaringatamirrorcoveredinoldpictures.Theytradedafrownandsteppedcloseratthesametime,eachofthempeelingdownaphotographandstudyingit.“Thisguylooksfamiliar…”Pipersaidquietly.“He’swayyoungerinthisshot,butIthinkhe’stheonewhowasinhereSundaynight.HesaidherememberedMom.”
Hannahleanedoverandlooked.“Ohmygosh,that’stotallyhim.”Herlaughwasdisbelieving.“Damn,Gramps.Hecouldgetit
backthen.”

Piperchuckled.“Recognizeanyoneinyours?”
“No.”Hannahtookdownanother.“Wait.Pipes.”
Shewasbusyscanningthefaceslookingbackatherfromthepast,soshedidn’timmediatelyhearthehushedurgencyinHannah’s
tone.Butwhenthesilencestretched,shelookedovertofindHannah’sfacepale,fingersshakingasshestudiedthephoto.
“Whatisit?”Piperasked,sidlingupnexttohersister.“Oh.”

Herhandflewtohersuddenlypumpingheart.
WhereasthebrassstatueofHenryhadbeenimpersonalandthefishinglicensehadbeengrainy,anunsmilingmanmakingastandard
pose,thisphotohadlifeinit.Henrywaslaughing,awhitetowelthrownoveroneshoulder,amustacheshadowinghisupperlip.Hiseyes…they
leaptrightofftheglossyphotograph’ssurface,sparkling.Somuchliketheirown.

“That’sourdad.”
“Piper,helooksjustlikeus.”
“Yeah…”Shewashavingtroublecatchingherbreath.ShetookHannah’shand,andtheyturneditovertogether.Thehandwritingwasfaded,butitwaseasytomakeoutthewords,HenryCross.Andtheyear,1991
Neitherofthemsaidanythingforlongmoments.
AndmaybePiperwasjustoverwhelmedbythephysicalproofthattheirbirthfatherhadreallyexisted,apicturediscovered
whilestandinginhisbar,butshesuddenlyfelt…asiffatehadplacedherinthatveryspot.TheirlifebeforeLos
Angeleshadalwaysbeenafragmented,vaguething.Butitfeltrealnow.Somethingtoexplore.Somethingthatmaybehadeven
beenmissing,withoutherknowingenoughtoacknowledgeit
“Weshouldprettyupthebar,”Pipersaid.“Weshoulddoit.Notjustsowecangohomeearly,but…youknow.Kindof
atribute.”

“Youreadmymind,Pipes.”HannahlaidherheadonPiper’sshoulderastheycontinuedtostaredownatthemanwho’dfathered
them,hisfacesmilingbackfromanothertime.“Let’sdoit.”
ChapterThirteen
BrendanwatchedthroughhisbinocularsasWestportformed,reassuringandfamiliar,onthehorizon.
Hislovefortheoceanalwaysmadereturninghomebittersweet.Therewasnowherehewasmoreateasethanthewheelhouse,
theenginehummingunderhisfeet.Aradiowithinreachsohecouldgiveorders.Hiscertaintythatthosecommandswouldalways
becarriedout,noquestionsasked.TheDellaRaywasasecondlayerofskin,andheslippedintoitasoftenaspossible,anxiousfortheriseandfallofthewater,the
slapofwavesonthehull,thesmellofsaltandfishandpossibilities.

Butthishomecomingdidn’thavethesamefeelasitusuallydid.Hewasn’tcalculatingthehoursuntilhecouldgetbackout
onthewater.Ortryingtoignoretheemotionsthatclungtotheinsideofhisthroatwhenhegothiscrewhomesafe.There
wereonlynervesthistime.Jumpy,anxious,sweatynerves.

Hismindhadn’tbeenfocusedforthelastthreedays.Oh,they’dfilledthebellyoftheshipwithfish,donetheirdamnjob,
asalways.ButagirlfromLosAngeleshadbeenoccupyingwaytoomuchheadspaceforhiscomfort.

Godonlyknew,tonightwasnotthenightforexploringthatheadspace,either.

Assoonastheymooredtheboatandloadedthecatchestobringtomarket,hewasexpectedattheannualmemorialdinnerfor
Desiree.Everyyear,likeclockwork,Mickorganizedtheget-togetheratBlowtheManDown,andBrendanneverfailedtowork
hisfishingschedulearoundit.Hell,heusuallyhelpedorganize.Thistime,though…hewonderedhowhe’dmakeitthrough
thenightknowinghe’dbeenthinkingofPipernonstopforthreedays.

Didn’tmatterhowmanytimeshelamentedherglamorousinternetpresence.Didn’tmatterhowmanytimesheremindedhimself
theywerefromtwodifferentworldsandshedidn’tplantobeapartofhisforlong.Still,hethoughtofher.Worriedabout
herwell-beingwhilehewasonthewater.Worriedshewasn’teatingtherightitemsoffthemenushe’dleft.Hopedthehardware
storehadgottenhisnoteandshewasnolongerbumpingherhead.

Hethoughtofherbody.
Thoughtofittothepointofdistraction.
Howsoftshe’dbebeneathhim,howhighmaintenanceshe’dprobablybeinthesackandhowhe’ddeliver.Againandagain,until
shewreckedhisbackwithherfingernails.

Alotofthemenonboardstartedcheckingtheirphonesforreceptionassoonastheharborwasinsight,andBrendannormallyrolledhiseyesatthem.Buthehadhisphoneinhandnow,keptswipingandenteringhispassword,wantingalookatherfuckingInstagram.He’dbarelybeenawareofthedamnappafewdaysago;nowhehadhisthumbhoveringovertheicon,readytogethisfillofherimage.He’dneverbeensohardupforreliefthathebeatoffwhileontheboat,butithadbeennecessarythefirstdamnnight.Andthesecond.
Threebarspoppedintotheupperleft-handcornerofhisscreen,andhetapped,holdinghisbreath.Thefirstthinghesaw
wasthewhiteoutlineofahead.Pressedit.

Piperhadfollowedhimback?
Hegruntedandlookedoverhisshoulderbeforesmiling.
Therewasonenewpictureinherfeed,andheenlargedit,thedamnorganinhischestpickingupspeed.She’dtakenhissuggestion
andgonetothewinery,andJesus,shelookedbeautiful.

Makinggrapedecisions.
HewaschucklingoverthatcaptionwhenatextmessagepoppedupfromMick.
Callmewasallitsaid.

Brendan’ssmiledropped,andhepushedtohisfeet,pulsemissingafewbeatsasthecalltohisfather-in-lawconnected.
Dammit,Piperhadgottenherselfintroubleagain,hadn’tshe?She’dprobablystartedanotherfireorbrokenherneckfalling
downthestairswhiletryingtoescapeamouse.Or—

“Yeah,hey,Brendan.”
“What’swrong?”hedemanded.“Whathappened?”
“Whoa,there.”Micklaughed,musicplayinginthebackground.“Nothinghappened.Ijustwantedtoremindyouabouttonight.”
Guilttwistedlikeacorkscrewinhisgut.Herewasthismanpreparingforapartytomemorializesevenyearswithouthis
daughter,andBrendanwasworriedaboutPiper.Couldthinkofnothingbuther.Thatwasn’tright.Wasn’theabettermanthanthat?

Brendanlookeddownattheweddingbandaroundhisfingerandswallowed.Sevenyears.HecouldbarelyrememberDesiree’svoice,
herface,orherlaughanymore.Hewasn’tthetypetomakeavowandeasilymoveonfromit,however.Whenapromisecame
outofhismouth,itwaskepttotheletter.She’dbeenwovenintothefabricofhislifeinWestportsothoroughly,itwas
almostlikeshe’dneverreallydied.Whichmightaccountforhimgettingstuckonthetilldeathpartofhispromise.

Remnantsofhersurroundedhimhere.Herparents,herannualmemorial,peoplewho’dcometotheirwedding.Takingthering
offhadstruckhimasdisrespectful,butnow…nowitwasstartingtofeelevenmorewrongtokeepiton.

Tonightwasnotthenighttomakebigdecisions,though.
Hehadadutytobeatthememorialandbementallypresent,sohewouldbe.
“I’llbethere,”Brendansaid.“OfcourseIwill.”
***
ThefirstfewyearsafterDesireepassed,thememorialpotluckshadbeenreenactmentsofherfuneral.Noonesmiling,everyone
speakinginhushedtones.Hardnottofeeldisrespectfulbeinganythingbutgrief-strickenwhenMickandDellaplasteredpictures
oftheirdaughtereverywhere,broughtacakewithhernameinbrightbluefrosting.Butastheyearswenton,themoodhad
lightenedsomewhat.Notcompletely,butatleastnobodywascryingtonight.

Thevenueprobablydidn’tdomuchtocultivateaneasyatmosphere.ThebasementofBlowtheManDownhadn’tseenrenovationsliketheupstairs.Itwasathrowbacktothedaysofwoodpanelingandlow,frostedlighting,anditremindedBrendanofthehullofhisship,somuchsothathecouldalmostfeeltheswellanddipoftheoceanbeneathhisfeet.
Acollapsibletableandchairshadbeensetupagainstthefarwall,ladenwithcovereddishesandacandlelitshrinetoDesiree,
righttherenexttothepastasalad.Hightopsandstoolsfilledouttherestofthespace,alongwithasmallbarusedonly
forparties,whichwaswhereBrendanstoodwithhisreliefskipper,tryingtoavoidsmalltalk.

BrendanfeltFoxstudyinghimfromthecornerofhiseyeandignoredhim,insteadsignalingthebartenderforanotherbeer.
ItwasnosecrethowFoxviewedtheyearlyevent.“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.”Brendansighed.“Idon’tneedtohear
itagain.”

“Toobad.You’regoingtohearit.”ApparentlyFoxhadtakenenoughordersoverthelastthreedaysandwasgoodandfinished.
“Thisisn’tfairtoyou.Draggingyoubackthroughthis…losseverygoddamnyear.Youdeservetomoveon.”

“Nobodyisdragginganyone.”
“Sure.”Foxtwistedhisbottleofbeerinacircleonthebar.“Shewouldn’twantthisforyou.Shewouldn’twanttobeshackling
youlikethis.”

“Dropit,Fox.”Hemassagedthebridgeofhisnose.“It’sjustonenight.”
“It’snotjustonenight.”Hekepthisvoicelow,hisgazeaverted,sonoonewouldpickupontheirargument.“See,Iknow
you.Iknowhowyouthink.It’sayearlynudgetostaythecourse.Staysteady.Todowhatyouthinkishonorable.Whenthe
hellisitenough?”

Goddammit,therewasapartofhimthatagreedwithFox.Aslongasthismemorialhadremainedonthecalendar,Brendankeptthinking,Ioweheronemoreyear.Ioweheronemore.UntilthatrefrainhadturnedintoIoweitonemoreyear.OrIoweMickonemore.Foreverythinghisfather-in-lawhaddoneforBrendan.MakinghimcaptainoftheDellaRay.WouldthatfaithandtrustgoawayifBrendanmovedon?

Whateverthereason,atsomepointthegrievinghadstoppedbeingabouthisactualmarriage,buthehadnoideawhen.Life
wasaseriesofdaysonland,followedbydaysatsea,thenrepeat.Therewasn’ttimetothinkabouthimselforhowhe“felt.”
Andhewasn’tsomeselfish,ficklebastard.

“Look,”Foxtriedagain,afteralongpullofhisbeer.“YouknowIloveMick,butasfarashe’sconcerned,you’restill
marriedtohisdaughterandthat’salotofpressureony—”

“Hey,everyone!”
Brendan’sdrinkpausedhalfwaytohismouth.ThatwasPiper’svoice.
Piperwashere?
Hegrippedhispintcarefullyandlookedoverhisshoulderatthedoor.Thereshewas.Insequins,obviously.Loudpinkones.
Andhecouldn’tdenythatthefirstemotiontohithimwaspleasure.Toseeher.Thenreliefthatshehadn’tgonebackto
LAalready.Eagernesstotalktoher,benearher.

Rightontheheelsofthatreaction,though,theblooddrainedfromhisface
No.Thiswasn’tright.Sheshouldn’tbethere.
Ononearm,shehadthatridiculouslipstick-shapedpurse.Andcradledinherotherarmwasatrayofshotsshe’dobviouslybroughtfromthebarupstairs.Sheclickedthroughaseaofdumbfoundedandspellboundguests,offeringthemwhatlookedliketequila.
“Whythelongfaces?”Sheflippedherhairandlaughed,takingashotofherown.Jesus.Thiswasallhappeninginslowmotion.
“Turnthemusicup!Let’sgetthispartystarted,right?”

“Ohfuck,”Foxmuttered.
BrendansawtheexactmomentPiperrealizedshe’djustcrashedamemorialforadeadwoman.Herrunwaystrutslowed,those
hugeblueeyeswideningatthemakeshiftshrinenexttothepastasalad,thegiantposter-boardpictureofDesiree’ssenior
photo,hernameinscriptatthebottomDesireeTaggart.Hermouthopenedonachokedsound,andshefumbledthetrayofshots,recoveringjustintimetokeepthemfromcrashing
ontothefloor.“Oh,”shebreathed.“I—Ididn’t…Ididn’tknow.”

Shedroppedtheshotsontotheclosesttableliketheyoffendedher—andthatwaswhenhereyeslockedonBrendan,andhis
stomachplummetedattheutterhumiliationthere.“Piper.”

“Sorry.I’m…Wow.”Shebackedtowardtheexit,herhiprammingintoachairandsendingitseveralinchesacrossthe
floor,makingherwince.“I’msosorry.”

Asquicklyasshe’darrived,shewasgone,likesomeonehadmutedallsoundandcolorintheroom.BeforeandafterPiper.
AndBrendandidn’tthink,hejustdroppedhisbeerontothebarwithasloshandwentafterher.Whenhestartedupthestairs,
she’dalreadyclearedthetop,sohepickeduphispace,weavinginandoutoftheFriday-nightcrowd,gratefulforhisheight
sohecouldlookforpinksequins.

Whydidhefeellikehe’dbeensockedinthestomach?
Shedidn’tneedtoseethat,hekeptthinking.Shedidn’tneedtoseethat.
Outofthecornerofhiseye,hecaughtaflashofpinkcrossingthestreet.TherewasPiper,inwhatappearedtobeice-pickheels,headingtowardtheharborinsteadofbackhome.Someonecalledhisnamefromthebar,butheignoredthem,pushingoutsideandfollowinginherwake.“Piper.”
“Ohno.Nonono.”Shereachedtheoppositesidewalkandturned,wavingherhandsathim,palmsout.“Please,youhaveto
goback.Youcannotleaveyourwife’smemorialtocomeaftertheidiotwhoruinedit.”

Evenifhewantedto,hecouldn’tgoback.Hisbodyphysicallywouldn’tallowit.Becauseasmuchashehatedherobvious
embarrassment,hewouldratherbeouttherechasingherinthestreetthaninthatbasement.Itwasnocontest.Andyeah,
hecouldn’tdenyanymorethathisprioritieswereshifting.Asacreatureofhabit,thatscaredhim,butherefusedtosimply
letherwalkaway.“Youdidn’truinanything.”

Shescoffedandkeptwalking.
Hefollowed.“You’renotgoingtooutrunmeinthoseheels.”
“Brendan,please.Letmecringetodeathinpeace.”

“No.”
Stillfacingawayfromhim,sheslowedtoastop,armsliftingtohughermiddle.“Prettyshortsightedofmetoleavethose
shotsbehind.Icoulduseaboutsixofthemrightnow.”

Heheardhersniffle,andboltstightenedinhischest.Cryingwomendidn’tnecessarilyscarehim.Thatwouldmakehimkind
ofapansyass,wouldn’tit?Buthe’dencounteredveryfewoftheminhislifetime,sohetookamomenttoconsiderthebest
courseofaction.Shewashuggingherself.Somaybe…maybeonefromhim,too,wouldn’tbeabadmove?

BrendancameupbehindPiperandcuppedhersmoothshoulderswithhishands,makingsureshewasn’tgoingtorunifhetouchedher.Lord,theyweresosoft.Whatifhescratchedherwithhiscalluses?Herheadturnedslightlytolookathisrestingrighthand,andhewasprettysureneitheroneofthembreathedashetuggedherbackagainsthischest,circlinghisarmsaroundherslightframe.Whenshedidn’ttellhimtofuckoff,hetookonemorechanceandproppedhischinontopofherhead.
Asoundpuffedoutofher.“Youreallydon’thateme?”
“Don’tberidiculous.”
“Ireallydidn’tknow.I’msosorry.”
“That’senoughapologizing.”
“Theyallmusthateme,evenifyoudon’t.Theyhaveto.”Hestartedtotellherthatassumptionwassilly,too,butshespokeoverhim,soundingsoforlornhehadtotightenhishold.“God,Iamanairhead,aren’tI?”

Hedidn’tlikeanythingaboutthatquestion.Notthequestionitself.Andnotthewayitwasphrased,asifsomeonehadused
thatbullshittermtodescribeher.Brendanturnedherinhisarmsandpromptlyforgottheprocessofbreathing.Shewasgorgeous
ashellwithherdampeyesandcheekspinkwithlingeringembarrassment,allofherbathedinmoonlight.Hehadtocallon
everyiotaofwillpowernottolowerhismouthtohers,butitwasn’ttherighttime.Therewasaghostbetweenthemanda
ringonhisfinger,andallofitneededresolvingfirst.

“Comeon,let’ssitdown,”Brendansaidgruffly,takingherelbowandguidinghertooneofthestonebenchesoverlookingthenighttimeharbor.Shesatandcrossedherlegsinonefluidmove,herexpressionborderingonlost.Loweringhimselfdownbesideher,Brendantookuptherestofthespaceonthebench,butshedidn’tseemtomindtheirhipsandouterthighstogether.“Youaren’tanairhead.Whosaidthattoyou?”
“Itdoesn’tmatter.It’strue.”
“Itisnottrue,”hebarked.

“Ohyes,itis.Ihaveleftanendlesstrailofproof.I’mlikeasuper-hotsnail.”Shesmackedherhandsoverhereyes.“Did
Ireallysay‘Whythelongfaces’atamemorialdinner?OhmyGod.”

Unbelievably,Brendanfeltarumbleoflaughterbuildinginhissternum.“Youdidsaythat.Rightbeforeyoutookashot.”
Shepunchedhiminthethigh.“Don’tyoudarelaugh.”
“Sorry.”Heforcedhislipstostoptwitching.“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter…thatdinnerneededalittlelevity.You
dideveryoneafavor.”

Brendanfeltherstudyinghisprofile.“Tonightmusthavebeenhardforyou.”
“Itwashardsevenyearsago.Six.Evenfive.Nowit’sjust…”Hesearchedfortherightword.“It’srespect.It’sduty.”
Piperwassilentsolong,hehadtoglanceover,findingherwithanexpressionofwonder.“Sevenyears?”Sheheldupthe
appropriatenumberoffingers.“Thatmany?”

Henodded.
Shefacedtheharbor,lettingoutarushofbreath,butnotbeforehesawherattentiondiptohisring.“Wow.Ithoughtit
mighthavebeenayear.Maybeevenless.Shemusthavebeenreallyspecial.”

Ofcoursethatwastrue.Brendandidn’tknowhowtoexplaintheconvenienceand…thepracticalityofhispastmarriagewithoutitsoundingdisrespectfultoawomanwhocouldnolongerspeakforherself.Today,especially,hewouldn’tdothat.Buthecouldn’tdenyanurgetoexposehimselfsomewhat.Itonlyseemedfairwhenshewassittingthere,sovulnerable.Hedidn’twanthertogoitalone.
“Iwasawayfishingwhenithappened.Ananeurysm.She’dbeenoutforawalkonthebeach.Alone.”Heletoutaslowbreath.
“Shealwayswentalone,evenwhenIwashome.Iwasn’t,uh…thebestatbeingmarried.Ididn’tmoldmyselftofitnew
routinesordifferentpatterns—I’msureyou’reshocked.”Shestayedquiet.“TheysayevenifI’dbeenthere,Icouldn’thave
doneanything,butIcouldhavetried.Inevertried.Sothis…yearafteryear,thisismetrying,Iguess.Afterthe
fact.”

Piperdidn’trespondrightaway.“Idon’tknowalotaboutmarriage,butIthinkpeoplematureandgetbetteratitovertime.
Youwouldhave.Youjustdidn’tgetachance.”Shesighedintothenightbreeze.“I’msorrythathappenedtoyou.”

Henodded,hopingshewouldchangethesubject.MaybeFoxwasrightandhe’dbeenservingapenancelongenough,becausedwelling
onthepastnowjustmadehimrestless.

“Mylongestrelationshipwasthreeweeks.”Shehelduptherightnumberoffingers.“Thismany.Butinweeks.”
Brendanhidasmile.Whydidhekindofloveknowingthattherewasn’tasinglemaninLosAngeleswhocouldlockPiperdown?
And…whatwouldittake?“Ishetheonewhocalledyouanairhead?”

“You’rehyperfocusedonthis.”Shepulledhershouldersback.“Yes,hewastheonewhosaidit.AndIprovedhimrightinthenextbreathbyassuminghewasendingthingsbecauseI’ddiscussedthecompatibilityofourastrologicalsignswithmytherapist.Icouldn’thavesoundedmorelikeanLAbimboifItried.”
“Itpissesmeoffwhenyoucallyourselfnames.”
Shegasped.“Pissedoff?That’sarealswitchforyou.”
ThecornerofBrendan’slipstugged.“Ideservethat.”
“No,youdon’t,”shesaid,andsighed,fallingsilentforafewmoments.“Sincewegothere,ithasneverbeenmoreobvious
thatIdon’tknowwhatI’mdoing.I’mreallygoodatgoingtopartiesandtakingpictures,andthere’snothingwrongwith
that.Butwhatifthat’sit?Whatifthat’sjustit?”Shelookedathim,seemingtopieceherthoughtstogether.“Andyoukeepwitnessingthesehugefailsofmine,butIcan’t
hidebehindadrinkandaflirtysmilehere.It’sjustme.”

Hecouldn’thidehisconfusion.“Justyou?”

Onceagain,hewasseeingflashesofinsecuritybeneaththeseeminglyperfectouterlayerofPiperBellinger,andtheyroused
hisprotectiveinstincts.He’dridiculedherattheoutset.Nowhewantedtofightoffanythingthatmadehersad.Fucking
hell,itwasconfusing.

Piperhadn’tresponded,quietlydabbingatherdampeyes—andhe’dbeenokaywiththecryingforawhile,butheshouldhave
beenabletodryhertearsbynow.Whatwashedoingwronghere?Rememberinghowthehughadatleastgottenhertostoprunning
away,heputhisleftarmaroundhershouldersandtuckedherintohisside.Maybeadistractionwasthewaytogo.“What
didyoudowhileIwasgone?”

“Youmean,besidesenjoyingharbortoursfromallthelocalfishermen?”
Despiteherteasingtone,somethinghotpokedhiminthejugular.“Funny.”
Herlipstwitched,butoverthecourseofafewseconds,shesobered.“Alothashappenedsinceyouleft,actually.Imetmygrandmother,Opal.”
Brendanstartedalittle.“Youdidn’tknowheratallbeforethistrip?Nophonecalls,or—”
“No.”Hercheekscoloredslightly.“Ineverwouldhaveknownabouther,either,ifwehadn’tcomehere.She’sjustbeensittinginherapartmentallthistime,grieving
myfather.KnowingthatkindofmakesmylifeinLAfeellikemake-believe.Blissfulignorance.”Abeatpassed.“Shehadsome
differencesofopinionwithmymother.Wedidn’tgetintoittoodeeply,butI’mguessingmymotherwantedtoputitallbehind
her,andOpalwantedto…”

“Liveinthefallout.”
“‘Fallout’isanicewayofsaying‘therealworld,’butyou’reright.”Shelookeddownatherlap.“MeandHannahwentto
seethememorialforHenry,andIdidn’tknowwhatIwassupposedtofeel,butIdidn’tthinkitwouldbejustnothing.Itstayedthatwayrightupuntiltodaywhenwefoundawholecollageofpicturesinthebar.Behindsomeplywood.Hewas
laughinginoneofthephotos,andthat’swhen…therewasfinallyrecognition.”

Brendanstudiedher.Thisgirlhe’dpeggedasasillyflirtondayone.Andhefoundhimselfpullinghercloser,needingto
offercomfort.Wantinghertoleanonhimforit.“Whatdoestherecognitionfeellike?”

“Scary,”shesaidonanexhale.“ButIhavesomeguiltoverignoringthisplace,thepast,evenifit’snotentirelymyfault.It’scausingmetoleanintothescary,Iguess.Inmyownway.SoIgaveOpalafauxhawk,andwe’regivingHenry’sbaramakeover,startingtomorrow.IftherearetwothingsIknow,it’shairandpartying.”
Whenhadhisthumbstartedtracingthelineofhershoulder?
Heorderedhimselftoquitit.Evenifitfeltsofuckinggood.
“You’redealingwithawholelotofnewinformationinyourownway,”hesaidgruffly.“Nothingwrongwiththat.You’readjusting.
IwishIhadmoreofthatmentality.”

Piperlookedupathim,hereyessoftandalittlegrateful,turninghispulseuptoahighersetting.Theystaredateach
otherthreebeatstoolong,beforebothofthemdivertedtheirgazequickly.Sensingtheywereinneedofadistractionfrom
thebuildingtensionbetweenthem,Brendancoughed.“Hey,rememberthattimeyouweretheonlyoneIfollowedonInstagram?”

Sheburstoutlaughing,suchabright,beautifulthing,thathecouldonlymarvel.“Whatwereyouthinking?”
“Iwasjusthittingbuttons,honey.”
Morelaughter.Thistimesheactuallypressedherforeheadintohisshoulder.“Itmakesmefeelbetterabouttheworldthat
someoneoutthereisn’tplayinggames.”Shedrummedherfingersonherbareknee.“Sowhichpicturesdidyoulookat?”

Heblewoutalongbreath.“Alotofthem.”
Shebitherbottomlipandduckedherhead.
Theysatinsilenceforafewmoments.“Whichgirlareyou?Thegirlinthepicturesortheonesittingnexttome?”
“Both,Ithink,”shesaidafterapause.“Ilikedressingtotheninesandbeingadmired.AndIlikeshoppinganddancing
andbeingpamperedandcomplimented.Doesthatmakemeabadperson?”

He’dnevermetanyonelikeher.Theseluxuriesweren’tpartofhisworld.He’dneverhadtothinkaboutanythingbutfishing,workinghard,andmeetingquotas,buthewantedtogettheanswerrightbecauseitwasimportanttoher.“I’vebeenonalotofboatswithalotofmenthatdotoomuchtalkingaboutwomen.Anditseemstomethatmostpeoplelikebeingadmiredandcomplimented,they’rejustnotashonestaboutit.Thatdoesn’tmakeyouabadperson,itmakesyoutruthful.”
Sheblinkedupathim.“Huh.”
“Letmefinish.”Hepalmedherheadandtuckeditbackagainsthisshoulder.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dsurviveonenightinthat
apartment.Piper,Iwouldn’tevenhavestayedthere,andI’vesleptinbunkswithunwashedmenforweeksonend.Butyoustuckitout.Andyou
smiledatmewhenIwasbeingabastard.You’reagoodsister,too.Ifigureallofthathastobalanceoutyourcarrying
aroundthatuglypurse.”

Pipersatstraightupandsputteredthroughalaugh,“Doyouhaveanyideahowmuchthisuglypursecost?”
“ProbablylessthanI’dpaytohaveitburned,”hedrawled.
“ButIloveit.”
Hesighed,pushedahandthroughhishair.“IguessIwouldn’tburnit,then.”
Shewaslookingathimwithsofteyesandalushmouth,andifitwereanyothernight,ifthetimingwasbetter,he’dhave
kissedheranddonehisbesttobringherhome.Tohisbed.Buthecouldn’tyet.Soeventhoughitpainedhim,hestoodand
helpedPipertoherfeet.“Comeon,I’llmakesureyougethomeallright.”

“Yes.Ohmygosh,yes.”Shelethimhelpherup.“Youshouldgetback.AndHannahwillbewonderingwhereIam.”
“Whydidn’tshecometonight?”
“Mysisterisnotapartyperson.Allthosegeneslandedonme.Plus,she’sstillalittlescarredfromherwineryhangover.”
“Ah.”
Sidebyside,theystartedback,takingadifferentsidestreettoavoidBlowtheManDown.Whensherubbedherarms,hecursed
thefactthathedidn’ttakethetimetograbhisjacketwhencomingafterher,becausehewouldhavegivenanythingtowrap
herinitatthatverymoment.Collectittomorrowwithherscentonthecollar.

“Youdidit,”shemurmured,afterthey’dbeenwalkingfortwoblocks.“I’mstillembarrassedaboutcrashingtheparty.But
Ifeel…better.”Shesquintedaneyeupathim.“Brendan,Ithinkthismeanswe’refriends.”

Theyarrivedatherdoorandhewaitedforhertounlockit.“Piper,Idon’tjustgoputtingmyarmsaroundgirls.”
Shepausedinthedoorway.Lookedback.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
Hegaveintojustatouchoftemptation,tuckingawind-tangledstrandofhairbehindherear.Soft.“ItmeansI’llbearound.”

Knowingifhestoodthereasecondlonger,he’dtrytotastehermouth,Brendanbackedawayacoupleofsteps,thenturned,
theimageofherstunned—anddefinitelywary—expressionburnedintohismindthewholewaybacktoBlowtheManDown.

***
Laterthatnight,Brendanstoodinfrontofhisdresser,twistingthegoldbandaroundhisfinger.Wearingithadalwaysfeltrightandgood.Honorable.Oncesomethingwasapartofhim,oncehemadepromises,theystuck.Hestuck.Afisherman’slifewasrootedintraditionandhe’dalwaystakencomfortinthat.Protocolsmightchange,buttherhythmoftheoceandidn’t.Thesongsremainedthesame,sunsetswerereliableandeternal,thetideswouldalwaysshiftandpull.
He’dgivennothoughttowherehislifewouldgonext.Orifitcouldgoinadifferentdirection.Therewasonlyroutine,maintaininganevenkeel,working,moving,keepingthecustomshe’d
beentaughtalive.Ironically,ithadbeenthosesamequalitiesthatmadehimadistractedhusband.Anabsentone.He’dnever
learnedtoshift.Toallowfornewthings.Newpossibilities.

Now,though.Forthefirsttimesincehecouldremember,Brendanfeltapulltodeviatefromhishabits.He’dsatontheharbor
tonightwithhisarmaroundPiper,anditwasn’twherehewassupposedtobe.

Buthehadn’twantedtobeanywhereelse.Notservingpenanceforbeingashithusband.Notpayingrespecttohisin-laws,
whostilllivedasiftheirdaughterhaddiedyesterday.Notevenplottingcoursesorhaulingpotsontohisboat.

No,he’dwantedtobesittingtherewiththegirlfromLosAngeles.
Withthattruthadmittedtohimself,wearingtheringwasnolongerright.
Itmadehimfraudulent,andhecouldn’tallowthat.Notforanotherday.
Thetidehadchanged,andhewouldn’tmakethesamemistakestwice.Hewouldn’tstaysofirmlyrootedinhispracticesandroutinesthatagoodthingwouldcomealongandslipaway.
Asheslidoffthegoldbandandtuckeditintoasafeplaceinhissockdrawer,hesaidgood-byeandapologizedafinaltime.
Thenheturnedoffthelight.
ChapterFourteen
Decidingtomakeoverthebarandactuallydoingitweretwoverydifferentthings.

Thesistersquicklydecidedtherewasnowaytosalvagethefloorinthebar.Butthankstoanabundanceoffoot-sizedholes
inthehardwood,theycouldseetheconcretebeneath,andthus,theirindustrial-meets-nautical-chicvisionwasborn.

Rippingupfloorboardswaseasiersaidthandone.Itwasfilthy,sweaty,nastywork,especiallybecauseneitheroneofthem
couldmanagetopryopenthewindows,addingstagnantairintothemix.Theyweremakingprogress,though,andbynoonon
Saturday,they’dmanagedtofillanentireindustrial-sizedgarbagebagwithNoName’sformerflooring.

Pipertieduptheendofthebagwithaflourish,tryingdesperatelynottoshedtearsovertheabysmalstateofhermanicure,
anddraggedittowardthecurb.Orshetriedtodragit,anyway.Thedamnthingwouldn’tbudge.“Hey,Hanns,helpmegetthis
thingoutside.”

Hersisterdroppedthecrowbarshe’dboughtthatmorningatthehardwarestore,shoulderedupbesidePiper,andtookhold.“One,two,three.”

Nothing.
Pipersteppedback,swipingherwristacrossherforeheadwithagrimace.“Ididn’tstoptothinkaboutthepartwherewe
actuallyhadtomoveit.”

“Meeither,butwhatever.Wecanjustdisperseitamongafewbagsthatwon’tbesohardtocarry.”
AwhimperbubbledoutofPiper’slips.“Howdidthishappen?HowamIspendingmySaturdaydividingupgarbage?”
“Recklessbehavior.Anightinjail…”
“Rude.”Pipersniffed.
“YouknowIloveyou.”Hannahpeeledoffhergloves.“Wanttobreakforlunch?”
“Yes.”Theytooktwostepsandslumpedontoside-by-sidestools.Asexhaustinganddifficultasthisbarmakeoverwasshapingup
tobe,withalittledistance,theamountofworkthey’ddoneinjustafewhourswaskindof…satisfying.“Iwonder
ifwecouldpaintthefloor.Likeareallydeepoceanblue.Dotheymakepaintforfloors?”

“Don’taskme.I’mjusttheDJ.”
NowthattheideawasinPiper’shead,shewasinterestedingettingtheanswers.“MaybeI’llgowithyoutothehardware
storenexttime.Sniffaround.”

Hannahsmiledbutdidn’tlookover.“Okay.”
Aminuteofsilencepassed.“DidItellyouIcrashedamemorialpartyforBrendan’swifelastnight?Walkedinwithatray
ofshotslikeitwasspringbreakinMiami.”

Hersisterturnedherheadslowly.“Areyoushittingme?”
“Nope.”Shepulledanimaginaryconductor’swire.“ThePipertrainrollson.”
ToHannah’scredit,ittookherafullfifteensecondstostartlaughing.“OhmyGod,I’mnotlaughingat…Imean,it’s
asadthing,thememorial.But,oh,Piper.Just,ohmyGod.”

“Yeah.”Shesmackedsomedustoffheryogapants.“Doyouthinkmylipstickpurseisugly?”
“Uhhh…”
HannahwassavedfromhavingtoanswerwhenthefrontdoorofNoNameopened.InwalkedBrendanwithatrayofcoffeesin
hishand,awhite,rolled-upbakerybagintheother.Therewassomethingdifferentabouthimthismorning,butPipercouldn’t
figureitout.Notrightaway.Hewaswearinghissignaturesweatshirt,beanie,andjeanstrifectaasusual,lookingworn
inandearthyandincharge,carryinginwithhimthescentoftheoceanandcoffeeandsugar.Hissilver-greeneyesfound
Piper’sandheldlongenoughtocauseadisturbingflutterinherbelly,beforehescannedtheroomandtheirprogress.

“Hey,”hesaid,inthatraspybaritone.
“Heyback,”Pipermurmured.
Piper,Idon’tjustgoputtingmyarmsaroundgirls.
She’dlainawakehalfthenightdissectingthatstatement.Pullingitapartandcomingatitfromdifferentangles,allofwhichhadledtoroughlythesameconclusion.Brendandidn’tputhisarmsaroundgirls,soitmeantsomethingthathe’dputthemaroundher.Probablyjustthathewantedtohavesexwithher,right?Andshewas…interestedinthat,itseemed,basedonhowhernippleshadturnedtopainfullittlepointsthesecondheduckedintoNoNamewithhisbiggladiatorthighsandthickblackbeard.Ohyeah.Shewasinterested,allright.Butnotintheusualwayshewasinterestedinmen.
BecauseBrendancamewithawholerollofcautiontapearoundhim.
Hewasn’tacasual-hookupguy.Sowhatdidthatmakehim?Whatelseevenwasthere?Apartfromherstepfather,she’dcomeacrossveryfewserious-relationshiptypes.Washeoneofthem?Whatdidhe
wantwithher?

Therewasagoodchanceshewasreadinghimwrong,too.Thiscouldverywelljustbeafriendship,andsinceshe’dneverhad
agenuinefriendshipwithaman,platonicintentionsmightbeunrecognizabletoher.Thiswasasmalltown.Peoplewerekind.
Theytippedhats.

She’dprobablybeeninLAtoolong,andithadturnedhercynical.He’djustputhisarmsaroundherlastnighttobedecent.
Relax,Piper
“Isthatcoffeeforus?”Hannahaskedhopefully.
“Yeah.”Hecrossedthescantdistanceandsetthetraydownonthebarrelinfrontofthesisters.“There’ssomesugarand
whatnotinthebag.”Hetossedthewhitesackdown,rubbedatthebackofhisneck.“Didn’tknowhowyoutookit.”

“Ourhero,”Pipersaid,openingthebagandgivingadreamysighatthedonutsinside.Butfirst,caffeine.Shepluckedout
aSplendaandoneofthenon-dairycreamers,doctoringthecoffee.WhensheglancedupatBrendan,hewasfollowingheractions
closely,alinebetweenhisbrows.Memorizinghowshetookhercoffee?No
Sheswallowedhard.
“Thankyou.Thiswasreallythoughtful.”
“Yes,thankyou,”Hannahchimedinaftertakingasipofhers,black,thenrifflingthroughthewhitebagforadonut.“It’snotevenmadeoutofcauliflower.Wereallyaren’tinLAanymore,Pipes.”
“Cauliflower?JesusChrist.”Brendanpulledhisowncoffeeoutofthetray—andthat’swhenPiperrealizedwhatwasactually
differentabouthimthismorning.

He’dtakenoffhisweddingring.
Aftersevenyears.
Piper’sgazetraveledtoBrendan’s.Heknewshe’dseen.Andtherewassomesilentcommunicationhappeningbetweenthem,but
shedidn’tunderstandthelanguage.Hadneverspokenitorbeenaroundamanwhocouldconveysomuchwithoutsayingasingle
word.Shecouldn’ttranslatewhatpassedbetweenthem,ormaybeshejustwasn’treadytodecipherhismeaning.

Adropofsweatsliddownherspine,andshecouldsuddenlyhearherownshallowbreaths.Noonehadeverlookedherinthe
eyethislong.Itwaslikehecouldreadhermind,kneweverythingabouther,andlikeditall.Wantedsomeofitforhimself.

Andthensheknew,bythedeterminedsetofhisjawandhisconfidentenergy,thatBrendanTaggartdidnotthinkofheras
afriend.

“Thisdonutisincredible,”Hannahsaid,herwordsmuffledbythedoughinhermouth.“There’scaramelinthisglaze.Pipes,
youhavetotry—”Shecutherselfoff,hergazebouncingbackandforthbetweenPiperandBrendan.“What’shappeninghere?”

“N-nothing,”Pipersaidinahigh-pitchedvoice.“Idon’tknow.Um.Brendan,doyouknowifit’s,like,possibletopaint
concrete?”

Herflusteredstateseemedtoamusehim.“Itis.”
“Ohgood,good,good.”Exasperatedwithherownawkwardness,shehoppedoffthestool.Thensheknockedintoanotheronein
anattempttogiveBrendanawideberth.“We’vedecidedtogowithanindustrial-meets-nauticaltheme.Kindofachicwarehouse
vibe,butwithlike,fisherman-ystuff.”

“Fisherman-ystuff,”herepeated,sippinghiscoffee.“Likewhat?”
“Well,we’regoingwithdarkercolors,blacksandsteelsandgraysandreds,butwe’regoingtodistresseverythingalittle.
Mostoftheboatsintheharborhavethosemuted,weatheredtones,right?ThenIwaskindofthinkingwecouldintegratenew
andoldbyhangingnetsfromtheceiling,butIcouldspray-paintthemgoldorblack,soit’scohesive.I’mjustrattling
allofthisoff,though.Itmightbe…”Herhandsflutteredatherwaist.“Like,Imighthavetorethinkeverything…”

Brendan’sexpressionhadgonefromamusedtothoughtful.Ormaybe…disapproving?Shecouldn’ttell.Itseemedlikeweeks
hadpassedsincethefirstnightshe’dwalkedthroughthedoorsandhe’dmadeitclearNoNamebelongedtothelocals.So
heprobablyhatedherideasandthefactthatshewantedtochangeanythinginthefirstplace.

“Right,”hesaid,rollingthewordaroundhismouth.“Well,ifyouwantnautical,you’renotgoingtooverpayforanythinginthetouristshopsupattheharbor.There’safishingsupplystoreinAberdeenwheretheythrowinnettingforfreewithmostpurchasesandeverythingdoesn’thaveagoddamnstarfishgluedontoit.”Hislipstwistedaroundasipofcoffee.“Ican’thelpyouwithgoldspraypaint.”
“Oh.”Piperletoutabreathshewasn’tawareshe’dbeenholding.“Thanks.We’reonabudget,especiallyafterourlittle
triptothewinery,sothat’shelpful.”

Hegruntedandwalkedpasther,steppingoverthegapinthefloorboards.Itseemedlikehewasheadingtowardthebackstaircase,
soPiperfrownedwhenhecontinuedpastthat,stoppinginfrontofyetanotherpieceofplywoodthathadbeennailedover
holesinthewall.Only,whenherippedoffthewoodwithonehandandtosseditaway,therewasadoorbehinditinstead.

Piper’smouthfellopen.“Wheredoesthatlead?”
Brendansetdownhiscoffeeontheclosestsurface,thentriedtherustedknob.Itturned,butthedoordidn’topen.Notuntil
heputhisbigshoulderagainstitandshoved…

AndPipersawthesky.
Afallentreeand,ofcourse,morespiderwebs,buttherewassky.“Anoutdoorspace?”
Hannahhoppedup,mouthagape.“Noway.Likeapatio?”
Brendannodded.“Boardeditupduringastormafewyearsago.Wasn’tgettingmuchuseanyway,withalltherain.”Hebraced
ahandonthedoorjamb.“Youwantthisclearedout.”

Thesistersnoddedalong.“Yeah.Howdowedothat?”
Hedidn’tanswer.“Oncethetreeisgone,you’llseethepatioisadecentsize.Darkgraypavers,soIguessthat’sinkeeping
with…Whatisit,yourtheme?There’sastonehearthbackinthecorner.”Hejerkedhischin.“Youwanttoputupapergola,
getawaterproofcover.Evenindampweather,you’llbeabletouseitwithafiregoing.”

Whathewasdescribingsoundedcozyandrusticandwayoutsidetheircapabilities.

Piperlaughedunderherbreath.“Imean,thatsoundsamazing,but…”
“We’renotleavingforcrabseasonuntilnextSaturday.I’llworkonit.”Heturnedandstrodefortheexit,pausingbeside
theimpossible-to-lifttrashbag.“Youwantthisonthecurb?”

“Yes,please,”Piperresponded.
Withseeminglyzeroeffort,hetosseditoverhisrightshoulderandwalkedout,takingthesmellofsaltwaterandunapologetic
malenesswithhim.PiperandHannahstaredatthedoorforseverallongminutes,thewindcominginfromthepatiocooling
theirsweatynecks.“Ithinkthatwasit,”Hannahfinallysaidonalaugh
Brendandidcomeback…thenextday,withFox,Sanders,andamannamedDekeintow.Thefourofthemhauledthetreeoutthrough
thefrontofthebar,andwithanindecipherablelookinPiper’sdirection,Brendanpromptlyleftagain.

BrightandearlyonMondaymorning,hewasback.Juststrolledinlikenotamomenthadpassedsincehislastdramaticexit,
thistimewithatoolbox.

PiperandHannah,whowereintheprocessofpryingsheetrockofftheperfectlygoodbrickwall,glancedthroughthefront
doortoseeapickuptruckloadedwithlumber.Onetripatatime,Brendanbroughtthewoodthroughthebartothebackpatio,
alongwithatablesaw,whilePiperandHannahobservedhimwiththeirheadsonaswivel,asifwatchingatennismatch.

“Wait,Ithink…”Hannahwhispered.“Ithinkhe’sbuildingyouthatfreakingpergola.”
“Youmeanus?”Piperwhisperedback.

“No.Imeanyou.”

“That’scrazy.Ifhelikedme,whywouldn’thejustaskmeout?”
Theytradedamystifiedlook.
Hannahsuckedinabreath.“Doyouthinkhe’s,like,courtingyou?”
Piperlaughed.“What?No.”Shehadtopressahandtoherabdomentokeepaweird,gooeysensationatbay.“Okay,butifheis,whatifit’sworking?”

“Isit?”
“Idon’tknow.Noone’severbuiltmeanything!”TheyhoppedbackasBrendanstompedthroughthebaragain,longwoodenboards
balancedonhiswideshoulder.Whenhesetthelumberdown,hegrabbedtherearneckofhissweatshirtandstrippeditoff,
bringingtheT-shirtunderneathalongwithit,andsweetmotherofGod,Piperonlycaughtahintofadeepgrooveoverhis
hipandasliceofpackedstomachmusclesbeforetheshirtfellbackintoplace,butitwasenoughtomakeherclenchwhere
itcounted.“Ohyeah,”Pipersaidthroatily.“It’sworking.”Shesighed.“Shit.”

“Why‘shit’?”Hannahgaveheraknowingsmirk.“BecauseMommadethatominouswarningaboutfishermen?”Shemadeaspooky
woo-woosound.“It’snotlikeyou’dletitgetserious.You’dkeepitcasual.”

Yes.Shewould.
ButwouldBrendan?
BuildsaPergolaGuydidn’tseemlikethecasualtype.Andhislackofaweddingringwasalmostmoreapresencethantheactualringhadbeen.Everytimetheireyesmet,ahotshiverroareddownherspine,becausetherewasapromisethere,butalso…patience.Maturity.
Hadsheeverdatedarealmanbefore?Orhadtheyallbeenboys?
***
ItwasWednesdayafternoonduringtheirlunchbreak.Brendan,Deke,Fox,andSandersatesandwichesfrompaperwrappers,while
HannahandPipermostlylistenedtothecrewpitchtheoriesabouttheirupcomingcrabbinghaul—andthat’swhenithitPiper.

Shepulledoutherphonejusttobesure,blowingsawdustoffthescreen.
Anddecidedtheoversightcouldn’tstandforanothermoment.
“Brendan,”shecalled,duringabreakinthecrabconversation.“Youstillhaven’tpostedyourfirstpictureonInstagram.”
Hissandwichpausedhalfwaytohismouth.“That’snotrequired,isit?”
Foxgaveheranexaggeratednodbehindthecaptain’sback,urginghertolie.“It’stotallyrequired.They’lldeleteyour
accountotherwise.”Shestudiedherphone,pretendingtoscroll.“I’mshockedtheyhaven’talready.”

“Can’tlookatpicturesifyouraccountisgone,boss,”Dekesaid,sononchalantlyPipercouldonlyimaginehowaccustomed
theseguysweretoprankingeachother.“Justsaying.”

BrendanflickedalookatPiper.Ifshewasn’tmistaken,beingcalledoutforstalkingherInstagramaccounthadturnedtheverytipsofhisearsalittlered.“Icanputupapictureofanything,right?Eventhissandwich?”
Howfarcouldtheytakethiswithouthimcallingbullshit?Alreadyitwasanunspokengame.Getthecaptaintopostapicture
ontheinternetbyanymeansnecessary.“Hastobeyourfacethefirsttime,”Hannahchimedin,scrubbingatthehairbeneath
herbaseballcap.“Youknow,facialrecognitiontechnology.”

“Yup.”SanderspointedhissandwichatHannah.“Whatshesaid.”
“Thelightisperfectrightnow.”PiperstoodandcrossedthefloorofNoNametowardBrendan,wigglingherphoneintheair.
“Comeon,Icanposeyou.”

“Poseme?”Hetuggedonhisbeanie.“Uh-uh.”

“Justgivein.Wealldoit,man,”Sanderssaid.“YouknowthoseengagementphotosItooklastyear?Twohoursofposing.
Onagoddamnhorse.”

“See?Youonlyhavetoposewithasawhorse.”PiperputahandonBrendan’smelon-sizedbicepandsqueezed,loosinganunmistakableflutterinherbelly.“It’ll
befun.”

“Maybewedon’thavethesameideaoffun,”hesaiddubiously.
“No?”Awareshewasplayingwithfirebutunabletostopherself,Piperleaneddownandmurmuredinhisear,“Icanthink
ofafewfunthingswe’dbothenjoy.”

Brendanswallowed.Aveinticcedinhistemple.“Onepicture.”
“Fabulous.”
PiperpulledBrendantohisfeet,tuggingthereluctantgiantoutside,hisbootscrunchingthroughtheconstructiondebris.ArapidshufflingofbarrelstoldherHannahandthecrewwerefollowingthemtothepatio,eagertocatchthisrare,sparklingmomentintime.
“EveryoneisgoingtorememberwheretheywerewhenBrendantookhisfirstpictureforthegram,”Dekesaidwithmockgravity.
“Firstandlast,”correctedthecaptain.
“Whoknows,youmightformahabit,”Pipersaid,comingupbesideBrendanwherehestoodbehindthesawhorse.“Okay,soshirt
on?Oroff?”

Brendanlookedatherlikeshewasinsane.“On.”
Piperwrinkledhernoseathim.“Fine,butcanIjust…”ShepinchedthesleeveofhissweatyredT-shirtbetweenher
fingersandtuggeditup,revealingthedeepcutofhistriceps.“Ooh.That’llwork.”

Hegrunted,seemingannoyedathimselfforbeingflattered.
Buthedefinitelyflexedthattricepalittle.

Piperhidhersmileandmovedtostandashortdistanceaway,phoneatthereadyinportraitmode.“Okay,lefthandonthe
sawhorse,pickupthedrillinyourright.”

“Bigtools!”Hannahcalled.“Yay,symbolism.”
“Thisisridiculous.”Helookedaround.“It’sobviousI’mnotdrillinganything.”
“Distractthemwithyoursmile,”Hannahsaid,inbetweenlongsipsofherfountainsoda.“Showthemthosepearlywhites.”
“Whoisthem?”Brendanwantedtoknow.“Piperistheonlyonefollowingme.”

Everyoneignoredthat.
“PostsomecontentandI’llconsiderit.”Sanderssniffed.
“Smilelikewe’rehaulinginahundredcrabsperpot,”Foxsuggested.
“Wehavedonethat.Doyouremembermesmilingthen?”

“That’savalidpoint,”saidDeke.“MaybeCap’sjustgotrestingassholeface.”
Finally,PipertookpityonBrendanandapproachedthesawhorse.“Iforgottotellyousomething.It’skindofasecret.”
Shecrookedherfingerattheman,gratifiedwhenheleaneddownasifcompelled.Hissweatywarmthcoastedoverher,and
shewentuponhertoes,eagertogetcloser.Maybeevenrequiringtheaddedproximity.“I’vebeenorderingyoursuggested
dishesoffthetakeoutmenus,andyouwereright.They’rethebestones.”

Shecaughthissmileupclosewiththetapofthescreen.
“Lookatthat,”shewhispered,turningthephoneinhisdirection.“You’reanatural.”
Thecornerofhislipstugged,takinghisbeardalongwithit.“Areyougoingtotaptheheartonit?”
“Mmm-hmm.”Oh,shewasopenlyflirtingwiththecaptainnow.Didthatmeanthethirdwallwasbackup?Orwassheinsome
undiscoveredflirtingterritorythatlayontheothersideoftherubble?“I’dtapittwiceifIcould.”

Hemadeasoundinhisthroat,leanedinalittlecloser.“Iknowtheydon’trequireapicturetokeepyouraccountactive.
Thiswasaboutmakingyousmile,notme.”Hisgazefelltohermouth,takingitstimefindinghereyesagain.“Wellworth
it.”Withthat,hesetdownthedrillandpinnedhiscrewwithalook.“Backtowork.”

AllPipercoulddowasstareatthespothe’djustvacated.
Goosebumps.He’dgivenhergoosebumps.
***
Throughoutthecourseoftheweek,asBrendanconstructedthepergolaoverthebackpatio,itwasimpossibleforPipernot
tofeelagrowingsenseof…importance.Therewasawarmthinhermiddleworkingitswayoutwardwitheverywhirrof
thesaw,everyswingofhishammer.She’dthoughtnothingcouldmakeherfeel
So.Thatwasterrifying.
Butitwasn’tjustBrendan’sworkmakingherfeelpositive,itwasherownpersistence.PiperandHannahcamedownthestairs
everymorningandgotstarted,haulingdebris,hammeringupthesaggingcrownmolding,sandingthewindowframesandgiving
themfreshcoatsofpaint,andorganizingthestoragespacesbehindthebar
OnThursday,inthelateafternoon,thesoundsofconstructionceasedonthebackpatio,thehammerandsawfallingsilent.
HannahhadgonetospendtheafternoonwithOpal,soitwasonlyPiperandBrendaninNoName.Shewassandingdownsomeshelves
behindthebarwhenhisbootsscuffedoverthethreshold,theskinofherneckheatingunderhisregard.

“It’sfinished,”Brendansaidinthatlowtimbre.“Youwanttocomelook?”
Piper’snervesjangled,butshesetdownhersandpaperandstood.Hewatchedherapproach,hisheightandbreadthfillingthedoorway,hisgazeonlydippingtothenecklineofhertanktopbriefly.Butitwasenoughforhispupilstoexpand,hisjawtotighten.
Shewasadustymess.Hadbeenforthelastsixdays.Andithadn’tseemedtomatteratall.Indirtyjoggingpantsorsequins,
shewasstillpergolaworthy.Hadhebustedhishumpsimplybecausehelikedherandnotjusthowshelooked?Thepossibilitythathe’dshownuptoseeher,helpher,withoutanythinginreturn,madeher
comfortableinherownskin—ironically,withoutanyofherusualbeautifyingtrappings.

Atthelastsecond,hemovedsoshecouldslidethroughthedoorway,andittookallofherself-controlnottorunherhands
upMuscleMountain.Orleaninandtakeaheartydragofreal,actualmaleexertion.God,witheverypassingday,shewas
growinglessandlessenamoredofthegroomedandcoiffedmenofheracquaintance.She’dliketoseethemtrytooperateatablesaw.

Pipersteppedoutsideandlookedup,startledpleasureleavinghermouthintheformofahaltinglaugh.“What?You…
Brendan,youjustbuiltthis?”Facetippedback,sheturnedinaslowcircle.“Thisisbeautiful.Amazing.ThispatiowasajungleonSunday.Now
lookatit.”Sheclutchedherhandstogetherbetweenherbreasts.“Thankyou.”

Brendancleanedthedirtoffhishandswitharag,buthewatchedhersteadilyfrombeneaththedarkbandofhisbeanie.“Glad
youlikeit.”

“No.Iloveit.”

Hegrunted.“Youready?”
“Readyforwhat?”
“Formetoaskyoutodinneryet.”
Herpulsetrippedalloveritself.Gotup.Trippedagain.“Didyouthinkyouneededtobuildapergolatoconvinceme?”
“No.I,uh…”Hetosseddowntherag,shovedhishandsintohispockets.“IneededsomethingtokeepmebusywhileIworked
upthenervetoask.”

Oh.
Ohno.Thatworrisomelittleflurryinherbellywentwild,flyinginadozendirectionsandcareeningintoimportantinsideparts.
Sheneededtodosomethingaboutthisbefore…what?Shedidn’tknowwhathappenedwithseriousmen.Menwhocourtedheranddidn’tjustgoputtingtheirarmsaroundwomenallwilly-nilly.“Wow.I—Idon’t
knowwhattosay.Except…Iwillabsolutelyhavedinnerwithyou,Brendan.I’dloveto.”

Heavertedhisgaze,noddedfirmly,asmileteasingonecornerofhismouth.“Allright.”
“But…”Sheswallowedhardwhenthoseintensegreeneyeszippedbackinherdirection.“Well.Ilikeyou,Brendan.But
Ijustwanttobeupfrontandsay,youknow…thatI’mgoingbacktoLA.Partofthereasonwe’refixingupthebaris
toimpressDaniel,ourstepfather.We’rehopingthedisplayofingenuitywillbeatickethomeearly.”Shesmiled.“Sowe
bothknowthisdinneriscasual.Friendly,even.Right?Webothknowthat.”Shelaughednervously,tuckingsomehairinto
herponytail.“I’mjuststatingtheobvious.”

Hischeekticced.“Sure.”
Piperpursedherlips.“So…we’reagreeingonthat.”
Abeatpassedasheconsideredher.“Look,webothknowIliketoputthingsintoneatlittleboxes,butI…haven’tbeen
abletodothatwithyou.Let’sjustseewhathappens.”

Panictickledherthroat.“But…”
Hejustwentalongpackinguphistools.“I’llpickyouuptomorrownight.Seven.”
Withoutwaitingforaresponse,heturnedandwalkedintothebar,towardtheexit.
Shetookamomenttointernallysputter,thentrottedalongafterhim.“But,Brendan—”
Onesecondhewasholdingthetoolbox,thenextitwasonthegroundandhewasturning.Piper’smomentumbroughtherupagainst
Brendan’sbody,hard,andhisboatcaptainforearmwrappedaroundherlowerback,liftingherjustenoughthathertoesbrushedtheconcrete.
Andthenhebowedherbackwardonthatsteelarm,stampinghismouthdownontohersinanepickiss.Itwaslikeamovieposter,
withthemaleleadcurlinghisbig,hunkybodyovertheswooning,feminineladyandtakinghisfill.

What?
Whatwasshethinking?Herbrainwasclearlycompromised—anditwasnowonder.Themouththatfoundherswastenderandhungry,
allatonce.Worshipful,butrestraininganappetitelikeshe’dneverencountered.Assoonastheirlipsconnectedandheld,
herfingerscurledintotheneckofhisT-shirt,andthatarmatthesmallofherbackleveredherupright,flatteningthe
frontsoftheirbodies,andohGod,hejustdevouredher.Hislipspushedherswide,hisworkingman’sfingersplowedinto
herhair,andhistonguesnuckindeep,invadingandsettingoffflaresinhererogenouszones.

Andhemoaned.
Thishuge,grittybadassofamanmoanedlikehe’dnevertastedanythingsogoodinallhislifeandheneededtogetmore.Hebroughtthemupforasimultaneousgaspofair,thenhewentrightbacktowork,histonguestrokingoverhersrelentlesslyuntilshewasusinghergriponhiscollartoclimbhim,hermouthjustaseager,justasneedy.
OhGod,ohGod,ohGod.
Theyweregoingtohavesex,rightthenandthere.Thatwastheonlyplaceakisslikethiscouldlead.Withhimmoaningfor
anentirelydifferentreason,thosesturdyhipsofhisholdingherthighsaparttotakehisthrusts.Howhadtheybeenorbiting
eachotherforoveraweekwithoutthishappening?Witheveryslantofhishardmouth,shewaslosinghermind—

ThedoortoNoNameopened,lettinginthedistantsoundsoftheharbor.
“Oh!I’msorry…”Hannahsaidsheepishly.“Um,I’lljust…”
Brendanhadbrokenthekiss,hisbreathingharsh,eyesglittering.HestaredathermouthforafewlongmomentswhilePiper’s
brainstruggledtoplaycatch-up,hishandeventuallydroppingawayfromherhair.No,shealmostwhined.Comeback.“Tomorrownight,”herasped.“Seven.”

HekepthiseyesonPiperuntilthelastpossiblesecondbeforedisappearingoutthedoor.Atwhichpoint,shestaggeredbehind
thebaranduncappedabeerfromthecooler.ThankGodthey’dhadtheforesighttofillitwithice.Piperdrankdeeply,trying
togetherlibidobackincheck,butitwasnodice.Theseamofherpantieswasdamp,hernipplesstiffandachy,herfingers
itchingtobetwistedonceagaininBrendan’sshirt.

“I’mgoingtoneedyourhelp,Hanns,”shesaidfinally.“Like,alotofit.”
Hersisterstaredback,wide-eyed,neverhavingseenPiperknockedsidewaysbyaman.“Helpwithwhat?”
“RememberingthatwhateverhappenswithBrendan…it’stemporary.”
“Willdo,sis.”Hannahcamearoundthebar,openedherownbeer,andstoodshouldertoshoulderwithPiper.“Jesus.I’venever
seenyouthisworkedup.Whoknewyourkinkwasoutdoorlivingspaces?”

Piper’ssnortturnedintoafull-fledgedlaugh.“Wehaveadateinapproximatelytwenty-fourhours.Youknowwhatthatmeans?”
“Youhavetostartgettingreadynow?”
“Yup.”
Hannahlaughed.“Go.I’llcleanuphere.”
Piperkissedhersister’stempleandjoggedupthebackstairs,goingstraighttohercloset.Shepressedthemouthofthe
beerbottletoherlipsandperusedherchoices,wonderingwhichdresssaidI’mnotthesettling-downtype
Becauseshewasn’t.
EspeciallynotinWestport.ShejustneededtoremindBrendanofthat.
Withafirmnod,shechosetheemerald-greenAlexanderWangfit-and-flarevelvetminidress.Ifshewasjustheretohavefun,
she’dhavethemostfun.Andtrytoforgethowinvolvedherhearthadbeeninthatkiss.
ChapterFifteen
Brendanadjustedthesilverwareonhisdiningroomtable,tryingtorememberthelasttimehe’dhadreasontousemorethan
oneset.IfFoxorsomeofthecrewcameover,theyatewiththeirhandsorplasticforks.Piperwouldbeusedtobetter,
butthatcouldn’tbehelped.Insteadofdippinghistoebackintodatingafteraseven-yearhiatusfromallthingsfemale,
he’dplungedrightintothedeependwithawomanwhomightbeimpossibletoimpress.

Sure,hewasintimidatedbythelevelofluxuryPiperwasusedto,buthecouldn’tletmakinganeffortscarehim.
Tryingwastheleasthecoulddo,because…PiperBellingergottohim.
He’dsoakedupeverysecondwatchingherworkinNoNameallweek—andhe’dcometofindthehigh-maintenance-socialiteaspect
ofherpersonality…well,adorable.Sheownedit.Wasn’tapologeticabouthatingmanuallabororherloveofoverpriced
shoesandselfies.Andfuck,everytimeshecringedaboutthedirtunderherfingernails,hewantedtolayheronasilkpillow
anddoalltheworkforher,soshewouldn’thaveto.Hewantedtodothespoiling.Badly.

Itwasobviousthatshehatedconstruction,yetsheshowedupeverydaywithabravesmileandgotitdone.Furthermore,shemadetimeintheafternoonstobringHannahtoseeOpal,andhewitnessedhergrowingcomfort,dayinanddayout,withthefactthatshehadagrandparent.Noticedthewayshe’dbegunweavingOpalintoconversationswithoutsoundingstiltedorawkward.Shewastryingnewthingsandsucceeding.
Ifshecoulddoit,socouldhe.
Brendanopenedthefridgeandcheckedthechampagneagain,hopingthehighpricemeantitwashalfwaydecent.He’dtasted
herunbelievablemouthyesterdayevening,andhispridedemandedonlythebestonhertongue.He’dhavetostretchbeyond
hisnormalcapabilitiesforthiswoman.Shewasn’tgoingtobehappywithbeerandburgersandaballgameatBlowtheMan
Down.Notalways.She’dmakehimworktokeephercontent,andhewantedthatchallenge.

Ithadn’tbeenlikethisthefirstandonlyothertimehe’ddatedawoman.There’dbeennourgencyoranticipationorraw
hungerthatneverletup.Therehadbeenacceptance,understanding.Allofitquiet.

Butthethumpofhisheartasheclimbedintohistruckwasnotquiet.
NoNamewaswithinwalkingdistance,butPiperwouldprobablybewearingsomeridiculousshoes,sohe’ddrivehertoandfromhishouse.Leavinghomeatthishourwasnotpartofhisusualroutine,andeveryonewhosawhistruckraisedtheireyebrows,wavinghesitantly.Theyknewhe’dbeleavingtomorrowmorningforcrabseasonandprobablywonderedwhyhewasn’theadingtobedearlywithtwoweeksoftreacherousseainhisfuture.
Therewasawomantoseetofirst.Thatwaswhy.
BrendanparkedatthecurboutsideofNoName.Hetriedthefrontentranceandfounditunlocked,sohewentinandclimbed
thestairstoherdoor.Itwasn’tthefirsttimehe’dseenherdressedtokillaman,soheshouldn’thavebeensurprised
whensheansweredwithaflirtysmileandsmellingexotic,likesmoke.Inadresssoshort,he’dseeeverythingifhewent
downtwosteps.

Healmostswallowedhisfuckingtongue.
“Heythere,sailor.”
“Piper.”Brendanexhaledhard,doingeverythinghecouldtopreventhisinstanthard-onfromgrowingunmanageable.Jesus,
thedatehadn’tevenstartedyet,andheneededtoadjusthimself.“Youknowwe’rejustgoingtomyhouse,right?”

“Mmm-hmm.”Shepoutedathim.“Youdon’tlikemydress?”
Andinthatmoment,Brendansawrightthroughher.Sawwhatshewasdoing.Makingtonightaboutsex.Tryingtokeepthings
casual.Categorizinghimasafriendwithbenefits.Withalessdeterminedman,shewouldhavesucceeded,too.Easily.She
wasparadiseonlegs,andprobablyalotofweak-willedbastardswouldn’tbeabletostopthemselvesfromtakinganythingshewaswillingtogive.

Butherememberedtheirkiss.Wouldlikelyrememberitfortherestofhislife.She’dhiddennothingwhiletheirmouthsweretouching.She’dbeenscared,surprised,turnedon,andscaredagain.Hecouldrelate.Andwhilehehadnoideaifhecouldofferthiswomanenoughtomakeherhappy,hewasn’tlettingPiperclassifyhimasacasualhookup.Becausewhatshemadehimfeelwasn’tcasual.Notonebit.
“YouknowIloveit,Piper.Youlookbeautiful.”
Hercheeksflushedatthecompliment.“Andyou’renotwearingyourbeanie.”Shereachedoutandranherfingersthroughhis
hair,hernailslightlygrazinghisscalp.“Ican’tbelieveyou’vebeenhidingallofthisfromme.”

Christ.Hewasindangerofswallowinghistongueagain.
Itwasn’tjustthathehadn’tbeentouchedbyawomaninsevenyears.Itwasthatthiswomanwastheonedoingthetouching.“There’sachillintheair.Doyouhaveajacketordoyouwanttoborrowmine?”

Hannahappearedbehindhersisterinthedoorway,headphonesloopedaroundherneck.ShedroppedablacksweateroverPiper’s
shouldersandsniffed.“Haveherhomeatareasonablehour,please.”

BrendanshookhisheadattheyoungeroneandofferedhishandtoPiper.“Notmuchchoice.WeleaveforAlaskainthemorning.”
Hannahhummedforasecond,singingasongunderherbreathaboutthebottomofthedeepbluesea,buthedidn’trecognize
it.Seeminglycaughtupinthewords,Hannahpattedhersisterontheshoulderandclosedthedoor.

SlidingherhandintoBrendan’s,Pipermadeanamusedsound.“She’sprobablyalreadymakingyouasailing-themedplaylist
forthetrip.Shecan’thelpherself.”

“Ifwe’renotsettingtrapsorpullingthemup,we’retryingtogetafewhoursofsleep.Notalotoftimeforlistening
tomusic.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Iwon’ttellherthat,though.”

Heopenedthefrontdoor,andPipersmiledathimasshepassedthrough.TherewereafewcustomerswaitingoutsidetheRedBuoyacrossthestreet.WhentheysawhimhelpingPiperintohistruck—andsureenough,shewaswearingthoseice-pickheelsagain—theyelbowedeachother,oneofthemevenrunninginsidetorelaythegossip.He’dbeenpreparedforareaction.Didn’tminditatall,especiallywithhimgoingoutoftownfortwoweeks.Rightorwrong,itwouldeasehismindifthetownknewshewasspokenfor.
EvenifPiperwasn’tawareofityet
TheydrovethethreeminutestoBrendan’shouse,andhepulledintothedriveway,comingaroundthefrontbumpertohelpher
out.Hedidn’thaveahopeinhellofkeepinghiseyesoffherlegswhensheturnedallladylikeintheseat,usinghisshoulders
forbalanceasshedescendedfromthepassengersideofhistruck.

“Thankyou,”shewhispered,runningafingerdownthecenterofhischest.“Suchagentleman.”
“That’sright.”Hetippedherchinup.“That’sexactlywhatI’mgoingtobe,Piper.”
Herbravadoslippedalittle.“Iguesswe’llseeaboutthat.”
“Iguesswewill.”
Shetookherchinoutofhishandandstruttedupthewalkway,whichwasjustplayingdirty.Theclingygreenmaterialof
herdressstretchedandshiftedoverherass,immediatelymakinghimquestionwhetherbeingagentlemanwasoverrated.

Yeah,hewantedtotakehertobedmorethanhecouldrememberwantinganything.Everymuscleinhisbodywasstrungtightatthesightofhergorgeouslegsinthedarknessoutsidehisfrontdoor.Buthecouldn’tshaketheintuitionthatgoingtoofastwithPiperwouldbeamistake.Maybesheevenwantedhimtogivein,justsoshecouldputhiminaboxlabeledFling.
Worstpartofitwas…maybehewasonlyflingmaterialforher.Tonight,shelookedmoresuitedtoglidingaroundaHollywoodmansionthaneatingahomemade
mealathisbachelorpad.Hemightbedelusionaltryingtoshoothisshot.IfshewasdeterminedtogobacktoLA,therewas
nowayhecouldstopher.Butsomethinginsidehim,someintuition,wouldn’tallowhimtogivePiperanythingbuthisbest
effort.

Brendanunlockedthedoor,flippedonthelights,andturnedtowatchherreaction.She’dbeabletoseemostofitatfirst
glance.Thedownstairswasanopenconcept,withthelivingroomontheright,kitchenanddiningroomontheleft.Itwasn’t
fullofknickknacksorclutteredwithpictures.Everythingwassimple,modern,butwhatfurniturehedidhavewashandmade
locallywithdriftwood—andhelikedthat.Likedthathishomewasarepresentationofwhatthepeopleofhistowncoulddo
withwoodfromtheocean.

“Oh.”Sheletoutarushofbreath,adimplepoppingupinhercheek.“Brendan…yousetthetablealready.”
“Yeah.”Rememberinghismanners,hewenttothekitchenandtookthebottleofchampagneoutofthefridge.Shecametostand
bythediningtable,seemingalittledumbfoundedasshewatchedhimpopthecorkandpour.“You’llhavetotellmeifthis
isanygood.Theyonlyhadtwokindsattheliquorstore,andtheotheronecameinacan.”

Shelaughed,setherpursedown,andremovedthesweaterinaslow,sensualmovementthatnearlycausedhiscomposuretofalter.
“Whydon’tyouhavesomewithme?”

“Idrinkbeer.Nochampagne.”
Piperedgedahipupontothetable,andhealmostoverflowedtheglass.“IbetI’llconvinceyoutohavesomebytheendofthenight.”
Jesus,sheprobablycouldconvincehimtodoalotofthingsifsheputhermindtoit,buthereckonedheshouldkeepthat
tohimself.Hehandedherthechampagneflutehe’dpurchasedthatveryafternoon,watchedhertakeasip,andthememoryof
theirkissrolledthroughhimhard.

“It’sfantastic,”shesaidwithasigh.
Reliefsettledinnexttoneed.Heignoredthelatter.Fornow.“Justgoingtoputthefishintheoven,thenIwanttoshow
yousomething.”

“Okay.”
Brendanopenedthefridgeandtookoutthefoil-coveredbakingdish.He’dalreadypreparedthesole,drizzleditwithlemon
juice,salt,andpepper.InWestport,youlearnedyounghowtomakeafishdinner,evenifyouneverhonedanotherskillin
thekitchen.Itwasnecessary,andhethankedGodforthatknowledgenow.Asheturnedontheovenandslidinthedish,he
decidedhiskitchenwouldforeverlookboringwithoutPiperstandinginit.Shewassomethingoutofanotherworld,posed
toseducewithherkillerbodyangledjustright,elbowonhip,wristlazilyswirlingherchampagne.

“Comeon.”Beforehecouldgiveintotemptationandliftherontothetable,forgetaboutdinneraltogether,hesnaggedherfreehand,guidingherthroughthelivingroomtowardthebackofthehouse.Heslappedonthelightleadingtohisbackpatioandopenedthedoor,gesturingforhertoprecedehim.“ThoughtI’dshowyouwhat’spossiblewiththeoutdoorspaceatthebar,ifyouwantedtoaddsomegreenery.”Itoccurredtohimthenthatmaybegardeningwasn’texactlyasexytraitforamantohave.“Ijustneededsomethingtodoonmydaysoff—”
Hergaspcuthimoff.“Wow.OhmyGod,Brendan.It’smagicalouthere.”Shewalkedthroughtheroughlycutstonepathway,
somehownottrippinginherheels.Theferns,whichhereallyneededtogetaroundtotrimming,grazedherhipsasshepassed.
Thetricklingsoundfromthestonewaterfeatureseemedtobecallingher,andshestoppedinfrontofit,trailingafinger
alongthesurface.Therewasasinglewrought-ironchairangledinthecornerwherehesatsometimeswithabeerafteralong
trip,tryingtogethisequilibriumback.“Iwouldn’thavepeggedyouforagardener,butnowIcanseeit.Youloveyour
roots.”Sheglancedbackathimoverhershoulder.“You’vegoteverythingcarvedoutjustthewayyoulikeit.”

DoI?
Hewouldhavethoughtsountilrecently.
Hisgoingthroughthemotions,doingthesamethingoverandoveragain,hadbecomeless…satisfying.Nodenyingit.
“Idolovethisplace,”hesaidslowly.“Westport.”
“You’dneverthinkofleaving.”Astatement,notaquestion.
“No,”heansweredanyway,resistingtheurgetoqualifythatdefinitenosomehow.

Sheleaneddowntosmelloneofthebloomsonhispurpleasterbush.“Whataboutavacation?Doyouevertakethem?”
Herubbedatthebackofhisneck.“WhenIwasakid,myparentsusedtobringmecampingonWhidbeyIsland.Theymoveddown
toEugene,Oregon,awhilebacktobeclosertomymother’sfamily.”

“Noleisuretripssincechildhood?Nothingatall?”
Brendanshookhishead,chucklingwhenPipergavehimascandalizedlook.“Peopletaketripstoseetheocean.Idon’tneed
togoanywhereforthat.She’srighthereinmybackyard.”

Pipercamecloser,amusementdancinginhereyes.“Mymotherwarnedmeallaboutyoukingcrabfishermenandyourloveaffairs
withthesea.Ithoughtshewasbeingdramatic,butyoureallycan’tresistthepullofthewater,canyou?”Shesearched
hisface.“You’reinaseriousrelationship.”

Somethingshiftedinhisstomach.“Whatdoyoumean,shewarnedyou?”
Hershoulderliftedanddropped.“Shelovesherhusband,Daniel.But…Ithinktherewassomeunprocessedgrieftalking.
BecauseofwhathappenedtoHenry.”Shestaredoffintothedistance,asiftryingtorecalltheconversation.“Shetoldme
andHannahthatfishermenalwayschoosethesea.Theygobackoverandoveragain,evenifitscarestheirlovedones.Based
onthat,I’mguessingshewantedHenrytoquitand…youknowtherest.”

Thiswasn’taconversationhe’dplannedon.Wouldheevergiveupthemoredangerousaspectsofhisjob?No.No,battling
thetides,thecurrent,thewaveswashislife’swork.Therewassaltwaterrunningthroughhisveins.Makingitclearthat
hewouldalwayschoosetheocean,nomatterwhat,puthimatadeficitwithPiperalready—andtheyhadn’teveneatenyet.

Butwhensheturnedherfaceuptothemoonlight,andhesawonlyhonestcuriositythere,hefeltcompelledtomakeherunderstand.
“Everyyear,Igetacoupleofgreenhornsontheboat.First-timecrabbers.Mostofthemareyoungkidstryingtomakesomequickcash,andtheynevermakeitlongerthanthefirstseason.Butonceinawhile,there’sone…Icanseeitfromthewheelhouse.Thebondhe’sformingwiththesea.AndIknowhe’llnevergetawayfromher.”
Shesmiled.“Likeyou.”
Avoicewhisperedinthebackofhishead,You’rescrewingyourself.Hewasanhonestman,though,oftentoafault.“Yeah.Likeme.”Hesearchedherhairline.“Thatbruiseonyourheadisfinally
gone.”

Shereachedupandrubbedthespot.“Itis.DidIeverthankyouproperlyforsendingAbetopadtheupperbunk?”
“Nothanksnecessary.”
Pipereliminatedtheremainingdistancebetweenthem,stoppingjustshyofhertitstouchinghischest.Shewassoft,graceful,
feminine.Somuchsmallerthanhim.Withherthisclose,hefeltlikeatamedgiant,holdinghisbreathandwaiting,waiting
toseewhatthebeautifulgirlwoulddonext.“Youcouldhavejustkisseditandmadeitallbetter.”

Hisexhalecameouthard,thankstoallthebloodinhisbodyrushingsouthtohiscock.“Youtoldmeyourflirtwasbroken
withme.Itdoesn’tseemlikethat’sthecasetonight.”

Herlipscurved.“MaybebecauseIcamedressedinbodyarmor.”
Brendantiltedhisheadandlethisgazesweepacrossherbareshoulders,legs,andbacktoherlow,tightneckline.“That
armorcouldn’tprotectyoufromanything.”

Somethingflickeredinhereyes.“Couldn’tit?”
Shesailedintothehouse,leavingherseductivescentinherwake.
Brendanhadalwaysthoughtbattlingtheoceanwouldforeverbehisbiggestchallenge.ButthatwasbeforehemetPiper.Maybehedidn’tknowthehoworthewhatofthisthingbetweenthemyet,buthisgutneverlied.He’dneverlostabattlewiththewaterwhenlisteningtohisinstincts,andhehopedlikehellthosesameinstinctswouldn’tfailhimnow.ChapterSixteen
PiperwatchedBrendantakeaseatontheoppositesideofthetableandfrowned.
Theboatcaptaindidn’tappeartobeeasilyseduced.Whenshe’dpickedthisdressout,shehadn’tevenexpectedthemtomake
itthroughthefrontdoor,butheretheywere,sittinginhischarminglymasculinediningroom,preparingtoeatfoodhemadehimself
Andhe’dboughtherchampagne.
Menhadboughtherjewelry,takenhertonicerestaurants—oneeagerbeaverhadevenboughtheraRollsforhertwenty-second
birthday.She’dmadenobonesaboutlikingnicethings.Butnoneofthosegiftshadevermadeherfeelasspecialasthis
homemademeal.

Shedidn’twanttofeelspecialaroundBrendan,though.Didshe?
SincearrivinginWestport,she’dhadmorefrankconversationswithBrendanthananyoneinherlife,saveHannah.Shewanted
toknowmoreabouthim,torevealmoreofherselfinreturn,andthatwasintenselyscary.

Becausewhatcouldcomeofthis?
ShewasonlyinWestportforthreemonths,almosttwoweeksdownalready.Tomorrowhe’dleavefortwoweeks.Thenbackinandouttosea,threedaysatatime.Thishadallthemakingsofatemporaryhookup.But
hisrefusaltoputalabelonthisthingbetweenthemleftthedoorofpossibilitiesswingingwideopen.

Sheactuallydidn’tevenknowhowtobemorethanatemporaryhookup.

Thatimpossible-to-ignorewhitetanlinearoundhisringfingerandthefactthatshewashisfirstdatesincetakingitoff?
Itwasoverwhelmingforsomeonewhoselongestrelationshiphadonlybeenthreeweeksandhadendedwithherconfidenceshot
fullofholes.Whateverheexpectedtohappenbetweenthem…shecouldn’tdeliveronthat.

Andmaybethatwastherealproblem.
Theburlyseacaptainwaitedinsilenceforhertotakethefirstbite,hiselbowsonthetable,totallyunpracticedatbeing
onadate.Amuscleticcedinhischeek,tellingherBrendanwasnervousaboutherreactiontohiscooking.Buteverythought
inherheadmusthavebeenshowingonherface,becauseheraisedaneyebrowather.Sherolledthetensionoutofhershoulders
anddugherforkintotheflakywhitefish,addingapotato,too,andpushingitbetweenherlips.Chewing.“Oh.Wow,this
isgreat.”

“Yeah?”
“Totally.”Shetookanotherbite,andhefinallystartedeatinghisownmeal.“Doyoucookforyourselfalot?”
“Yes.”Heatethewayhedideverythingelse.Nopussyfootingaround.Insertfork,putfoodinmouth,repeat.Nopausing.
“ExceptforMondaynights.”

“Oh,theRedBuoyisascheduledweeklyevent.Ishouldhaveknown.”Shelaughed.“Imakefunofyouforyourroutines,butthey’reprobablywhatmakeyouagoodcaptain.”
Hemadeasound.“Haven’tbeeninmyroutinesthisweek,haveI?”
“No.”Sheconsideredhim.Evenwarnedherselfagainstdelvingtoodeeplyintowhyhe’dchangedthingsup.Buthercuriosity
gotthebestofher.“Whyisthat?Imean,whatmadeyoudecideto”—takeoffyourring?—“rearrangeyourschedule?”

Brendanseemedtochoosehiswords.“I’llneverbeimpulsive.Consistencyequalssafetyonthewater,andIgotcomfortable
abidingbyrulesatalltimes.Itmakesmeworthytohavelivesinmyhands,youknow?Orthatwasmyreasoninginthebeginning,
anditjuststuck.Foralongtime.Butrecently,hereonland..
Piperswallowedhard.“Theshoedropped,butitwasapeep-toestiletto?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
“Icanharnessmychaosforgood.Imightneedyouasacharacterwitnessatafuturetrial.”Herwordsdidn’tquiteconveythe
levityshewashopingfor,mostlybecauseshesoundedbreathlessoverhisadmission.PiperBellingerhadhadapositiveeffect
onsomeone.He’dadmitteditoutloud.“Butit’snotjustmethatforcedthechange,”shesaid,andlaughed,desperateto
dullthethrobinherchest.“Therehadtobeotherfactors.”

Brendanstartedtosaysomethingandstopped.
Sincemeetingthisman,she’dsuspectedheneversaidanythingwithoutareason.Ifhewasholdingback,shecouldonlyimagine
howimportantitmustbe.Shefoundherselfsettingdownherfork,wantingtogivehimherundividedattention.“Whatisit?”

Heclearedhisthroat.“I’mpurchasingasecondboatfornextseason.It’sbeingbuiltnow.I’mgoingtocheckontheprogress
whileI’minDutchHarbor—that’stheportinAlaskawherewe’llwaitaweekaftersettingourtraps.”

“That’sexciting.”Herbrowwrinkled.“Howareyougoingtocaptaintwoships?”
“I’mnot.I’mgoingtoputFoxinthewheelhouseoftheDellaRay.”

Pipersmiledintoasipofchampagne.“Doesheknowyet?”
“No.Ican’tgivehimtimetotalkhimselfoutofit.”
“Wouldhe?Heseems…confident.”
“That’sanicewayofsayinghe’sacockyasshole.Andheis.Buthe’ssmarterthanhethinks.”Brendanpaused,lookingdown
withaknittedbrow.“MaybehandingovertheDellaRayisagoodwaytodistancemyselffromthepast.”

Piperstayedverystill.“Whydoyouwanttodistanceyourself?”
“Apartfromitbeingtime?Ithink…apartofmefeelsobligatedtoremaininthepastaslongasI’mcaptainingMick’s
boat.”Hescrubbedahanddownhisface,laughingwithouthumor.“Ican’tbelieveI’msayingitoutloudwhennormallyI’d
justburyit.MaybeIshouldburyit.”

“Don’t.”Hermouthwasdryoverthismanopeninguptoher.Lookingatheracrossthetablewithraremalevulnerability,asifhetrulyvaluedherresponse.“Youdon’thavetofeelguiltyaboutwantingsomespaceaftersevenyears,Brendan,”shesaidquietly.“That’salotmorethanmostpeoplewouldgive.Thefactthatyoufeelguiltyatalljustprovesyou’reaqualityhuman.Evenifyouwearabeanieatthedinnertable.”
Thegreenofhiseyeswarmed.“Thankyou.Fornotjudgingme.”
Sensinghisneedtomoveonfromthesubject,Piperlookedaroundthediningroom.“WhoamItojudgeanyone?Especiallysomeonewhohasacoolhousehisparentsdon’town.Twoboatsandalifeplan.It’sintimidating,actually.”

Hefrowned.“You’reintimidatedbyme?”

“Notsomuchyou.Morelikeyourworkethic.Idon’tevenknowifI’mpronouncingthatright.That’shownotoftenI’vesaid‘workethic’outloud.”Shefelttheneedtoeventheplayingfield,torewardhishonestywithsomeofher
own.Hisconfessionsmadeiteasytoconfessherownsins.“MyfriendKirbyandIstartedalipsticklinecalledPuckerUp,
maybethreeyearsback.Oncethelaunchpartywasoverandwerealizedhowmuchworkwehadtodo,wegaveawayourinventory
tofriendsandwenttoSaint-Tropez.Becauseweweretired.”

“Maybeitwasn’ttherightcareerpath.”
“Yeah,well.”Herlipstwitched.“Professionalnapperwasmyfallback,andInailedthat.That’spartiallywhyI’mhere.But
alsobecausemyfriendKirbyrattedmeouttothecops.”

“Shedidn’t,”hesaid,hisexpressiondarkening.
“Shedid!Fingeredmeastheringleaderfromtheshallowendofthepool.Appropriately.”Piperwavedahandaround.“It’s
fine,though.We’restillfriends.Ijustcan’ttrustherortellheranythingimportant.”

Heseemedtobeconcentratinghardonwhatshewassaying.“Doyouhavealotoffriendslikethat?”
“Yes.”Shedrewacircleonthesideofthechampagneflute.“It’smoreforimagethananything,Iguess.Influence.Being
seen.Butit’sweird,youknow.I’veonlybeenoutofLosAngelesfortwoweeks,andit’slikeIwasneverthere.Noneof
myfriendshavetextedormessagedme.They’reontobiggerandbetterthings.”Sheshookherhead.“Meanwhilepeoplestill
leaveflowersatHenry’smemorialaftertwenty-fouryears.So…howrealorsubstantialisanimageifeverythingitearns
someonecanallgoawayintwoweeks?”

“Youhaven’tgoneaway,though.You’resittingrightthere.”

“Iam.I’mhere.Atthistable.InWestport.”Sheswallowed.“Tryingtofigureoutwhattodowhennooneiswatching.And
wonderingifmaybethat’sthestuffthatactuallymatters.”Herlaughcameoutalittleunsteady.“Thatprobablysoundsamateurish
tosomeonewhowouldbuildafreakingboatandnottellasoulaboutit.”

“No,itdoesn’t.”Hewaiteduntilshemethiseyes.“Itsoundslikeyou’vebeenuprootedanddroppedsomewhereunfamiliar.
DoyouthinkI’dcopeaswellifIwasshippedoffsomeplacewhereIknewnoone,hadnotrade?”

Shegasped.“HowwouldyougetyourfishandchipsonMondaynights?”
Acornerofhislipsjumped.“You’redoingjustfine,honey.”
Itwasthegruffhoneythatdidit.Herlegssnucktogetherunderthetableandsqueezed,hertoesflexinginhershoes.ShewantedBrendan’shandsonher.Allover.Butshewasalsoscaredofgoingtohim,becauseonceagain,thesexysmokescreenshe’dbeenhidingbehindhaddissipated,leavingonlyher.Brendanwaslookingatherwithacombinationofheatandtenderness,andsheneededtoturnupthedialontheformer.
Thiswasallgoingtoofar,toofast,andshewasstartingtolikehimtoomuch.
Shemightbehavinganexistentialcrisis,butshestillwantedLosAngelesbackandalltheglitterytrappingsthatcame
withit.Didn’tshe?Sure,afterweekswithnocontactfromherfriends,thecallofLAhadquietedslightly.She’dactually
startedtoenjoynotcheckinghernotificationseverytenseconds.Butfamewaxingandwaningwaspartofthedeal,right?
Thatrushofrecognitionandadorationshe’dstoppedcravingoflatewouldcomeback.Italwaysdid.Therewasnootheroption
butgoinghome,andifanything,hertimeinWestportwouldmakeherappreciateherprivilegethistimearound.Wasn’tthat
thelessonshe’dbeensenttolearn?

Yes.
Bottomline,she’dspenttwenty-eightyearsbuildingthisimageandcouldn’tjuststartoverfromscratch.
CouldshehaveBrendantonightandstillkeephereyeonthatreality?
Ofcourseshecould.
Ignoringthenotchinherthroat,Piperpushedbackfromthetableandstood,champagneinhand.Sheroundedthepieceof
furnitureslowly,gratifiedwhenhisthroatworkedinaheavyswallow.Hiseyesandchinwerestubborn,though.

Well,ifhewasgoingtobeobstinate,she’dhavetoplaytowin.
PiperslippedbetweenBrendanandthetable,scootingitbackalittlesoshecouldstandcomfortablyintheVofhisthighs.Hiseyeswereallbutblackwithhunger,lightingonhercleavage,herthighsandhips,hermouth.Assoonassherakedthefingersofherfreehandintohishair,thatbigcheststartedtoheave,hiseyelidsdriftingshut.“Piper,”hesaidhoarsely.“Thisisn’twhyIinvitedyoutodinner.”
Shetookherhandback,setdownthechampagnebeingheldintheother,andtuckedherfingersunderthestrapsofherdress.
“Maybeit’snottheonlyreason,”shemurmured,peelingdownthegreenvelvetbodice,leavingherbreastsbaremereinches
fromhismouth.“Butit’soneofthem,isn’tit?”

Brendanopenedhiseyes,andashudderrackedhim,hishandsflyinguptogripherhips.“OhJesusfuckingChrist,they’re
sopretty,baby.”Heleanedin,pressinghisopenmouthtothesmoothpathofskinbetweenherbreasts,breathingheavily,
usinghisholdonherhipstopullhercloser,likehecouldn’thelpit.“Thisiswhereyouputthatperfume,isn’tit?Right
herebetweenyoursexylittletits.”

Thedesperationinhishands,thechafeofvelvetonflesh,turnedhernipplestopoints.“Iputitthereforyoutonight,”
shewhisperedintohishair.“Allforyou.”

Hemoaned,turnedhisheadslightlysohecouldbreatheagainsthernipple.“Iknowwhatyou’redoing.Youwanttomakethis
aboutfucking.”

Herpulseskitteredinherears.“Stopoverthinkingitandtouchme.”
Still,hehesitated,thatjawabouttoshatter.
Piperreachedbackandpickedupthechampagneflute,takingaslowsip.Sheswallowedmostofthebubblyliquid,butleft
atraceofitonhertongue,bringingittoBrendan’slips.Lickingthechampagneintohismouth.“ToldyouI’dgetyouto
tryit,”shemurmured,teasingthetipofhistonguewithherown.“Wantmore?”

Thatbigbodyswayedcloser,linesofstrainappearingaroundhismouth.“Please…”
“Youdon’thavetobeg,”Pipersaid,bringingthechampagneflutetoherbreasts,tippingtheglassandlettingthechampagne
trickleoutoveronenipple,thenthenext,andBrendanstartedtopant.“Notforsomethingwebothwant.Touchme,Brendan.
Tasteme.Please?”

“Christ,Ihaveto.”Hetracedhismouthtoherleftnipple,pressedhisbaredteethagainstit,beforerubbinghistongue
againstthestiffbud,yankingherhipsforward,themovearchingherbacksoshehadtousehishairforbalance,taking
twobighandfuls.HermouthwasinanO,watchinghimsavorher,manhandleherbody.Nogames.Justneed.

Hismouthraceddowntoherbellybutton,lickingthathollowwheresomeofthedrippingchampagnehadendedup,beforerising
againtotheoppositebreast,sucklinghardernow.Devouring.She’dintendedtobeincontrolhere,buthismouthwasdelivering
themostincredibletextureandsuction,andherassbumpedbackagainstthetableclumsily,asobrippingfromherthroat.
“Brendan,”shegasped.“Brendan.”

“Iknow,baby.CanIputmyhandsupyourdress?”herasped,hispalmsalreadykneadingthebacksofherthighs,hisbeard
strokingbackandforthoverherdistendednipple,andsendingarushofwettotheapexofherthighs.“Piper.”

“What?”shebreathed,headspinning.“Whateveryousaid.Yes.Yes.”
Thosebusyhandsmovedfasterthanlightning,clutchingherasssoroughly,theairevacuatedherlungs.Hedrewherforwardsohecouldpantdirectlyagainstherbelly,hishandsneverceasingtomassage,squeeze,andliftthefleshofherbottom,hiscallousedfingerstanglinginherthonginhishastetotouch,tomold.
“Y-you’reanassman,Iguess,”shestammered.
Heshookhishead.“No,Piper.I’mathis-assman.”

“Oh,”shesimpered.
Thatwasoddlyromantic.Andpossessive.Andshelikedbothofthosequalitiestoomuch.Sheneededtoregaincontrolsomehow,
becauseshe’dseverelymiscalculatedhowquicklyBrendancouldpullherunder.Thisattractionwasevenmoredangerousthan
she’doriginallythought.“Brendan,”shemanaged,takingholdofhisbroadshouldersandusingeveryounceofherstrength
topushhimbackintohischair.“W-wait,I…”

“I’msorry,”hesaidbetweenbreaths.“It’snotjustthatit’sbeensolongforme,it’sthatyouhadtobethesexiestwoman
onthefuckingplanet.”

HadPiperheardhimright?Sheshookherheadtoclearit,thoughmostofthelustfogremainedinplace.“Wait,Iknowyou
worethering,but…nosex?Atall?Knowingyou,Ishouldhaveassumedthat,but…”Hergazetraveleddownthefront
ofhisbody,stoppingwhenshereachedtheoutlineofhispainful-lookingerection.Itprotrudedagainsttheflyofhisjeans,
largeandheavy.Hisownhandcrepttowardit,hissexualfrustrationobviousineveryharshlineofhisface.

Therewasawaytowrestlebackcontrolofthispushandpullbetweenthemandmakehimfeelgood—andshesuddenlycouldn’thelpherself.“Oh,Brendan.”Shewentdownonherkneesandpressedakissto
thethickbulge.“Weneedtotakecareofthis,don’twe?”

Hisheadfellback,chestliftingandplummeting.“Piper,youdon’tneedto.”
Shecuppedhisbigarousal,massagedhimthroughhisjeans,andhemoanedthroughhisteeth.“Iwantto,”shewhispered.“Iwanttomakeyoufeelsogood.”
Sheflickedopenthebuttonatthetopofhisflyandloweredthezippercarefully,suckinginabreathwhenhisshaftgrew
impossiblylargerinsidehisbriefsintheabsenceofconfinement.Brendan’sknuckleswerewhiteonthearmsofthechair,
buthestoppedbreathingaltogetherasshedrewdownthewaistbandofhisbriefsandsawhiserectionupclose.Male.Therewasnootherwaytodescribetheunapologeticweightandsteelofhim,thethickblackhairatthebase,theheavy
sac.Hewaslongandsmoothandbroad,veinswrappedaroundhimlikelinesonaroadmap,andwow.Yes.She’dbeentelling
thetruth.Shereallydidwanttomakehimfeelgood.Sobadly,herinnerthighswereturningslickwithherownneed.Wantedtobeonherknees,givingpleasuretothismanwho’dbeencelibatesolong.Thismanwho’dtreatedherwithcareandrespect
andgotnervousabouthertastinghiscooking.

Furthermore,shecouldestablishupfrontthatthiswasjustsex.
Justsex.
“Lookatyou,Piper,”Brendansaidhoarsely.“Christ,Ididn’tstandachance,didI?”
Withasympatheticpout,shegavehisshaftatightpump.Andanotherone.Waiteduntilhiseyesstartedtoglazeover,thenshedraggedhertongueupthemeatyundersideofhim,closedhermouthoverthevelvethelmetontop.Makinghertongueflatandstiff,sheteasedthesaltyslit,thesensitiveridges,beforetunnelinghimindeep,deep,rightuptothepointwheretearsprickedhereyelids.God,hepulsedonhertongue,great,quicksurgesoflifethatherfemininitystartedtoecho,makinghergroanaroundhishardflesh.
“Goddamn,baby,thatmouth,”hegroaned,oneofhishandsfistingherhair,urgingherfaster,evenashebarked,“Stop.Stop.I’mgoingtocome.”

Piperlethimslidefromhermouthwithaswirlofhertongue,herrighthandworkinghim,thickeninghimwitheverystroke
ofherfist.Yeah,hewasn’tgoingtolastmuchlonger,andtherewassomethingsohotaboutit.Howmuchhe’dneededthe
relief.“Wheredoyouwanttogiveittome?”shewhispered,takinghissacinherhandandjugglinghimgently,leaningin
tocurlhertonguearoundthepurplingtip.“Anywhereyouwant,Captain.”

“Fuck,”hegrittedout,histhighsstartingtovibrate.Insteadofansweringherpretty,pressingquestion,heclosedhiseyes,
nostrilsflaringashetookinadragofair.“No.”

Thentheunexpectedhappened.
Rightonthevergeofhiswell-deservedorgasm,Brendansurgedforward,wrappinghishandsaroundherwaistandliftingher
upontothediningroomtable.Sheteetered,dizzyfromtherapidascent,butshesnappedbacktorealitywhenBrendandropped
tohisownkneesandstrippedoffhisshirt.“Ohhh,”shesaidinslowmotion.“Heyyy,looookaaaatthaaaat.”

Dudewasyoked.
She’dknown,onsomelevel,thatBrendanwasbuiltlikeamotherfucker.Hisarmsalwaystestedtheseamsofhissweatshirts,hischestridgedwithmuscle,butshe’dbeenunawareofthedefinition.Thechiseledplanesofhispecsendedinatightdrop-off;thenitwasamountainrangeofabs.Butnottheobnoxiouskind.Theyhadmeatonthem.Andhair.Allofhimdid.Helookedlikearealmanwhoworkedinthewild,becausethat’sexactlywhathewas.Andnotasingletattoo,whichwassoBrendan,itmadeherthroatfeelweird.Ofcoursehewouldn’twanttodealwiththefussofallthatorwastehistimegettingonedone.
Comebacktoearth,Piper.
“Wait,Iwas…”Shepointedathiserection.“Youwere—”
“Don’tworryaboutme,”herasped,dragginghertotheedgeofthetable.“Openyourthighsandletmeseeit,Piper.”
Herinnerwallsclenched,delightinginhisbluntness.“But—”
“YouthinkI’mgoingtogetsuckedoffandleavetownfortwoweeks?Notgoingtohappen.You’regettingoff,baby,ornobody
isgettingoff.”

Asifonautopilot,herthighssqueakedwideonthetable.Oh,thiswasn’tgood.Shedidn’tevenknowwhichpartofherwas
incommand.Herhead,herheart,herladybusiness.Ormaybetheyallwere,threebitcheshittingtheswitchesofhercontrol
panel.SheonlyknewBrendanneededtostoprevealingpositivesidesofhimself.

Nowtheywereaddinggeneroustothemix?

Thehemofherdelicatedressinhisboatcaptain’shandsmadeherwhimper.Heliftedit,andGodonlyknewwhathewasseeing.
Herthongwassheertobeginwith,butshe’dneverbeenthiswetinherever-lovinglife.Nottomention,hisimpatienthands
onherbutthadtuggeditaskew.

Hestaredhardatherjuncture,thegriponherkneesflexing,acurseissuingunsteadilyfromhismouth.“Yeah,Ihaveto
beanidiotleavingyouwithoutmyattentionfortwoweeks.”

Shepanted.“Areyoucallingmehighmaintenance?”
“Areyoudenyingit?”Hetuggedasidethestripofmaterialshieldinghercore,whichthankfullyshe’dwaxedcleanasawhistlerightbeforeleavingLA.“Fuckme.Youcanbeashighmaintenanceasyouwant,honey.ButI’mtheonlyonewhodoesthemaintenance.”Heranhisthumbdowntheseamofhersex.“Understood?”
Pipernodded,asifinatrance.
Whatwastheuseofsayingno?Atleastthisoneverbalagreementwasaboutsex.Nothingemotional.Andshewasn’tgoingto
pretendlikesomeoneinthistownmightcomealongandinterestherevenafractionoftheamountthatBrendandid.Shemight
havetotravelprettyfartofindthat,cometothinkofit.

Hislipsghostedupherinnerthigh,bluntfingershookinginthesidesofherpanties.“Liftup,”herumbled,nippingat
hersensitiveskinwithhisteeth.“Wantthemoff.”

Ohgreat.Hisvoicecouldgetevendeeper?Itresonatedallthewayuptoherclit,andshefellbackonherelbows,inching
herhipsupenoughforBrendantopeelthethongdownherlegs.Shewatchedthisman,whogrewmoreexcitingbythemoment,
expectinghimtodroptheunderwearonthefloor.Hewrappedthethinblackmaterialaroundhisshaftinstead,pressinghis
mouthandnoseupagainstherwetness,groaningashechokedhimselfupanddowninatightfist.

“Holy…”Piperbreathed,momentarilyblackingout.
“Seethis,baby?”Herubbedhismouthsidetoside,partingthedampfoldsofherfemininity,thathandjerkingroughlybetween
histhighs.“You’restillgettingmeoff,too.”

Whenhadherbackhitthetable?
OnesecondshewaslookingdownatBrendan’shead,thenextshewasstaringwide-eyedupattheceiling.Brendan’stonguesnakeddownslowlythroughthevalleyofhersex,andherfingersclawedtheirwayintohishair,themoveinvoluntary,butifhestopped,ifhestopped,shewasgoingtodie.

“Good,Piper.Pullmeintight.Showmehowbadyouwantmytongue.”
Nonono.Hisvoicewaslikesandpapernow.Couldshecomefromthatbaritonealone?
“Brendan.”Sheliftedherlegs,hookedthemoverhisshoulders,earningagrowl,anotherroughjerkofherhipstotheedge
ofthetable.“Please,please.Please.”

She’dneverbeggedforanythingsexualinherlife.Especiallynotoral.Menalwaysmadeitseemliketheyweredoingawoman
afavor.Ormaybeshe’djustbeendetachedandprojectinganexplanationthatwouldkeepherthatway.Shecouldn’tremain
detachednow,andthis…oh,itwasdefinitelynotahardshipforBrendan—andheletherknowit.Hisforearmcamedown
onherhips,pinningthemtothetable,andhegrowledintothatsecondlick,draggingthetipoverherclit,teasingit,
theripplingflexofhisshouldertellingPiperthathishandwasmovingfeverishlyjustoutofsight.Withtheuseofher
panties.

Hewasthemostconsistentmanshe’devermet,andshethankedGodforthatnowbecausehesealedhisupperliptothevery
topofherslit,histongueneverquittingorchangingpace.Itwasperfect,perfect,lavishingherswellingclitwithfriction
andpressure,andshewasactuallygoingtogettherebecauseofit.OhmyGod,shewasgoingtohaveanorgasm.Likeareal,
authenticorgasm.Shewasn’tgoingtofakeittostrokehisego.Thiswashappening.

“Pleasedon’tstop,Brendan.It’sperfect.It’s…ohGod,ohJesus.”
Herthighsstartedtotremoruncontrollably,andshecouldseenothingbutsparksdancinginfrontofhereyes.Thefingers
she’dplowedintohishairdrewhimcloser,legswrappingaroundhishead,herhipslifting,seeking,lowerbodytwisting.
Andshestilldidn’tdislodgehimfromthatmagicalspot,andmaybehewasJesus.Shedidn’tknow.Knewnothingbuttheintense
pleasurebearingdownonher.Butthenhetookhisforearmoffherhipsandpressedtheheelofhishandtoherweepingentrance
androtatedit—hard—andshescreamed.Shefuckingscreamed.Andshedidn’tstopwhenheslidathickfingerinsideofher,
searchedand
Sheclimaxed.Whichwasapitifulwordfortravelingtoadistantplanewherefairiesdancedandgumdropsrainedfromthe
sky.Whenherbackprotested,sherealizedithadarchedoffthetableinvoluntarily.Shestaredatherelevatedhipsina
daze,theendlessreliefcoursingthroughher,tighteninghermusclesandlettingthemgo.Wow.Ohwow.

Brendanmovedoverherslumpedbody,andhisface,itwasalmostunrecognizableforthelustbracketinghismouth,thefever
makinghiseyesbright.Thathugepartofhimwasstillhard,hishandtwistingupanddownthelength,onesideofherpanties
wrappedaroundhisshaft,theotheraroundhisfist.“CanIrubithere,baby?”Brendanraspedthequestion,hisbarechest
heaving,afinesheenofsweatonthosework-honedmuscles.“JustwanttorubitwhereImadeyoucome.”

“Yes.”
Heallbutfellonher,hisfacelandinginthecrookofherneck,hisfistpositioninghisstiffnessbetweenherthighs,rightoverthatuber-sensitiveflesh.“Onedaysoon,Piper,I’mgoingtofuckyousogoddamnhard.”Healternatedbetweendragginghisswollentipthroughhersaturatedfoldsandstrokinghimself.“Goingtofucktheword‘friend’rightoutofyourbeautifulmouth.You’llforgethowtosayanythingbutmyname.Realquick,honey.”
Herclithummedagain,unbelievably,andthatbuzzofconnection,ofmorepromisedpleasurehadtobethereasonsheturned
herheadslightly,whisperinginhisear,“Promise?”

Withastrangledgrowlofhername,hehithispeak,shootingmoistureontoherbelly,hishandmovinginablur,histeeth
baredagainstthesideofherthroat.“Piper.Piper.”

Thepower,theexhilarationofBrendansayinghernameasheorgasmedwassoincredible,shecouldn’tholdstill.Sheraked
hertongueupanddownhisstrainingneck,rubbedtheinsidesofherthighsupanddownhisheavingribcage,scrapedher
fingernailsoverhisshouldersanddownhisback.Whenhisheavybodycollapsedonher,shekeptgoing,someinstinctshe’d
neverhadbeforeurginghertosoothe,towhisperwordsofpraisethatsheactually,literallymeant.Shecouldhavelaid
therestraightthroughtotomorrow,justexistingunderthereassuringweightofhim—andthatcomplacencybroughtbackher
senses.

Okay,theygavegoodsex.
Or…almostsex,anyway.

Betterthananyactualintercourseshe’deverhad,though.Byleapsandbounds.
Becauseyoulikehim.Alot.Forwhoheis,notwhathecandoforyou.
Thatrealizationsmackedherhardintheface.God.She’dneverthoughtofherpastactionsinthosetermsbefore,buttheyfit.Shallow.Soshallow.Whowasshetoaccept
thesweetgesturesthismanoffered?Heshouldhavewaitedtotakehisweddingringoffforsomeselflesslocalgirlwhowould
becontentwavinghimofftoseafortherestofherlife.

ApangcaughtPiperinthechest,andshetriedtositupbutcouldn’tmovebecauseBrendanhadherpinnedtothetable.His
headlifted,eyesnarrowinglikehecouldalreadysenseherbuildingtension.“Piper.”

“What?”shewhispered,windedfromherthoughts.
“Getoutofyourhead.”
Withasardonicsmile,sherolledhereyes.“Aye,aye,Captain.”Withsomeeffort,shetriedtodoasheasked.Triedtoset
asideherworriesforlater.Hewasleavingfortwoweekstomorrowmorning,afterall.Thatwouldbeplentyoftimetopull
herstupidheadoutoftheclouds.“Thatwas…wow.”Keepitlight.Sexy.“Really,reallygood.”

Brendangrunted.Hedroppedhisheadandsmiledintothevalleybetweenherbreasts,makingherheartflutter.“Good?”he
snorted,kissingherbreastsinturnandstanding,visiblyreluctanttoleaveher.Afterzippinghisstillsemi-harderection
backintohisjeans,hetooksomenapkinsoutoftheholderonthetableandcleanedPiperofhisspend,wipingefficiently
likehedideverythingelse,shakinghisheadslowlyatherappearance.“I’mgoingtostarvetodeathwithoutthetasteof
you.”

Despitethelanguidnessofhermuscles,shemanagedtositupandfixherdress,blinkingatthepantiessittinginawetheaponthefloor,memoriesofthelasthalfhourfloodingin.Wow.She’dbeenso…present.Insideeverysecondwithhim.Whenshe’dbeenintimateinthepast,shespentthewholetimeobsessingaboutherappearance,whattheguywasthinking,ifshewasmeetingexpectations.NoneofthoseanxietieshadtakenholdwithBrendan.None.Because…helikedher.Notherimage.Heractualpersonalityandopinions.WithBrendan’shandsonher,she’dhadnowalls,noboundaries.Tonight
hadbeenallaboutboundaries,butinsteadofsettingthem,thelinekeptgettingpushedfurtherandfurtherout.

Shehoppedoffthetable,landingontheheelsshestillwore,andgavehimaflirtyhip-check.“MaybeI’llgiveyouanother
tastewhenyougetback.”

“Maybe,huh?”Hecaughtherarmandspunheraround,backingherupagainsttherefrigerator,pinninghertherewithhisrugged
frame.Piper’straitorousbodymeltedimmediately,eagertobesupportedbyhissuperiorstrength,herheadlollingback.
Brendan’shardmouthfoundherswithlipsalreadyopening,histonguedelvingdeep,carryingthelightflavorofherclimax,
givingittoherwiththoroughstrokes,alowgrowlofsatisfactionsimmeringinhisthroat.Whenhepulledback,hissilver-green
eyessearchedherface,onehandcradlingherjaw.“Doesthattastelike‘maybe’toyou?”

Inotherwords,she’dbebackformore.
“Somebody’scockyallofasudden,”Piperhuffed.
“Notcocky,honey.”Hekissedhermouthagain,softlythistime.“Determined.”
Shesputtered.Determinedtodowhat?
Ohman,sheneededtogetoutofthere.
“Ihaveanearlymorning,”sheblurted.“Andsodoyou,right?So.”
“So.”Heseemedtobefightingasmile,anditwasgalling.Stillnotwearingashirt,hegatheredPiper’scardiganandhelpedherputiton,beforehandingoverherpurse.Attheverylastsecond,hethrewonhisownshirtandpickeduphiscarkeys.“I’mgoingtohavemercyonyouthistime,Piper,anddriveyouhome.”Hethreadedtheirfingerstogetherandtuggedhertowardthedoor.“Thisjusthadtobetheyearcrabseasongetsslottedearly,didn’tit?OtherwiseI’dspendaboutaweekgettinginsideyourhead—”
“Itwouldtakelongerthanthat.”
“Butdammit.”Hejerkedopenthefrontdoor.“It’llhavetowaituntilI’mback.”
Ha.Noway.Therewouldbenogettinginanyone’shead.Twoweekswaslike,amillionyears.Theywouldn’tevenremembereach
other’snamesbythen.They’dpasseachotheronthestreetandvaguelyrecallafishdinnerandanoral-sexfest.

You’relyingtoyourself.
Andshekeptrightondoingitthewholeridehome.KeptlyingtoreassureherselfwhenBrendanwalkedherupthestairsto
herapartment.Butthepretenseshatteredatherfeetwhenhekissedherlikehe’dneverseeheragain,hismouthmovingover
herswithsuchtenderness,herkneesturnedtorubberandshehadtoholdontohiscollartostayupright.

“Here,”hesaid,exhalingshakilyandpullingthekeysoutofhispocket.“I’mgivingyouasparekeytomyplace,allright?
JustincaseyouandyoursisterneedsomewheretogowhileI’moutoftown.”

Piperstaredattheobjectwithdawninghorror.“Akey?”

“It’sgoingtogetcoolerinthenextcoupleofweeks,andtheheatinthisplaceprobablyisn’tgreat.”Hefoldedherhand
aroundit,kissedherforehead.“Stopfreakingout.”

Sheutteredastringofgibberish.
Didhethinkshewouldactuallyusethisthing?
Becauseshewouldn’t.
Hechuckledatherexpressionandturnedtogo—andshepanicked.Adifferentkindofpanicthanthevarietyshefeltatbeing
handedthekey.ShethoughtofthebrassstatueontheharborandOpalemptyingthecontentsofanenvelopeontothetable.

“Brendan!”
Slowing,heturnedwitharaisedeyebrow.
“Pleasebecareful,”shewhispered.
Warmthfusedintohiseyes,andhecheckedherout,headtotoe,beforecontinuingonhisway,thedoordownstairsclosing
behindhim,followedbysilence.

Muchlater,sherealizedwhatBrendanwasreallydoingwhenhecataloguedherfeatures,herhands,hercockedhip.
Memorizingthesightofher.
Justincase?ChapterSeventeen
Thestormstartedthirteendayslater
Piperhadfallenintoadailyroutinebythen.Runalongtheharborjustaftersunrise.WalkAbetothemaritimemuseumin
themorning,visitOpalonherwayhome,oftenwithHannahintow.Workonthebaruntildinnertime,thencollapse.They’d
madeatonofprogressonNoNameandweregoingtostartdecoratingnextweek,assoonastheyinstalledthecrispwhite
corniceandgavetheconcreteanothercoatofindustrialpaint.

They’dtakenanUbertothefishingsupplystorelastweek,thankstoBrendan’ssuggestion,andgottenmostofwhattheyneeded
toachievethenauticaltheme,thenorderedmoreaccoutrementsforcheaponline.Andtotheirutterastonishment,Abe’ssons
hadshownuplastweektodropoffsomehandcraftedbarstoolsandchairsasathank-youforwalkingtheirfathertothemuseum
everymorning.Pipertoldthemitwasn’tnecessary,butthey’drefusedtotakenoforananswer,thankGod,becausetheyhad
actualfurniturenow!

PiperandHannahwereapplyingslowstrokesoflacquertotheantiquebarwhenaboomofthunderoutsidemadethembothjump.
“Whoa,”Hannahsaid,usingthebackofherwristtowipeherforehead.“Thatsoundedlikecannonfire.”
“Yeah.”Pipertuckedastraypieceofhairintoherponytailandcrossedthebartolookoutthewindow.Ashudderwentdown
herspinewhenshesawtheRedBuoyclosingearly.Samewiththebaitshoptwodoorsdown.Wastheregoingtobeareally
badstormorsomething?

Brendan.
No,WestportwasfarenoughfromtheBeringSeathathewouldn’tgethitwiththesamestorm,right?Shehadnoearthlyidea.
ShewasfromSouthernfreakingCalifornia,wherethesunshinedand,otherthanfog,weatherwasjustavagueentitypeople
inotherstateshadtoworryabout.

He’dbeokay.
Piperpressedahandtothecenterofherchesttofindherheartracing.“Hey,canyoucalltherecordstoreandaskifthey’re
closingearly?”

Overthelasttwoweeks,Hannahhadbecomearegularfixtureattheshop.Onceshe’drevealedherexpertiseinallthings
musicrelated,they’daskedhertohelpgivetheplaceanupdate.WhileithadcutintoHannah’stimeworkingonthebar,
Piperhadn’tbeenabletodenyhersisterthismostepicopportunitytoflaunthermusicsnobbery.Hannahwasnowanunofficial
employeeofDiscNDatandhadevenmadesomelocalfriendswhowentanddrankcoffeetogetherafterhours.

“Yeah,sure,”Hannahsaid,whippinghercelloutofherbackpocket.“I’lltextShauna.”
“’Kay.”
Pipertookadeepbreath,butthepressureinherchestwouldn’tabate.Brendanwassupposedtoreturnthedayaftertomorrow,andshe’dbeenmentallycoachingherselftokeepthingsbetweenthemstrings-free.Butwithastormdarkeningthesky,shecouldn’tseemtothinkstraight,muchlessrememberwhyherrelationshipwithBrendanhadtoremaincasual.Sheneededto,though,right?NoNamewasalmostfinished,andtheyweresuperclosetonailingdownagrandreopeningdate,atwhichtimetheywouldcallDanielandinvitehim.ProvidingthisplantoimpressDanielworked,theycouldbeinthehomestretch.LAbound.Shecouldn’taffordtogetcaughtupwiththeboatcaptain,evenifshemissedhim.EvenifshelookedforhimaroundeverystreetcornerinWestport,justincasehe’dgottenhomeearlier.
“I’mgoingtorunovertotheRedBuoyandseeiftheyknowwhat’sgoingon.”
HannahsalutedPiperonherwayoutthedoor.Assoonasshesteppedoutontothestreet,thewindknockedhersidewaystwo
steps,herhairblowingfreeofitsponytailandwhippingaroundherfaceinacloud,obscuringhervision.Quickly,shegathered
themaneinafistandlookedupatthesky,findingbiggraybillowingcloudsstaringbackather.Herstomachdropped,and
awaveoffearrolledthroughherbelly.

Thisseemedlikeabigdeal.
Unabletoswallow,shejoggedacrossthestreet,catchingthegirlwhoworkedtheregisteronherwayout,herheadburied
inthehoodofarainslicker.

“Hey,um…istheregoingtobeaprettybadstorm…orsomething?”Piperasked,clearlythemostCaliforniagirl
whoeverCalifornia’d.

ThegirllaughedlikePiperwasjoking,soberedwhensherealizedshewasn’t.“We’vegotatyphoonclosingin.”
Whatthehellwasatyphoon?Sheresistedtheurgetogetherphoneoutandgoogleit.“Oh,butit’s,like,containedtothe
Washingtoncoast,right?Orisitbigger?”

“No,it’scomingtowardusfromAlaska,actually.That’showweknowit’sgoingtobeabadmotherfucker,excusemylanguage.”
“Alaska,”Pipercroaked,herfingersturningnumb.“Okay,thanks.”
Thegirlscurriedoff,climbingintoawaitingtruckrightasthefirstraindropsstartedtofall.Piperbarelyremembered
walkingbackacrossthestreetandtakingshelterinthedoorwayofNoName.Shegotherphoneoutandsearched“typhoon”
withtremblingfingers.

Thefirsttwowordsthatcameupwere“tropicalcyclone.”
Then,“arotating,organizedsystemofcloudsandthunderstormsthatoriginatesovertropicalorsubtropicalwaters.”
“OhmyGod.”
Shehadtobreatheinandoutslowlysoshewouldn’tthrowup.
Brendanwasverygoodathisjob.Smart.Themostcapable,confidentmanshe’devermet.Therewasnowaysomethingcould
happentohim.OrFoxandDekeandSanders.Theywerebig,strong,God-fearingfishermen.Therewasnoway,right?

Henry’slaughingfacesprungtohermind.Rightonitsheels,Mick’svoicefilteredthroughherthoughts.AndthatBeringSeawaterissodamnfrigid,there’sonlyaminute’swindowbeforeitsucksthebreathrightoutofaman’s
lungs.
NotBrendan.Itwouldn’thappentoBrendan.
GettingherlegstocarryherintoNoNamerequiredeffort,butshemadeit,leaningbackweaklyagainstthewall.IttookheramomenttorealizeHannahwasthrowingonasweatshirt.“Hey,ShaunaaskedifIcouldpopdownreallyfastandhelpcloseuptheshop.Ishouldbebackintenminutes.”ShestoppedshortwhenshesawPiper’sface.“Areyouokay?”
“It’satyphoon.CominginfromAlaska.”
Hannahlaughedasshethrewhermessengerbagacrossherchest.“Yousoundlikeameteorologist.Whatevenisatyphoon?”
“Atropicalcyclone,”Pipersaidrobotically.“Arotating,organizedsystemofcloudsandthunderstormsthatoriginatesover
tropicalorsubtropicalwaters.”

“Ohshit.”UnderstandingdawnedinHannah’seyes.“Ohhh.Shit.”
“He’sgoingtobefine.They’regoingtobefine.”
“Ofcoursetheywill.”Hannahhesitated,thenstartedtotakeoffherbag.“I’mgoingtostayherewithyou—”
“No.Gogogo.”Herlaughwashigh-pitched.“IthinkIcanhandletenminutes.”
Hersisterwasdubious.“Areyousure?”
“Totally.”
Neitheroneofthemhadanyideahowbadastormcouldgetintenminutes.
Rainlashedthewindowsohard,Pipermovedtothecenterofthebarforherownsafety.Thewindsoundedlikeitwasinside
withher.Withagrowingsenseofdread,shewatchedmoreandmorepeoplerunforcoverinthestreet,eventuallyclearing
itcompletely.Thunderrockedtheground,followedcloselybyjaggedtwistsoflightninginthesky.

Piperfumbledherphoneinherhands,findingHannahinherfavoritesanddialing.“Hey,”shesaidassoonashersisterpickedup.“Ithinkyoushouldstaywhereyouare,okay?”
“Shaunasaysthesame.How’ditpickupsofast?”
“Idon’tknow.”Sheclosedhereyes.Brendanhadbeeninthissamestorm.Fast.Furious.“I’mfinehere.Juststayinasafe
placeanddon’tmoveuntilitlightensup.Allright,Hanns?”

“Okay.”
Piperhungupandpacedamoment,herstridehitchingwhentheelectricitywentout.
Shestoodthereinneardarknessandactedononeofthemostfoolishinstinctsinherlife—andJesusChrist,thatwassayingsomething.Butshecouldn’tstandthereandthinkandworryandspeculate.Shehadtomove…andshe
wantedtobenearBrendantheonlywayshecould.SoshelockedthedoorofNoNamebehindherandstartedrunninginthe
directionofhishouse.Itwasonlyathree-minutedrive.She’dbethereinfiveifshesprinted.Andthenshe’dbesafe.
Andmaybebeingclosetohimwouldkeephimsafe,too,whichwasaridiculousnotion,butsheclungtoithardandpoundedthepavement.

Thunderboomedatherback,propellingheron,hersneakerssoddenafteronlytwoblocksthankstotheraincomingdownin
torrentsnow.Sheturnedtwocornersandrandownanarrowstreetthatseemedsemi-familiar?Onthenightoftheirdate,she’d
beentoopreoccupiedtonoticeanyofthestreetnames.Butthen,thereitwas.Brendan’struck,parkedinfrontofhishouse,
lookingassturdyanddependableasitsowner.

Reliefswampedher,andshekickedintoafastsprint,theteethofhishousekeybitingintoherpalm.Sheranupthepathandunlockedthedoorwithpalefingers,herteethchattering,andfelloverthethresholdinaheap,kickingthedoorclosedbehindher.Andthenthestormwasnothingmorethanmuffledrumblings,herownharshpantsdrowningitout.
“Hello?”Pipersatupandcalledout,becauseitseemedlikethethingtodo.Maybehe’dgottenbackearlyandjusthadn’t
cometoseeheryet.“Brendan?”

Therewasnoanswer.
Sheusedthehemofhershirttodrytherainfromherfaceandstood,movingthroughthestill,warmhousewhilewindwhipped
againstthewindowpanes,rattlingthem.Wasthisastalkermove?Thatworryhadherchewingherlip,buthe’dgivenhera
key,right?Plus,therewassomethingsoinvitingaboutthehouse,almostasifithadbeenexpectingher.Hisscentlingered
intheairofthelivingroom,saltwaterandman.

Piperkickedoffhershoesandwalkedbarefoottothekitchenandturnedonhiscoffeemachine,desperatetogetridofthe
chill.Whenamughadbeenprepared,sheopenedtherefrigeratortotakeoutthemilk—andanunopenedbottleofchampagne
rolledtowardherinthecrisperdrawer.Herhalf-drunkonewasstillwedgedinthedoor,but…he’dboughttwo?Just
incaseshestoppedoverwhilehewasgone?

Herthroatachedasshecarriedthemugofcoffeeupthestairs,tryingnottoacknowledgehownaturalitfelttosether
coffeeonthesinkinhisbathroomandstripoffhersoakedclothes,hangingthemoverthetowelrack.Shebroughtthecoffee
intotheshoweranddrankitwhilethewaterstolethechillfromherbones.Shelatheredherselfinhisbodywash,andhis
scentcarrieduptoheronthewaftingsteam,makinghernipplesstiffen.Makingherclosehereyes,pressherforeheadto
thetilewall,andaskGod,verypolitely,tobringthestubbornmanhomesafely.

Wrappedinatowelminuteslater,shewalkedintoBrendan’sbedroom,turnedonalamponhisbedsidetable,andsighed.Sopractical.Navyblueandbeigeseverywhere,no-nonsensewhitewalls,creakyfloorboardsthatremindedherofthedecksofshipsshe’dseenintheharbor.Awindowdirectlyinfrontofhisbedfacedtheharbor.Theoceanbeyond.Theloveofhislife.Asifheneededtoseeitfirstthinginthemorning
ShesentatexttoHannahtomakesurehersisterwasallright,thenslumpedsidewaysinthecenterofthebed,Brendan’s
pillowhuggedtoherchest,prayingthatwhenshewokeupeverythingwouldbefine.Thathe’dwalkthroughthedoor.

Godmusthavebeenbusyansweringsomeoneelse’sprayers.
***
Brendantunedouttheendlesschattercominginthroughtheradiofromthecoastguard,hissingle-mindedfocuswhereitneeded
tobe.Pullingpots.Thiswasn’ttheirfirsttyphoon,anditwouldn’tbethelast.Theywereparforthecoursethistime
ofyearintheBeringSeaandtheneighboringPacific.Thisjobwasdangerousforareason,andtheyhadnochoicebutto
rideitout,finishretrievingthisstring,andmakeitbacktoDutch.Sohetrainedhiseyesonthewaterahead,searching
forout-of-the-ordinaryswellswhilekeepingtabsonthebusydeckbelow.

Hiscrewmovedlikeawell-oiledmachine,althoughafteraweekofhaulingpots,theywereshowingsignsoffatigue.Thenextbuoyappearedalongsidetheship,andinapracticedmovement,Sandersthrewouthishook,dragginginthelineandattachingittothewinch.Dekejoinedhimontheothersidetoengagethehydraulicsystem,raisingthepot.Anexultantcheerwentupfromthemenonthedeck,thoughitwasmuffledbythestormragingaroundtheboat,theburroftheenginebelow.
Half-full.Ifthispotdidn’tputthemattheirquota,itwouldbringthemclose,providingthecrabsweremaleandtheywouldn’t
berequiredtothrowthelotofthemback.Itwasagainstregulationtotakefemalesfromthesea,astheykeptthepopulation
growing.

HewaitedforFoxtosignalanumberthroughthewindowofthewheelhouse.
Seventy.
Brendanmadeanoteofthenumberinhislog,hismouthmovingashedidthemath.Theirquotaissuedbythewildlifecommission
waseightythousandpoundsofcrabfortheseason.Theywereat99percentwithfivepotslefttocollect.Butwiththestorm
howlingoutsideandthemengrowingweary,itwasn’tworthcontinuing.EspeciallynotifhecouldbeattheRussianstomarket
andgetastrongerpriceforwhatthey’dcaught.

HesignaledFoxtowrapuptheoperation,securethegearondeck,andgeteveryonebelow.TheywereheadingbacktoDutch
early.Andthefuckingreliefthatgrippedhimaroundthethroatwassomuchstrongerthanusual,hehadtotakeseveralbracing
breaths,hisfingersflexingaroundthewheelashewaitedforabreakintheswellstostartexecutingtheturn.

Hadthisstormmadelandfallyetbackhome?
Wherewasshe?
Wouldshebewaitingforhim?
BrendanbracedhisbodyagainstthesideofthewheelhouseastheDellaRaycarriedoverathree-storyswellandslappedbackdownintoablackpitofchurningseawater.Goddamnthisstorm.Itwasn’t
anyfiercerthantheonesthey’dworkedthroughinthepast,butthistime…theboatdidn’tseemquiteassubstantial
underhisfeet.Wasthewheelvibratingwithtoomuchforceinhishands?

Hislifefelttooeasilysnatchedaway.
Thesewereworrieshehadn’tacknowledgedsincebeingagreenhorn,anditwasbecausehe’dneverwantedtogethomesobadly.
Notonceinhisfuckinglife.

Acrewcrabbingnottoofarfromthemhadlostamemberyesterdaywhenhisfoothadgottentangledinarope,dragginghim
straightdowntothebottomofthedrink.Anotherboathadgonemissingentirely,sevenmenonboard.Abadseason.Moreloss
thanusual.Soeasily,itcouldhavebeenoneofhiscrew.Couldhavebeenhim.

Whitewater,highanddownward-sloping,brokeoutofthecornerofBrendan’seye,andhegrabbedtheradio,shoutingdownto
thedecktobraceforimpact.Roguewave.Andforonce,Brendanresentedthewildrushhegotfromthedanger.Fromtakingonnatureandwinning.Atthatmoment,
itwasjustthethingkeepinghimfromPiper.

Thewavehit,andtheboatgroaned,tiltingsideways.Forlongmoments,theviolentwaveraineddownonthewheelhouseand
obscuredhisviewofthedeck.Andwithhisworldonitsside,allhecouldhearwasPiper’svoicetellinghimtobecareful.

Thecoastguardshoutedthroughtheradio,interspersedwithstatic,andheprayed.
Heprayedlikeheneverhadbefore.
Justletmegohomeandseeher.
ButtheBeringSeachosethatmomenttoremindhimexactlywhowasincontrol.ChapterEighteen
Piperwokeuptoherphoneringing.
Sheblinkedatthedevice,thenathersurroundings.Whitewalls,navybedspread,beigechairangledinthecornerbyalamp.
Nostormsounds.Wasitover?

Theworldwasalmosteerilyquietaroundher,savethejanglingnotesofherringtone,butsheignoredthewindingsensation
inherstomach.Therewasaglowonthehorizonthattoldheritwasveryearlyinthemorning.Everythinghadtobefine
now,right?

TakingonefinalinhaleofBrendan’spillow,sheansweredhersister’scall.“Hey,Hanns.Areyouallright?”
“Yeah,I’mfine.Ijustgotbacktothebuilding.Whereareyou?”
Piper’scheeksfusedwithheat.“Brendan’s,”shesaidsheepishly.
“Oh.”Therewasalongpause.“Piper…”
Suddenlyalert,shesatup,shovingthefallofhairoutofherface.“What?”
“Idon’tknowanyofthedetails,okay?ButIranintooneofthecrewmembers’wivesonthewayback.Sanders?Allshesaidwas…there’sbeenanaccident.”
Herlungsfilledwithice.“What?”Shepressedahandbetweenherbreasts,pushingdown,tryingtoslowtherollickingpace
ofherheart.“Whatkindofaccident?”

“Shedidn’tsay.Butshewasupset.Shewasleavingforthehospital.”
“Which…?What?”Piperscrambledoffthebed,naked,thetowelhavingloosenedovernight.“Didshesayanythingabout
Brendan?”

“Justthathe’satthehospital.”
“What?”

“I’msurehe’sfine,Piper.Like…he’sbuiltlikeasemitruck.”
“Yeah,buthe’supagainstabodyoffuckingwaterandacyclone.Acyclone!”Shewasscreechingnow,offthebedandturningincircles,tryingtofigureoutwhattodo.Wheretostart.“Okay,okay,
I’mnothisgirlfriend.Ican’tjustgotothehospital,canI?”

“Pipes,I’dliketoseesomeonetryandstopyou.”
Shewasalreadynodding.Asusual,herlittlesisterwasright.Ifshestayedthereandwaitedfornews,shewouldgoabsolutely
insane.“Didshesaywhichhospital?”

“GraysHarborCommunity.Ialreadymappeditandit’shalfanhouraway.TheywerebroughttoahospitalinAlaskafirst,
thenflownbackhere.”

PiperyankedopenamiddledrawerinBrendan’sdresserandgrabbedthefirstshirtshecouldfind,thenranforthebathroom.
“Inahelicopter?OhmyGod,thisisbad.”Shemetherownwildeyesinthemirroroverthesink.“Ihavetogo.I’llcall
youinawhile.”

“Wait!Howareyougoingtogetthere?”
“I’mstealingBrendan’struck.Therehastobeasparekeyaroundheresomewhere.He’ssuchaspare-keyguy.”Herhandshook
aroundthephone.“I’llcallyou.Bye.”

IttookherfiveminutestoputonBrendan’sshirtandherhang-driedyogapantsfromthedaybefore.Shefoundasparetoothbrush
underthesink,useditinrecordtime,andrandownthestairswhilefinger-combingherhair.Aftershovingherfeetinto
herstill-soakedsneakers,shebeganhersearchforthetruck’ssparekey.Itwasn’tinanyofthejunkdrawersorhanging
fromanyconvenientpegs.WherewouldBrendanputit?

Tryingdesperatelynottodwellontheimageofhiminahospitalbedsomewhere,unconsciousandgravelyinjured,shejogged
tothekitchenandclimbeduponthecounter,runningherhandalongthetopofthecabinets.Jackpot.

Shewasoutthedoorafewsecondslater,sittinginthedriver’sseatofBrendan’sbig-asstruck.Anddammit,hisscentwas
there,too.Sostrongthatshehadtoconcentrateonpunchingthehospitalnameintohermapapp,cursingautocorrectevery
timeitswappedoutrightlettersforthewrongones.“Comeon,”shewhined.“Nottoday,Satan.”

Finally,shewasonherway,flooringitdownthequiet,empty,debris-strewnstreetsofWestportandontoanunfamiliarhighway.
Therewasnooneontheroads,andshehatedthat.Itmadelastnight’sstormseemevenmoreserious.Morelikelytocause
casualties.

Please,please,please.NotBrendan.
Okay,fine.Shewasn’tplanningongettingseriouswiththeman,butshereally,reallyneededhimtobealive.Ifsomeonethatvitalandenduringandstubborncouldbewipedoffthefaceoftheearth,whathopedidtherestofthemhave?
Sheusedhershouldertowipeawaythemoisturedrippingdownhercheeks.
NotgettingseriousaboutBrendan.
Right.
Ittookhertwenty-fiveminutestoreachthehospital,anditwasasquietastheroads.Therewereacoupleofcarsparked
outsideandasleepyadministratormanningthefrontdesk.“Sanders.Taggart,”sheblurted.

Thewomandidn’tlookupfromhercomputerscreenasshedirectedPipertothefourthfloor,noddingtowardtheelevatorbank
acrossthelobby.Uponenteringtheelevator,herfingerspausedoverthebutton.

ThefourthfloorwastheICU.
No.No.No.
Afterpressingthebutton,sheclosedhereyesandbreathed,inandout,inandout,allbutthrowingherselfthroughthe
doorswhentheyopened.Morelackofactivitygreetedher.Shouldn’tdoctorsandnursesberushingaroundtryingtosaveBrendan?
Herwetsneakerssquelchedonthelinoleumfloorofthedimhallwayasshemadeherwaytotheinformationdesk.Therewas
nobodythere.Shouldshewaitorjuststartcheckingrooms?

Anurseleftoneroomandrantoanother,aclipboardinherhand.
GoingtoseeBrendan?Wassomethingwrong?
Heartinherthroat,shecrepttowardtheroomwherethenursehadgone—
“Piper?”
ShewhirledatthesoundofBrendan’sdeepvoice.Andtherehewasinhissignaturejeans,beanie,andsweatshirt,thesleevespusheduptohiselbows.Abovehishead,thehallwaylightflickered,andbriefly,shewonderedifthatmeanthewasaghost.Butno.No,therewashisscent,thefurrowofhisdarkbrow,thatbaritone.Hewasthere.Alivealivealive.ThankGod.Hiseyesweresogreen.Hadsheevernoticedhowbeautifulashadetheywere?Theywereringedwithdarkcircles,buttheywereincredible.“Ohgood,”shecroaked,hisimagerapidlyblurring.“Y-you’reokay.”Shetriedtobesubtleaboutswipingthetearsfromhereyes.“Theyjustsaidthere’dbeenanaccident,soI…IjustthoughtIwouldcomecheck.Tobeneighborlyandall.”
“Neighborly.”
Hisraspyvoicesentahotshiverdownherspine.“Yes.Ievenbroughtyouyourtruck.”
Brendantookastepcloser,hiseyeslookinglessandlesstiredbythemoment.“Youwereatmyhouse?”
Shenodded,backedup,narrowlymissingasupplycart.
Hischestroseandfell,andhesteppedforwardagain.“Isthatmyshirt,honey?”
Honey.Why’dhehavetogoandcallherthat?“No,Ihaveonejustlikeit.”

“Piper.”
“Mmm?”
“Please.Pleasecomehere.”
***
Brendan’shearthammered,thetendonsinhishandsachingfromthestrainofnotreachingforher.She’dcometothehospital.Inhisclothes.Didsherealizetearswerespillingdownhercheeksandshewasshaking,headtotoe?No,shedidn’t.Basedonherflirtyshouldershrugsandattemptstowink,shethoughtshewasplayingitcool,anditmadehischestburn.
Thisgirl.He’dbekeepingher.Therewasnowayaroundit.
Therehadbeenamomentlastnightwhenhe’dthoughthisluckmighthaverunout,andthere’djustbeenimagesofher,flashing
backtoback,andhe’drailedattheunfairnessofmeetingPiperbutnotbeinggivenenoughtimetobewithher.Iftheyweren’t
attheoutsetofsomethingrealhere,hisgutwasafilthyliar.Ifhewashonestwithhimself,ithadbeentryingtotell
himPiperwouldbeimportantfromthesecondhesawherinherfloppyhatthroughthewindowofNoName.

“Piper.”
“Mmm?”
“Please.Pleasecomehere.”
Sheshookherhead,stoppedtryingtoputonabravesmile.“Why?Soyoucanputmeintherechargingstation?Youhavethe
mostdangerousjobinthecountry,Brendan.”Herlowerlipwobbled.“Idon’twantyourhugs.”

Hisbrowarched.“Rechargingstation?”
“That’swhatIcallit…”Stillbackingawayfromhim,sheflippedherhairback,sniffed.“Nevermind.”
“WhenIhugyou?”Fuck.Hisheartwasturningoverandoverlikeacarengine.“Myhugsareyourrechargingstation?”

“Stopassigningmeaningtomywords.”
Anobstructionformedinhisthroat,andhehadafeelinghe’dneverbeabletoswallowit.Notaslongasshelookedupathim,allbeautyandstrengthandvulnerabilityandconfusionandcomplications.“Ishouldhavecalled,butIleftmyphoneontheboatandit’sbeenhectictransportinghimhereonthehelicopter.Ididn’thavetimetofindanotherphone,andthenIworriedyou’dbesleeping.”Hepaused.“CanyoubemadatmewhileIkissyou,baby?It’sallI’vewantedtodoforthelasttwoweeks.”
“Yeah,okay,”shewhispered,reversingdirectionsandcomingtowardhim.Shejoggedthefinalstepandleapt.Hemadeagruff
sound,wrappinghisarmsaroundherastightaspossible,andliftedheroffthegroundwhenhertremblesincreased.

“No,honey.Noshaking.”Heplantedkissesinhairthatsmelledsuspiciouslylikehisshampoo.“I’mfine.I’mrighthere.”
Herfacepressedintothecrookofhisneck.“Whathappened?”
“Sandershasaconcussion.Badone.Awavesenthimslidingdownthedeck,andheclockedhimselfononeofthesteeltraps.
WegotbacktoDutchandtookhimtothehospital.”Herubbedcirclesonherback.“IleftFoxinchargeofbringingthecrab
tomarketandflewbackwithSandersthismorning.”

“Ishegoingtobeokay?”
“Yeah.Heis.”
Shenodded,wrappedherarmstighteraroundhisneck.“Andthehydraulicsystemworkedwellthewholetrip?Noproblemswith
theoilpressure?”

Withanexhaledlaugh,heangledhisheadbacktomeethereyes.“DidyoudoalittlegooglingwhileIwasgone?”
“Maybealittle,”shesaid,buryingherfacefartherintohisneck.“Areyousureyouwanttokissmewithmyeyesallred
andpuffy?”

Hefistedherhairgently,tugginguntiltheywerenosetonose.“Iespeciallywanttokissyouwithyoureyesallredandpuffy.”
Themomenttheirmouthscollided,Brendanknewhe’dmadeamistake.Heshouldhavewaitedtokissheruntiltheywerehome
inhisbed,becausetheuncertaintyofthelastelevendaysrearedbackandpunchedhim.ItdidthesametoPiper—hecould
feelit.

Shegaveabrokenmoanandopenedhersweetmouthforhim,herbreathcominginshortpantsalmostimmediately,justlike
his.He’dbarelyslidhistonguebetweenherlipswhenshegrippedhisshoulders,drewherselfhighagainsthischest,and
slungherlegsaroundhiswaist.AndJesus,he’dalreadybeenhalfwaytohard,buthiscocksurgedagainsthisflynow,swelling
likeamotherfuckerwhenshesettledthewarmgiveofhersexontopofhim,thedragoffrictionmakinghimcurse.Making
himwishtheywereanywherebutahospitalhallway,halfanhourfromhishouse
Still,hecouldn’tkeepfromkissingherlikehe’dbeendreamingofdoingeverynightsincehe’dleft,roughly,hungrily,
usinghisholdonherhairtoguideherleft,right,meetingherlipswithwideslantsofhisown,swallowingdownherlittle
whimpersliketheywerehislastmeal.God.God,shetastedsofuckinggood.Betterthananyportafterastorm.

Home.He’dmadeit.
“Piper,”hegrowled,takingtwostepsandflatteningheragainsttheclosestwall,hismouthrakingdownherdeliciousneck,
hislefthandslidinguptocuphertits.“Ican’tfuckyouhere,baby.Butthat’sexactlywhatI’mgoingtodoifwekeep
atitlikethis.”

Dazedblueeyesmethis,hermouthwetfromkissing.“Ineedyounow,”shesaidhoarsely,tuggingonthecollarofhisshirt.“Now,now,Brendan.Please,Ican’twait.”
Helearnedsomethingabouthimselfinthatmoment.Ifthiswomantackedtheword“please”ontoanyrequest,hewouldfind
awaytofulfillit
Buildmeapalace,please.
Howmanyfloors,baby?
Brendanwasalreadycarryinghertothedarkerendofthehospitalcorridorbeforeshefinishedphrasingherdemand.Thank
Christthefloorwasmostlyempty,becausenothingwasgoingtostophimfromgettinginsidehernow.Notwhenshewasscoring
hisneckwithherteeth,herthighsclingingtohishipslikeivy.Hestoppedinfrontofthefarthestdoorfromthemild
actioninSanders’sroom,lookedthroughtheglasstomakesuretherewasnobodyoccupyingit,thenbroughtherinside,capturing
hermouthinakissashewalkedthemtothefarsideoftheroom.Sherodeherpussyupanddowntherigidlengthofhim,
mewlingintohismouthandpullingathisshirt,andJesus,hewassoturnedon,theirsurroundingswereinconsequentialin
comparison.Still,hewouldn’thavesomeonewalkinginandseeingPiperinaprivatemoment—thatwasforhiseyesonly—so
heforcedhimselftofocus.Justlongenoughtomakeitright.

HesetPiperdownonherfeetandcalledonhiswillpowertotearhimselfawayfromhermouth.“Don’tmove,”hesaid,propping
heragainstthewall—yes,propped.Herlegsdidn’tappeartobeworking,andhellifhewasn’tgratifiedtoknowhewasn’t
sofaroutofpracticethathecouldn’tgetPiperhotandbothered.ThankGod.

Wantingtogethishandsbackonherassoonaspossible,hechargedtothedoorandshovedachairunderthehandle.Onhisreturntothefarsideoftheroom,heyankedthecurtainthatwouldblockthemfromview,incaseanyonewalkedpast.ThenhewasinfrontofPiper,framingherfaceinhishands,marvelingoverthefeverishurgencyinhereyes.Forhim.Lessthantwelvehoursago,he’dbeensurehisluckhadrunout,buthe’dbeenwrong.Itoverflowed.
Sheranherhandsupunderhissweatshirt,herfingernailsdraggingthroughhischesthair.“Willyoutakeyourshirtoff
forme?”shewhispered,scrubbingtheridgesofhisabdomenwiththeheelsofherhands.“Please?Iloveyourbody.”

“That’smyline,”hesaidunevenly,rockedbyherconfession.Yeah,hetookcareofhimselfandtheworkkepthisbodystrong
andable,buthewasadamnlongwayfromperfect.Notlikeher.Butashe’dalreadydiscovered,ifPipersaidplease,he
wouldcomply,andhedidsonow,tuggingoffthesweatshirtinonequickmove,findinghermouthassoonashisheadwasfree
ofthecollar.

Lipsseekingandwet,theirkissescalatedtothepointofnoreturnagain.Theybothwrestledwiththewaistbandofheryoga
pants,shovingthemdownpastherhips,loweruntilshecouldkickthemaway.Andthenshewasbacktoclimbinghim,herlithe
thighsskimminguptohiswaist,hishipspunchingforwardtogethiscockupagainsthersoftness,pinninghertothewall
intheprocess.

“Noticedwedidn’thavetogetanypantiesoff,”hesaidinbetweenkisses,findingherincredibleasswithbothhandsandkneadingherbunsalmostangrily,becauseJesus,thisthingdrovehimfuckingcrazy.“Youdrivehereinmytruckwithabarepussy,Piper?”
Shebithisbottomlip,tugged.“Sleptinyourbedwithit,too.”
“Christ.”Arumblestartedinhischest,didn’tstopuntilhe’ddrawnofftheborrowedshirtshewore,droppingittothe
ground,leavinghercompletely,blessedlynaked.Nakedandwrappedaroundhim,allmessymorninghairandeyespuffyfrom
cryingoverhim.Ifhiscockwasn’tthrobbingwithpain,hemighthavegottendownonhiskneesandworshipedher.Allthose
momentsontheboat,beggingtoseeheronemoretime,hadbeenwellfounded.Ifanything,heshouldhavebeggedharder,because
shewasasiren,anangelofmercy,andahornywomanallrolledintoone.Afuckingdream.

Andshewastryinglikehelltogettheflyofhisjeansopen.
Brendanaidedher,undoingthetopsnap,wincingasheloweredthezipperandhiscocksurged,fillingwithevenmorepressure
nowthatithadroomtobreathe.Itcrowdedintothenotchbetweenherlegs,andshewhimpered,diggingherheelsintohis
asstobringhimcloser—andhecame,grindingagainstherslipperyflesh.Onethrustandhe’dbehome.

That’swhentheworstpossiblethingoccurredtohim.
“Goddammit,Piper.”Hislifeflashedbeforehiseyes.“Idon’thaveacondom.”
Shepausedintheactoflayingkissesonhisneck,herbreathhitching.“You’relying.Pleasetellmeyou’relying.”
“I’mnot.Idon’tcarrythem.”Herheadfellbackonasob,andhecouldn’tstophimselffromlickingthesexylineofher
throat,catchinghisteethonherearlobe.“Ididn’tthinkI’dseeyou…”

Theirheadsturnedatthesametime,anotherkisspullingthemdeepdeepdeep,andhishipspumpedinvoluntarily,movingintheactoffucking,hisshaftslidingupandbackthroughthesmoothlipsofhersexwithoutbreachingherentrance.
“Brendan,”shepanted.
“Yes,baby.”
“Ihadaphysical.RightbeforeIleft.”Theybreathedhardagainsteachother’smouths.“I’mallclearandI’montheshot
andIjustneedyousobad.Sobad.”

Hedroppedhisfaceintoherneckandgrowled,reachedbetweenthemtofisthiserection.“I’mallclear,too.Piper,Jesus,
areyougoingtoletmefuckyoubare?”

“Yes.Yes.”
Shepurredthatsecond“yes,”andhisballscincheduppainfully,makinghimgrithisteeth,mentallyorderinghimselfnot
tocometoofast.Butwhenhenotchedhisfirstfewinchesinsideofherwetheat,itbecameobviouswhatachallengethat
wouldbe.“God,baby.God.”Herockeddeeper,andshegasped.“You’retighterthansin.”

Bythetimehefilledhercompletely,shewasshakinglikeafuckingleaf,andhehadtofocus,focusonstayingstill.Just
longenoughtoorganizehislust,garnersomesemblanceofcontrol,orhe’djusttakeherinafrenzy.Hejustneededaminute.
Justaminute.

“Rough,”shesobbed,herbackarchingoffthewall.“Wantyourough.”
Therewenthisminute.
Brendan’sfirstupwardthrustdroveherupthewall,andshechokedonascream,thosebeautifulblueeyesglazingover.Heclappedapalmoverhermouthandpumpedagain,harder,theireyesmeetingoverthecurveofhishand.Therewasacoilinginthedeadcenterofhischest,anditmusthaveregisteredonhisfacebecausesomethingflaredinhergaze.Arippleofpanicinthelakeofherlust.
Shepushedhishandawayslowly,herexpressionchanging.Hereyelidsdroppedtohalf-mast,andshelookedupathimthrough
theveilofthem,bitingherlip.“Doesthisfeelgood?”Rhythmically,shesqueezedhimwiththewallsofherpussy,humming
inherthroat,killinghimslowly.“Aremythighsopenwideenoughforyou,Captain?”

Hislegsalmostgaveout,butheheldon.Heldon,eventhoughpartofhimwassostarvedforreleasethathewastempted
tolethermakethisjustaboutsex.Eventhoughshe’dsleptinhisbed,worriedforhimenoughtoshowupatthehospital
crying.Buthewouldfightthisbattlewithherasmanytimesasittook.Untilsherealizedhewasn’tfallingforitand
therewasmorehere.Ahellofalotmore.

Brendangluedhismouthtoherearandstartedtofuck—hard—herlegsjostlingaroundhishipswitheveryviciousthrust.“Came
heretobeneighborly,Piper?IsthereanythingneighborlyaboutthewayI’mgivingyouthiscock?”

God,helovedthewayshewhinedhisnameinresponse.
“Iwasoutinthemiddleofafuckingstormthinkingaboutyou.Thinkingabouthowprettyyoulookinmygarden.Thinkingaboutyouwaitingformeattheendofmydock,inmyharbor.StandingthereinthesunsetsoIcantouchyoubeforeIeventouchland.”Heopenedhislipsonthepulseatherneck,razingthespotwithhisteeth,hishipsmovinginhardpunches.“Ithoughtaboutyourmouthandyoureyesandyourlegsandyourpussy.Ineverstopped.Nowyouknockthatphonyshitoff,baby,andtellmeyoumissedme.”
Sheinhaledhard,herfingerscurlingonhisshoulders.“Imissedyou.”
Abalmspreadoverhisheart,evenashisneed,hisurgency,wrenchedhigher,hotter.“Youcanwrapmeastightasyouwant
aroundthatlittlefinger,butIwon’tplaygamesaboutwhatthisis.Getme,Piper?”

Theireyeslockedjustbeforetheirmouthsdid.Theyknewthebattleofwillswasfarfromover,buttheirhungerwasgoing
toeclipseitfornow.Hetookholdofherassandheftedherhigheragainstthewall,jerkingherkneesupandproppingthem
onhiships.Heangledhimselfdeep,inwardandup,sohecouldhitthatspotinsideofher—andhewentatherhard.Herthroaty
whimperstoldhimtostayrightthere,keepdelivering,andhedid.Heputalockonthehotseedinsideofhimdyingtoget
looseandfocusedonthewayherfacechangedeverytimeheincreasedhispace.Itwentfromoptimistictoastonishedtodesperate.

“OhmyGod,Brendan,don’ts-stop.”Hereyeslostfocus,hernailsdiggingintotheskinofhisshoulders.“Harder.Harder.
You’regoingto…you’regoingtomakeme…”

“Everytime,Piper.”Outonthewater,he’dreplayedPiperhavinganorgasmwhilehelickedherclitonhiskitchentable
aboutathousandtimes,butfeelingithappenaroundhiscockflippedsomeprimalswitchinsideofhim,andheletloose,
pressingtheirforeheadstogetheranddrillingintohersweet,snugchannelthatwasalreadystartingtoconvulse.“Comeon,
baby.Let’shaveit.ShowmewhatIdotothathigh-maintenancepussy.”

HermouthformedanO,andshetightenedup,herhandsslappingathisshoulders—andthenshecrashed,herfleshripplingaroundhim.Shewrithedbetweenhimandthewall,fightingthepleasureandrequiringitatthesametime,hereyeswideandseeingnothing.“Brendan.JesusChrist.JesusChrist.Brendan.”

Hearinghisnameonherlipspushedhimpasthisbreakingpoint,andthesealrippedoffhisresistance.Thebottomofhis
spinetwisted,moltenlustimpactinghimlow,hard,moreurgentlythanhe’deverfeltanything.Piper’slegswentlimpright
ashecame,butsheheldontohimtightashebucked.Liftingherfeetofftheflooruntilthelastoftheunbelievablepressure
lefthim.Andhecollapsedagainsther.

“Holy…”shebreathedintohisneck.“Holyshit.”

Hisheartpoundedinhisjugular.“Couldn’tagreemore.”
Shepuffedadazedlaugh.
Hekissedhertemple,pulledbacktosearchhereyes.“Don’ttenseuponme,Piper.”
“I’mnotsureI’lleverbetenseagain,”shewhispered,herlidsfalling
Withachestfullofpride,Brendankissedherforehead,cheeks,mouth,thenkneltdownandkissedherbelly,pickingupher
borrowedshirtbeforestraightening.Hedroppeditoverherhead,helpingherputbotharmsthroughtheholes,andzipped
himselfbackintohisjeans.WithPiperstillleaningagainstthewallinastuporthathedefinitelydidn’tmind,hefound
aboxoftissues,pluckedoutahandful,andcleanedhisspendofftheinsidesofherthighs.

Thatlastpartwokeherup.“Icandothat,”shesaid,reachingforthetissuebox.
Hecaughtherwrist.“Ilikedoingit.”
“Brendan…”Herswallowwasaudible.“JustbecauseImissedyou…”
Thereitwas.“Yeah?”
“Well…”Shestoopeddownandcollectedherpants,draggingthemupherlegswithtremblinghands.“I—I’mworriedI’m
leadingyouon—”

“Jesus.”Helaughedwithouthumor,tookamomenttopullhissweatshirtoverhishead,andignoredthepinchinhischest.
“Icanonlyimaginewhatkindofidiotsyou’vedated,Piper.ButI’mnotoneofthem.I’magrown-assman,andIknowwhere
westand.Iknowyou’regoingtomakemeworkforyou,andI’mnotscaredofit.”

Hereyeswentmomentarilydreamy,butshesnappedoutofitfast.“Workforme?There’snothingtoworkfor!”
“Whatthehelldoesthatmean?”hebarked.
“Itmeans…”Shewrungherhands.“I’m…I’mnotavailabletobeyourgirlfriend.”
Brendansighed.Washeannoyed?Yes.Didhewanttobeanywhereelseintheworld?No.Andthatwasfuckingconfusing,but
apparentlyitwaswhatheenjoyednow.Beingconfusedandcharmedandpulledapartoverthiswoman.“Whatdoyouwanttocall
this,Piper?Let’scompromise.”

“Friendswithbenefits?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Hereachedout,cuppedherpussyroughlythroughtheLycraofheryogapants,teasingtheseamwithhismiddlefinger.“This
isahellofalotmorethanabenefit.”

Piperswayed.
Heremovedhishandquicklyandcaughther,gatheringherupagainsthischest.“Howaboutwecallourselves‘morethanfriends’?”
“That’stoobroad.Itcouldmeananything.”Sherubbedabsentcirclesonhischestwhilehecountedhereyelashes.“Married
peoplearemorethanfriends.”

Itwastoosoontoexaminewhyhelikedtheword“married”onherlipssomuch,right?“We’llgowith‘morethanfriends,’”
herumbled,kissingherbeforeshecouldprotest.Ittookherafewsecondstoparticipate,buttheirmouthsquicklyturned
breathless.Hebackedheragainstthewalloncemore,Piper’spalmmoldingtothefrontofhisjeanswherehiscockroseagain,
ready,desperateformoreofher—

“BrendanTaggart,pleasemakeyourwaytothefourth-floorinformationdesk,”cameatiredvoiceoverthePAsystem,repeating
itselftwicewhiletheyremainedfrozenmid-kiss.

“Fuck,”hegroundout,breathingthroughhisnoseandwillinghishard-ontosubside.Therewasnowayitwashappening,though,
soheadjustedhimselftobeasinconspicuousaspossible,thentookPiper’shandandtuggedhertowardthedoor.“Comewith
me.”

“Oh.”HelookedbackoverhisshouldertofindPiperpattingherhaphazardhairinawayhefoundadorable.“Um.Okay.”
Brendanmovedthechairhe’dbracedunderthedoorhandle,andtheywalkedsidebysideintothedimhospitalhallway.He
lookeddownather,tryingtopuzzletogetherhowshefeltaboutthelabel“morethanfriends.”Thisconversation,thiswar,
wasfarfromover,buthecouldn’thelpbutfeellikehe’dwonabattle,justgettinghertoholdhishandasifitwasthe
naturalthingtodo.You’renotgettingridofme,Piper
“Brendan?”
Thesoundofhisfather-in-law’svoicecausedahitchinhisstride.BrendantorehisattentionoffofPipertofindMick
loiteringbytheinformationdesk.“Mick.”

Hisfather-in-lawwentstill,dismaymarringhisfeaturesashesplitalookbetweenBrendanandPiper.Theirjoinedhands.
Piper’smessyhair.Andforafewseconds,Brendancouldn’tstaveofftheguilt.Notcompletely.Butonlybecauseheshould
havegonetoMick,toldthemanabouthisfeelingsforPiper.Blindsidinghim
Distractedbyhisregrets,hedidn’treactquicklyenoughtoPiperpullingherhandaway.
Hetriedtogetitback,butitwastoolate.
“Hey,Mick,”shesaidquietly,wettingherlips.
Mickdidn’trespond.Infact,heblatantlyignoredPiper,andBrendanfeltasurgeofanger.Thiswashisfault,though.He’d
missedacrucialstep,andnowheretheywere,inthisawkwardsituationthatcouldhavebeenavoided.Anddammit,thelast
thingheneededwastohandPiperanotherreasontokeepdistancebetweenthem.

“Ohgood,”saidasmilingnurse,steppingbehindthedesk.“Youfoundhim.”
“JustcametocheckonSanders,”Mickmumbled,jerkinghisthumbatnowhereinparticular.
“Oh,um.I’mgoingto…”Piperstarted.“I,um…YoucangetaridebackwithMick,right?”Shewouldn’tlookathim,
wasalreadyedgingtowardtheelevators.“HannahisprobablywonderingwhereIam.Ishouldheadhome.”

BrendanfollowedPiper,catchingherbytheelbowbeforeshecouldhitthecallbutton.“Stay.We’lldrivehometogether.”
“Stop.”Shebattedhischestplayfully,fallingbackonflirting.“YoutotallyhavetostayhereandmakesureSandersis
okay.I’lljustseeyoulater!”

“Piper.”
“Brendan,”sheechoed,mimickinghisseriousfacewhileherfingerdesperatelypunchedtheelevatorbutton.“It’sfine,okay?”
Whenhestillhesitatedtoletgoofherelbow,shelostherbravadoandbeggedhimwithhereyes.“Please.”

Withastiffnod,hewatchedherdisappearbehindthedoorsoftheelevator,alreadymissingtheweightofherhandinside
his.Hewantedtogoafterher,atleastkissherbeforeshedrovehome,buthadafeelingsheneededspace.Hejusthoped
theheadwaythey’dmadethismorningonthejourneyto“morethanfriends”hadn’tbeenerasedinamatterofminutes
Dutyandrespectpulledathim,sowhilehevowedtomakethingsrightwithPiperlater,heturnedonaheelandwenttoface
hisfather-in-law
MickputupahandasBrendanreachedhim.“Youdon’thavetoexplain,Brendan.Iknowyou’reayoungmanwithoatstosow.”
Herubbedatthebackofhisneck.“Notalotoffellaswho’dbeabletoignoreagirllikethat.”

“No.She’s…impossibletoignore.”He’dmadeitallofoneday,hadn’the?Less?Beforeshe’dstartedfeeling…inevitable.
Brendancouldn’thelpglancingbackattheelevator.Whenheturnedaround,Mickwasfixatedonhisringfinger.Thelack
ofhardwaresurroundingit,rather.ThelinesaroundMick’seyesturnedstarkwhiteandasheenfilledthem.

Brendanhatedthefeelingofdisloyaltythatburrowedunderhisskin.Logically,heknewtherewasnothingdisloyalabouthimpursuingPiper.Notatall.Butthismanwho’dtakenBrendanunderhiswing,madehimthecaptainofhisboat,andbeenadamngoodfriendandfatherfigure…shit,disappointinghimburned.ItwasrightthereonthetipofhistonguetoexplainthathewasseriousaboutPiper,notsowingoats,butMickseeinghe’dfinallytakenoffhisweddingringwasenoughforoneday.Hedidn’tneedtohitthemanoverthehead.NotwhenheprobablysawthelackofBrendan’sringasonemorepieceofhisdaughterbeingchippedaway.
HeclappedMickontheshoulder.“Let’sgocheckonSanders,allright?”
Mick,obviouslygratefulforthechangeofsubject,nodded,andtheywalkedsidebysidetothewingwhereSanderswashealing.ChapterNineteen
Piperdraggedherselfupthestepstotheapartmentandunlockedthedoor.Outofconcernforhergrowlingstomach,she’d
stoppedforcoffeeandbreakfastontheridehome,makingitclosetonoon.She’dalreadytextedHannahtoletherknowBrendan
andthecrewwerefine,thenpromptlyignoredallthefollow-upquestionsabouthowthingswentatthehospital.Because…
howdidthingsgoatthehospital?

Stillnotinpossessionofconcreteanswers,shetrudgedintotheapartmentcarryingacinnamondolcelatteforHannah,half
expectinghersistertobeworkingattherecordshop,butHannahwaslyingonthetopbunk,obligatoryheadphonesoverher
ears,wailingaboutasimpletwistoffate.

Piperknockedontheframeofthebunkbed,andHannahyelped,shootingupintoasittingpositionandknockingtheheadphones
ontothecradleofherneck.Herstartledexpressionturnedquicklytodelight.“Oooh.Forme?”

Piperhandedhersisterthecup.“Hmm.”
Hannahraisedaneyebrowwhiletakingasip.“Youlook…differenttoday.”
“Itookashowerlastnightandsleptwithwethair,”Pipermurmuredabsently,sittingdownonthebottombunk.Shestaredatthefarwalloftheapartment—whichwasactuallyquitenear—andtriedtoprocessthelastfewhours.

Hersisterhoppeddownfromthetopbunk.“Piper.”Shesnuggledclose,nudgingPiperintheribswithanelbow.“You’retoo
quiet.Talktome.”

Piperpressedherlipstogetherandsaidnothing.
“Oh,comeon.”
Silence.
“Startsmall.Somethinginnocuous.Howwasthedrive?”
“Idon’tremember.”Unabletokeepacertainpieceofnewstoherselfanylonger,thoughshewouldprobablyregretsharing
atalaterdate,PiperreachedoverandclutchedHannah’sknee.“Hannah,he…hegavemeavaginalorgasm.”

Hersisteralmostdroppedhercoffee.“What?Like…youclimaxedjustfrompenetration?”
“Yes,”Piperwhispered,fanningherface.“Itwaslike,Ithought…maybe?Andthen…noway.Butthen,yes.Yes,
yes,fuckingyes.Againstawall.Awall,Hanns.”Sheclosedhereyesandadded,“Itwasthemostwonderfulsexofmylife.Andhedidn’tevenbreakasweat.”

“Oh,Piper.”Hannahshookherhead.“Youaresofucked.”
“No.”Piperthrewhershouldersback.“No,Iescapedwithouttoomuchdamage.Hegotmetoadmitwe’remorethanfriends,
buttherewasminimalcuddlingandwehavenoplanstoseeeachotheragain.I’lljustavoidhimforawhile.”

HannahlungedtoherfeetandturnedonPiper.“Whatareyouscaredof?”
Pipersnorted.“I’mnotscared.”
Andshewasn’t.Wasshe?Thisconstantweightinherbellywastotallynormal.AswasthecertaintythatBrendanwouldeventuallyrealizetherewereathousandothergirlsjustlikePiperBellinger;shewasdefinitelynotthekindofgirlforwhomamankeptaringonforsevenyears,that’sforsure!
Shewasjustanexoticbirdinthissmall,uneventfultown,andhe’drealizethateventually.
Orhewouldn’t.
Thatwasevenmoreterrifying.

Whatifhisfeelingsforherwereactuallygenuine?Shecouldn’tfightherownmuchlonger.Theyweregettingworsebythe
day.She’ddrivenlikeabatoutofhelltothehospital,alreadyhalfinmourning.Sickwithit.Andthejoywhenhe’darrived,haleandhearty.MyGod,shewasalmostexhaustedthinkingaboutthegymnasticsherhearthaddone.

Ifthesefeelingsgotdeeperanddeeperonbothsides…thenwhat?
ShestayedinWestport?
“Ha!”
Hannahuncappedhercoffeeandtookalongswig,swallowing.“Yourealizeyou’rehavingaconversationinsideyourownhead,
right?Ican’thearit.”

“I’mnotstayinghere,”Piperbreathed,herheartfeatheringinherthroat.“Hecan’tmakeme.”Sheyankedherphoneoutof
herpocket,tappinguntilshearrivedatInstagram,scanninghercolorfulfeed.Thesepicturesandtheeffortlesslifestyle
theyrepresentedseemedalmostforeignnow—trite—andthatwasscary.Diditmeanshewasactuallyconsideringanewpath?Oneshedidn’tdocumentforthesakeofadoration,albeitphony?HerdailylifeinWestportwasfulfillinginawaysheneverexpected,butshewasstillanoutsiderhere.InLA,herfitwasseamless,atleastoutwardly.ShewasgoodatbeingPiperBellinger,socialite.WhetherPipercouldbeafixtureinWestportremainedtobeseen.
Sheheldupherphone,facingthestreamofpicturestowardHannah.“Forbetterorworse,thisgirliswhoIam,right?I’m
gettingsofarawayfromthisPiper.Sofast.”

“Okay,”Hannahsaidslowly.“DoesBrendanmakeyoufeellikeyouneedtochange?”
Piperthoughtaboutit.“No.Heevencalledmypussyhighmaintenance,likeinagoodway.Ithinkhelikesmelikethis.It’shorrible.”

“Yeah,itsoundsliketheworst.Whatistherealproblem,Piper?”
Piperexploded.“Hannah,Iwasscaredshitlesslastnight!”
Hersisternodded,sobering.“Iknow.”
“Andhe’snotevenmyboyfriend.”
“Yet.”
“Rude.”Shebrandishedherphone.“Thisgirlisnot…strongenough.Toworrylikethisallthetime.Tolovesomeone
andlosethem,likeMomandOpallostHenry.I’mnotcutfromthatcloth,Hannah.Igotofuckingpartiesandpushbathing
suitbrands.Idon’tknowwhoIaminWestport.”

Hannahclosedthedistancebetweenthem,wrappingherarmsaroundPiper.“Wow.Avaginalorgasmandapsychologicalbreakthrough
inthesameday.Youmustbetapped.”

“Iam.I’mexhausted.”ShereturnedHannah’shug,droppingherforeheadunceremoniouslyintohersister’sneck.ShethoughtofMick’sfacewhenhesawherholdingBrendan’shandandcringedinwardly.Honestly,shewasn’tevenreadytotellHannahaboutthatmoment.Howlowshe’dfelt.Notnecessarilyahome-wrecker,but…aninterloper.Anoutsider.WhodoesthisLApartygirlthinksheis,cominginhereandtryingtofilltheshoesofaborn-and-bredfisherman’swife?
Piper’sphonedinged.
Whowasthat?
Itcouldn’tbeBrendan.He’dlefthisphoneontheboat.Andnoneofherfriendshadreachedoutwithsomuchasahellosince
she’dlefttheBel-Airzipcode.

Sheheldupthescreen,andasmilebloomedacrossherface.“Oh,thisisexcellentnews.”
HannahdroppedherarmsawayfromPiper’sneck.“Whatisit?”
“It’sFridaynightandourgrandmotherisfinallyreadytoparty.”
***
Neveronetotakepartyinglightly,Piperwastednotime.
Sheshowered,coiffeduntilherhairlookedpresentable,carefullyappliedhermakeup,andventuredpurposefullytowardthe
harborwithagarmentbagcontainingaselectionofdresses,includingoneforherself.Opalwaspetite,andwithalittle
last-minutestitching,Piperwouldhaveherlookinglikeabossbitchinnotime.

ThesecondOpalopenedthedoor—wearingaseriouslycutelavendershortierobe—Pipercouldtellshewashavingsecondthoughts.“Nope.”Pipercutheroffwithakiss,rightonthemouth.“Everyonegetspre-partyjitters,Opal.Youhearme?Everyone.Butwedon’tletthatstopus,dowe?No.Wepersevere.Andwegetdrunkuntilwefeelnothing.”
Visiblybolstered,Opalnodded,thenwentstraighttoshakingherhead.“I’malightweight.I’vebeendrinkingnothingbut
coffeesincethenineties.”

“Sad.Butthat’swhyweusetheBellingermethod.Oneglassofwaterbetweeneachalcoholicdrink.Thenapieceoftoastand
twoAdvilbeforebedtime.Soaksitrightup.You’llbeabletorunamarathontomorrowmorning.”

“Ican’trunonenow.”
“Iknow.That’showwellitworks.”
Opalguffawed.“Sinceyoustartedvisitingme,Piper,I’velaughedmorethanIhaveindecades.Hannahwasn’tabletomake
it?”

“No,shehadashiftattherecordshop.Butshesendsakiss.”
Hergrandmothernoddedandtransferredherattentiontothegarmentbag,missingtheunexpectedmoisturethatdancedinPiper’s
eyes.“Well,darling.Let’sseewhatyougot.”

ItonlytookthreehourstotransformOpalfromgrievingsemi-hermittoaladyabouttown.AfterPiperaddedsomestyling
moussetotheolderwoman’shairanddidhermakeup,Opalchoseherdress.

Clearly,shehadtaste,becauseshewentstraightforthepuff-sleevedVersace.
“Thestudenthasbecomethemaster,Grandma.”
Opalstartedalittleatthetitle,andPiperheldherbreath,too.Ithadslippedoutunplanned,butfeltoddlynatural.
Finally,OpalsurgedforwardandwrappedPiperinahug,holdingtightafewmomentsbeforesteppingbacktostudyher.“Thank
you.”

Pipercouldonlynod,thankstothelogjammedinherthroat,watchingOpalasshesweptofftothebedroomtochange.Surprisedtofindherfingerstrembling,Pipersloughedofftheleggingsandsweatershe’dwornforthetripover,zippingherselfintoagreen-and-blackzebra-stripedminidressfromBalmain.Musclememorykickedin,andsheliftedherphonetotakeaselfie,noticingwithastartthatshehadatextfromBrendan.
Wanttoseeyoutonight.
Waveafterwaveofflutterscoursedthroughhermidsection.God,shelovedhowhegotrighttothepoint.Nogames.Nobeating
aroundthebush.JustThisiswhatIwant,baby.Nowit’syourturn.
DidshewanttoseeBrendan?Yes.Undeniablyyes.Morethanthat,shewantedtobeseenbyhimlookinglikethis.Wantedto
watchmaleappreciationdrawhisfeaturestightandknowwithabsoluteconvictionhewasthinkingabouthavingsexwithher.
Anditwouldbesomucheasiertoplayitcoolinherbattlearmor,surroundedbywitnessesinabar.Westport’snightlife
mightnotbeexactlywhatPiperwasusedto,butitwasclosertoherenvironmentthanabarunderconstructionorahospitalwithbadlighting.

Sheneededtofeellikeherself.Neededareminderofheroldlife.
Thelifeshewasgoingbackto.Soonerratherthanlater.
Toooftenlatelyshe’dbeenthrownoff-kilterbyherfeelings.Orthesituationshefoundherselfin,overathousandmiles
fromhome.Friendless,afishoutofwater.

Brendan,sinceshe’dmethim,hadmadeitimpossibleforhertokeepupapretense.She’dneverbeenabletobeanythingbuthonestwithhim.Scarilyhonest.Buthewasn’tstandinginfrontofhernow,brimmingwithallthatintensity,washe?AndLAPiperwasrattlingherhinges,demandingtobeappeased.ThatPiperwouldn’ttextbackthatshewantedtoseehimtonight,too.Uh-uh.She’dleaveabreadcrumbanddanceoffinaflash
ofstrobelights.

Headingoutforthenight.MaybecatchyoulaterinBlowtheManDown.xo
Threelittledotspoppedup,lettingherknowBrendanwaswritingback.
Thentheywentaway.
Shepressedahandtoherstomachtocounteractakickofexcitement.
Opalwalkedoutofthebathroomlookinglikeacertifiedsnack.
“Well?”
“Well?”Pipergavealowwhistle.“Lookout,Westport.There’sastone-coldfoxontheloose.”
***
Piper’soneandonlyexperienceinBlowtheManDownhadbeenlessthanstellarandwalkingthroughthedooragainwasnerve-racking.
Buttonightwasn’tjustaboutremindingherselfofoldPiper;itwasaboutbringingthiswomanshe’dreallycometolikeout
ofhershell.

OpalhadherarmlinkedthroughPiper’sastheyenteredthenoisybar.Fishermenoccupiedthelongrowofstoolsneartheentrance,toastinganotherweekcompletedoutonthewater.Andthesurvivaloflastnight’sstormseemedtogivetheatmosphereanaddedbuoyancy.Bartendersdroppedpintsinfrontofmostlyoldermen,theirfriendsandwives.Noonewassmoking,butthescentofcigarettesdriftedinfromoutsideandclungtoclothes.NeilYoung’svoicewovethroughtheconversationsandlaughter.
Opalbalkedassoonastheysteppedoverthethreshold,butPiperpattedherarm,guidingherthroughthemoreboisterous
sectionofthebar,towardtheseatingareaintheback.Lasttime,she’donlystoodatthebarlongenoughtoorderthat
fatefultrayofshots,butithadbeenenoughtimetogetthelayoftheland.Andshewasrelievedtoseethetablesinthe
rearofBlowtheManDownwereoccupiedbywomenagaintonight.SomeofthemwereOpal’sage,otherswereclosertoPiper’s,
andtheywerealltalkingatonce.

AcoupleoftheolderwomennudgedeachotheratOpal’sappearance.Onebyone,thedozenorsoladiesstartedtonoticeher.
Forlongmoments,theystaredatherwithmouthsagape—andthentheyallambushedheratonce.

“Opal,”saidakind-lookingwomanwitharedbob,risingtoherfeet.“You’reout!”
“Andlookinglikehotshit!”insertedanother.
Laughterrippledoverthetables,andPipercouldsenseOpal’spleasure.“Well,Ihaveafancystylistnow,”Opaltoldthem,
squeezingPiper’sarm.“Mygranddaughter.”

Westportwasasmalltown,anditwasobvioussomeofthewomenalreadyknewtheBellingersistershadtakenupresidence,
aswellastheirfamilialconnectiontoOpal,whileotherswerevisiblyconnectingthedotsandmarveling.Eitherway,the
groupasawholeseemedsurprisedtoseethemouttogetherandlookingsoclose.
“Isthere…roomfortwomore?”Opalasked.
Everyoneshuffledatonce,draggingchairsoverfromothertables.Opal’seyesheldasuspiciouslusterwhenshelookedupatPiperandletoutabreath.“It’slikeIneverleft.”
Piperleanedoverandkissedhercheek.“Whydon’tyougositdown.I’llgograbussomedrinks.Tequilaforyou,right?”
“Oh,stop.”Opaltappedherarmplayfully.“StoliandSevenwithtwolimes,please.”
“Damn,”Pipermutteredwithasmile,asOpalwalkedoff.Theolderwomanclaimedachairandwasimmediatelyheapedwithwell-deserved
attention.“Ihaveafeelingyou’llbejustfine.”

PiperboughtaroundofdrinksforherandOpal,takingaseatbesideher.Afterhalfanhourofeasyconversation,theevening
appearedtobeshapingupasalow-keyladyhangout.UntiloneofthetwentysomethinggirlsboughtPiperadrinkinexchange
forabeautyconsultation.Really,thedrinkhadn’tbeennecessary.Shewashappytodoleoutadvicebasedonthegirl’sskin
toneandovalfaceshape…butthenanothergirlslappeddownashotinfrontofPiper,wantingtoknowherbeautyregimen.
Anothertradedalemondropfortipsondressingsexywhenitwasalways“balls-asscoldandraining”inthewinter.

Andthenitallwentdownhillfromthere.
***
“It’sallaboutswagger,”Pipershoutedoverthemusicanhourlater,aneyesquintedsoshewouldonlyseeonesetofpeople,
insteadoftwo.

Unlessthereweretwosets?Whendidtheygetthere?
Shetriedtorememberwhatshe’dbeensayinginthefirstplace.Hadallofitbeenaslurredmess?Butno,thegirlswho’dpushedtablestothesidetocreatearunwaydownthebackofBlowtheManDownwerelisteningtoherwithraptfocus.Deliver,Piper.“You,me,allofus,ladies.Wewieldthepower.”Shethrewoutafingeraimedatthebarfullofmen.“Theyknowit.They
knowweknowit.Thesecretistoshowthemweknowthattheyknowthatweknow.Doesthatmakesense?”

Achorusofyeseswentup,followedbytheclinkingofglasses.
“Watchmewalk,”Pipersaid,pushingherhairbackoverhershouldersandstruttingalongthefloorboards,turningonadime
attheendofhermakeshiftrunway.Notherbestwork,butprettydecentafterfour,maybeeightdrinks.“Lookatmyface.
It’slike,Idon’thavetimeforyourshit.I’mbusy.I’mliving!”

“Isthisgoingtogetmelaid?”onegirlasked.
Pipergrabbedthegirl’sfaceandstaredintohersoul.“Yes.”
“Ibelieveyou.”
“Hey,Piper.”Anothergirlstumbledintoview.Orwasshetwins?“LaborDayiscomingup.Weshouldhaveapartyandtryout
themakeuptips.”

“Ohmygosh,”Piperbreathed,thebest/worstideabreakingthroughherdelightfuldrunkenness.“Ishouldthrowtheparty.
Iownabar.”

“Hey,everyone!PiperisthrowingaLaborDayparty!”
Thecheersweredeafening.
“Showusthewalkagain!”
Pipertookashotsomeoneofferedher.“Screwthat!Let’sdance!”ChapterTwenty
BrendanleanedagainstthewallofBlowtheManDown,armscrossed,aquietsmileonhisfaceashewatchedPiperweaveher
magicovereveryoneinhervicinity.

Shewasshit-faced—andadorable.
EveryonewhospoketoPipergotherundividedattentionandwalkedawaylikeshe’djustimpartedthesecretsoftheuniverse.
Sheforgedconnectionstopeople,damnnearinstantaneously,andtheylovedher.Didsherealizeshewasdoingit?

SomeoneshoutedatthebartendertoplayBeyoncé,andtableswereshovedevenfartheroutoftheway,transformingthespace
fromPiper’spersonalrunwaytoadancefloor,andallhecoulddowasstandthereandwatchher,hispulsethickening—along
withanotherpartofhisanatomy—atthewaysheworkedherhips,armslooseandcarelessoverherhead,eyesdreamy.Shewas
drawingattentionfromalotofmenatthebar,andfrankly,hedidn’tlikeit,butPiperwasthegirlhe’dfallenfor.Being
jealouscamewiththeterritory.

Piperwentstillonthedancefloor,afrownmarringherforehead,and,asifshe’dfinallysensedhispresence,turnedtolookdirectlyathim.Andwhenherfacetransformedwithpurejoyandshewavedenthusiastically,Brendanknewhelovedher.
Godknew,ithadhappenedfast,buthe’dbeenincapableofputtingthebrakeson.
Notwhenshewasthedestination.
Hismouthturneddry,buthemanagedtowaveback.
Thiswasn’tanyemotionhe’dexperiencedbefore.Notlikethesimplecompanionshipofhismarriage.Notlikethelove/hate
bondhehadwiththeocean.WhathefeltforPiperturnedhimintoayoungmaninthethroesofhisfirstinfatuation,while
alsocallingonthedeepestrootsofhismaturity.Inotherwords,tokeepthiswoman,he’dstepupanddowhateverittook,
buthisfuckingheartwouldberacingthewholetime.

HecouldputeveryounceofhiseffortintokeepingPiper,andshestillmightleave.Coulddanceoffintothesunsetata
moment’snoticeandgobacktoherextravagantlife,leavinghimreeling.Andthatterrifiedhimthemost.

ButBrendandeterminedlysetasidethosedarkthoughts.Becauseshewascomingtowardhimnow,allflushedfromliquorand
dancing,andhesimplyopenedhisarms,trustingshe’dwalkstraightintothem.Hiseyesclosedautomaticallywhenshedid,
hismouthtracingherhairline,plantingkisses.Christ,shefitagainsthiminawaythatmadehimfeelprotective,ready
toactashershield,whilealsomakinghimhard,hungry.

“You’rehere,”shemurmuredhappily,goinguponhertoestosniffhisneck.
“OfcourseI’mhere,baby.”
“Sandersisokay?Thecrewmadeitback?”
“Sandersishome,”heburredagainstherear,warmedbyherworryforhismen.“Therestofthem,too.Theyreachedtheharborjustalittlewhileago.”
“I’msoglad.”Shesentanaccusatorylookoverhershoulder.“Theseunscrupulouslocalwomenmademedrunk.”
“Icanseethat.”Hislipstwitched,hishandrubbingcirclesinthecenterofherback.“Youwanttodancesomemore,or
canIbringyouhome?”

“Whereishome?”
“Withme.”
“Mmmm.”Shelookedupathimthroughoneeye.“Idon’thavemywitsaboutme,Brendan.Youcan’tuseanythingIsaytonight
againstme.It’sallawash.”

“Okay,Ipromise.”
“Good,becauseImissedyou.Again.”Shekissedhischin,workedherwayaroundtohisear,whinedagainstitinawaythat
madehiscockstiffen.“Thismorningwithyouwasthebest,best,bestsexofmylife.”

Shesaiditrightasthemusiccutout.
Everyoneatthebarheardit.

AcoupleofmensalutedBrendanwiththeirpints,butthankfullydrunkPiperwasnonethewiseraboutherpublicconfession.
Andhell,havingPipereffectivelytelleveryoneinWestporttheyweresleepingtogether—andthatsofarhe’dbeengreatat
it—wasonewaytoappeasehisjealousy.

Themusicstartedagain,butshedidn’tseemcompelledtodoanythingbutstandthereandhughim,whichsuitedhimdownto
theground.“HereIam,onceagain,intherechargingstation!”Pipersang,gigglingtoherself.“Ilikeithere.It’ssowarm.You’reabighardteddybearfromthesea.
Liketunafromthesea,butwithabear.”

Brendan’slaughturnedheads.“IlikedrunkPiper.”
“Youshould.Ihavezeroinhibitionsrightnow.”Shesmelledhisneckagain,kisseditonce,twice.“Orwhatevernumberis
lessthanzero.”

Heranahanddownherhair.“AllI’mdoingtoyoutonightisputtingyouinbed.”
“Ooh,doIgettosleepintherechargingstation?”
Hisheartwaslivinginhisthroat.“Yeah,honey.Youcansleepiniteverynight.”
Shesighedcontentedly.
“Onmywayover,IsawHannahwalkinghomeandstoppedofftograbyouanovernightbag.”
“Thatwasniceofyou.”Inaninstant,herexpressionwentfromswoonytoworried.“ButBrendan,whatifI’mpotpie?”
“What?”
“Youtookabiteofme,andevenifyoudecideyoudon’treallylikeme,you’regoingtobenobleandeatthewholething.
Youcan’tdoanythinghalfway.It’sallornothing.IfI’mpotpie,youhavetotellme.Youcan’tjustkeepeatingandeating
and…I’mdrunkerthanIthought.”

Yeah,shemightbedrunk,butherworrywasgenuine.Herforlorntoneofvoicemadethatobvious,andittroubledhim.Not
becausetherewasevenachanceitmightbevalid—shewasawoman,notafuckingpie.Herworrybotheredhimbecauseshedidn’t
feelsecure.Yet.Andheneededtofindawaytofixit.

“Let’sgohome,”hesaid.
“Okay.LetmejustmakesureOpalhasaride.”
Pipertrottedofftoconferwithagroupofwoman,huggingeachofthemmultipletimesbeforemakingherwaybacktohisside.Brendanwrappedanarmaroundhershouldersandguidedheroutofthebar.He’dparkedhistruckneartheentrance,andheunlockeditnow,boostingPiperintothepassengersideandbucklingherin.Whenheclimbedintothedriver’sside,herheadwaslollingontheseat,andshewasstudyinghim.“We’regoingtotalkaboutwhatyousaid.Inthemorning.Whenyou’reclearheadedandyou’llrememberwhatIsayback.”
“That’sprobablyagoodidea.I’mfeelingveryshare-yrightnow.”
“I’mtemptedtoletyoushare,soIknowwhatI’mupagainst.ButIdon’twantyoutellingmethingsandregrettingittomorrow.”
Shewassilentashepulledontotheroadandtookthefirstright.“Youtalkaboutbeingwithmelikeit’sabattle.”
“Itis,inaway.ButI’mgratefulI’mtheonefightingit.”
Hecouldfeelherstudyinghisprofile.“You’reworthfightingfor,too.IfyougotbanishedtoLAforthreemonths,Iwould
pulloutallthestopstokeepyouthere.”Shepaused.“Nothingwouldwork,though.It’snotrealenoughforyou.You’dhate
it.”

“‘Hate’isastrongword,honey.Youwouldbethere.”
“Eh.”Shewavedahand.“Therearethousandsofmethere.”
Brendansnortedatherjoke.Andthenherealizedshewasserious.
“Piper,thereisnobodylikeyou.”

Shesmiledlikeshewashumoringhim.
“Piper.”

Shelookedstartledbyhistone.“Whoa.What?”
Hepulledthecarontothesideoftheroad,slammedonthebrakes,andthrewitintopark.“Didyouhearme?”Hereachedovertotiltupherchin.“Thereisnobodylikeyou.”
“Whyareyougettingsoworkedup?”
“BecauseI…”Herakedahandthroughhishair.“IthoughtIwasanintuitiveman.Asmartman.ButIkeepfindingout
newwaysI’mflyingblindwhenitcomestosomethingsoimportant.You.Youareimportant.AndIthoughtyouwerejustscaredofcommitment.Ordidn’tthinkyoucouldbelonginWestport.Butit’smore
thanthat,isn’tit?YouthinkIhavesomekindofpassinginterestinyou?Likeitcouldjustchangelikethewind?”

“Everyoneelsedoes!”Hereyesflashed.Withpain,withirritation.“Notjustguys.Myfriends,mystepfather.I’mthisseason’s
color,indemandtoday,onthesalesrackinMarshallstomorrow.I’mjust…momentary.”

“Nottome.”God,hewantedtoshakeher,kissher,shakehersomemore.“Nottome.”
Shejerkedherchinoutofhisgrip,flouncedbackagainsttheseat.“Canwejusttalkaboutthistomorrow,likeyousaid?”
Brendanslammedthecarbackintodrive.“Oh,we’regoingtotalkaboutit.”
“Good!MaybeI’llputtogethersometalkingpoints.”
“Metoo,baby.”
TheydrovepastNoName,andshemadeasmallsound.Sniffed.
“What?”heasked,softeninghistone.
“IwasrememberingthetimeyousentAbetonailthememoryfoamtothetopbunk.You’reactuallyreallythoughtfulandwonderful,
andIdon’twanttoarguewithyou.”

HealmostblurtedoutIloveyou,rightthenandthere,butbuttoneditupatthelastsecond.Themomentwastoovolatiletothrowthatconfessionintothe
mix,buthedidn’tthinkhe’dbeabletokeepitinsidemuchlonger.“Idon’twanttoarguewithyoueither,Piper.AllI
wanttodoisbringyouhome,putyouinoneofmyshirts,andfindoutifyou
Shegasped,someofthehumorreturningtohereyes.“Idon’t.”
“We’llsee.”
“DoyouhavetoastandAdvil?”
“Yes.”
Theypulledintohisdrivewayamomentlater.BrendangotoutandroundedthefrontbumpertoPiper’sside,smilingwhenshe
meltedoutintohisarms.Heheldherandswayedforafewbeatsinthedarkness,inwhathethoughtmightbeasilent,mutual
apologyforshoutingateachotheronthedrivehome.Andhewantedtodothisfortherestofhislife.Collectherfrom
anightoutwiththegirls,havehersoftandpliantagainsthim,beherman.

“You’renotevengoingtomakeoutwithmetonight,areyou?”Pipersaid,hervoicemuffledbyhisshoulder.“Youprobably
thinkyou’dbetakingadvantageofme.”

Brendansighed.“You’vegotitright.”
Shepoutedupathim.“That’sromanticandIhateit.”
“HowaboutIpromisetomakeupforittomorrow?”
“Canwenegotiateakissgoodnight?”
“IthinkIcanmanagethat.”
Appeased,shelethimbringherinside.Whilehemadehertoast,shesatperchedonhiskitchencounterwithaglassofwater,lookingsobeautiful,hehadtokeepglancingoverhisshoulder,checkingtoseeifshewasreal.Thathehadn’tdreamedherup.
“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”sheaskedafterswallowingabite.
“ThatIlikeyoubeinghere.”Hebracedhishandsonthecounter,droppedhismouthtoherbareknees,andkissedthem,in
turn.“ThatIlikedgoingintomybedroomtodayandfindingaPiper-sizedindentonmycomforter.”Athoughtoccurredtohim.
“Whendidyoucomeover?”

Shegulped.Didn’tanswer.
“Notwiththatstormgoingon.”Hisrighteyewasbeginningtotic.“Right?”
Pipersetdownhertoast,laidthebackofherhandagainstherforehead.Wobbleddramatically.“Ifeelkindoffaint,Brendan.
IthinkI’mfading.”

Withagrowl,hedrewheroffthecounter.Andwithherlegshookedaroundhiswaist,heleftthekitchenandcarriedher
upthestairs.“I’lladdittomylistoftalkingpointsfortomorrow.”

Shegroaned,herfingersplayingwiththeendsofhishair.“Tomorrowsoundslikeit’sgoingtobeasuper-sexygoodtime.”
“We’llgettothatafter.”
“Before.”
“After.”
“Beforeandafter.”

BrendansetPiperdownontheendofhisbed,rockedbytherightnessofhavingherthere.Emotioncrammedintohischest,butheturnedawaybeforeshecouldseeit.“Takeoffthatdress.”Heopenedhisdrawer,tookoutoneofhisfavorites—awhite,worn-inT-shirtwithgraysharborwritteninscriptinthemiddle.“Speakingofwhich,doyouevenownapairofjeans—”HeturnedbackaroundtofindPiper
sprawledoutonhisbedinaneon-purplethong.Andnothingelse.“Thatcan’tbecomfortabletosleepin,”hesaidhoarsely,
alreadyregrettinghisvowtogiveheragood-nightkissandnothingmore.

Sheraisedherknees.“Iguessyouhavetocomeoverhereandtakeitoff.”
“Christ.”Thefleshinhisjeansswelled,curvingagainsthiszipper,andheblewoutanunevenbreath.“Iftheoceandoesn’t
killme,youwill.”

Justlikethat,herkneesdroppedbackdown,herarmscominguptocrossoverherbreasts.Andmaybeheshouldn’thavebeen
shockedwhentearsrushedintohereyes,buthewas.Theymadehisthroatconstrict.

“God,”hesaidthickly.“Thatwasastupidthingtosay.”
“It’sokay.”
“No,it’snot.”HeliftedherupandpulledtheT-shirtdownoverherhead,holdinghertighttohischest.“It’snotokay.
I’msorry.”

“Wecanaddittothetalkingpointsfortomorrow,”shesaid,lookinghimintheeyelongenoughtomakehisheartbeattripletime,thentugginghimdownintothepillows.“Wantmykiss,”shemurmuredagainsthislips,pullinghimunderwithaslow,wetcomplicationoftongues,hersmooth,barelegswindingthroughhis,herfingerspullinghimcloserbythewaistbandofhisjeansuntiltheirlowerbodieswerelockedtogether,softagainsthard,managainstwoman.“Maybewe’realittlemorethanmorethanfriends,”shewhispered,tuckingherheadunderhischin.“Goodnight,Brendan.”
Hiseyelidsfelllikeshutters,hisarmspullinghercloser.
Iloveyou,hemouthedoverherhead.

Hedidn’tfallasleepforhours.ChapterTwenty-One
Homeysoundscamefromsomewhere.Drawersopeningandthuddingsoftly,barefeetonafloor,thesputteringofacoffeemaker.
Pipercrackedaneyeopenbutdidn’tmove.Shecouldn’t,becauseshe’dlosethesweetspotofwarmthandfluffybedclothes
andthescentofBrendan.Bestsleepofherlife,handsdown.She’dwokenupatsomepointduringthenighthavingtopee
andfoundherselflockedintotherechargingstation,Brendan’ssoftbreathsagainstthebackofherneck.Andshe’ddecided
toholdit.

Whatdidshesaylastnight?
Somethingaboutpotpies.
Shealsorememberedtryingtoseducehimandfailing.Womp.
Someshoutingontheridehome.
Nosex.
She’djusthavetogaugehismoodtofindoutifshe’dsaidordoneanythingirredeemablyembarrassing.Therewasagoodchance
shehad,becauseotherwisehewouldstillbeinbed,right?Like,hello.Hornylady.Righthere.

Piper’sbladderscreamedather,andshesatup,gratefultheBellingerMethodhadworked,andpaddedtothebathroom.Sheignoredthegooey,meltingsensationinherbellywhenshefoundhertoothbrushfromthemorningbeforewaitingbesideBrendan’sinthemedicinecabinet.Whereelsewashesupposedtoputit?
Withthetoothbrushinhermouth,shepickedupanunusedbottleofcologneandsniffed.Butitwasn’thimatall,andshe
couldn’timaginehimusingit.Otherthanthat,therewasonlyhisrazor,someshavingcream,anddeodorant.Hermedicine
cabinetathomewouldprobablymakehimbreakoutinarash,itwassojam-packed
Shefinishedbrushingherteeth,splashedsomewateronherface,finger-combedherhair,andheadeddownstairs…and…
andjackpot.

Brendanwasstandinginthekitcheninnothingbutblackboxerbriefs.
Pipercrowdedagainstthewallsoshecouldobservehimwithoutbeingdiscovered.Hewashunchedoverthekitchencounter
readinganewspaper,andgoodgravy,thethick,masculineropesofbackmuscleswereallshewantedforbreakfast.Howdare
hewiththosethighs?Didheusethemtoanchortheboat?Theyweregenerousandrippedand—

“Youwantcoffee?”heaskedwithoutlookingup.
“Aherm?”Piperblurtedloudly,comingtherestofthewaydownthestairs,veryawarethathewasinunderwearwhilesheworenothing
buthisT-shirtandathong.Andthenhepushedupfromthecounterandscratchedhishappytrail,andyes,shewasveryaware
ofthat,too.“Um,yes?Coffee,sure.Sure.”

Hehalfgrinned.“Okay.”
Shewrinkledhernoseathim.“Whatisthisextracockinessyouhavegoingon?”
Brendanpouredheracupofcoffee,preparingitexactlyhowshelikedit.“Youmighthavetoldmelastnightinthebarthat
Iwasthebest,best,bestsexofyourlife.”

Heatclimbedhercheeks.“Isaid‘best’threetimes,hmm?”
Afterhandingherthecoffee,heleanedbackagainstthecounterandcrossedhisankles.“Yousuredid.”
Shehidherwansmileinasipofcoffee.“IthinkImighthavealsobecomeaprofessionalbeautyconsultantlastnight.One
whogetspaidindrinks.”Moreandmorememoriesknittedtogether.“And,ohGod,IvolunteeredtothrowapartyonLaborDay
atthebar.”

“Whoops.”
“Ican’twaittotellHannah.”Shecuppedherhandsaroundthemug,enjoyingthewarmth.Notjustfromthedrinkitself,but
fromBrendan’skitchen.Thewayhelookedatherwithaffection,notarushintheworldtomoveorhurry.Whenhadshestarted
likingthosethings?Thesilencebetweenthemdidn’tneedtobefilled,butshewasthinkingtoomuch,soshediditanyway.
“Whowouldbuyyoucologne?”

Hisbrowarched.“Youmeantheoneinmycabinet?BirthdaygiftfromSanders.Hiswifepickeditout.Obviously.Hedidn’t
evenknowwhatitwasuntilIopenedit—andtheguys,theyraggedonhimformonths.Iprobablyjustkeepitbecauseitmakes
melaugh.”

“You’resoclosewiththem.Yourcrew.”
“Havetobe.Ourlives—”Hecuthimselfoff,takinganabruptsipofcoffee.
“Areinoneanother’shands?”Whenshesaidit,thememoryofhercryinginhisbedlastnightcamerollingbackinonatide.Thiswasprobablyit,then.Nomoresmokescreensorhidingorflirtingherwaytosafetywiththisman.Evenifshecouldn’trecalleverysinglesecondoflastnight,shecouldfeelthatthelayershadbeenstrippedaway.Byhishands.Hiswords.Hispresence.
“Anyway,it’snotthescentIwouldpickforyou.”
Interestlithisexpression.“Whatwouldyoupick?”
“Nothing.Youalreadyhavetheoceanonyourskin.Andit’snotlikeyoutoembellishwhat’salreadyworking.”Somethingheated
inhiseyesatherwords.Attheproofshe’dbeencataloguinghisfinerdetails?“ButifIhadtopickascent…something,
like,rainyandmossy.Toremindmeofyourgarden.Howearthyyouare.Howsubstantial.”Herattentionmeandereddownthe
lineofblackhairdisappearingintohisbriefs.“Howmale.”

Hischestroseandfellonashudder.“You’rereallymessingupmyplansforthemorning,Piper.”
“Whatwereyourplans?”
“TotakeyououtontheDellaRay.”

Thesmileblastedacrossherface.“What?Areyouserious?”

“Uh-huh.Beingoutonthewaterisgoodfortalking.”
“Oh,right.”Sherockedbackonherheels,herinitialexcitementtemperedbythereminderthatthereckoninghadarrived.
“Talkingpoints.”

“That’sright.”Herakedherwithablisteringlookthatturnedhernipplestotinglingpeaks.“NowIjustwanttotakeyou
backtobed,though.”

Herbreathingwentshallow.“Can’twedoboth?”
Hisregretwasobviouswhenheshookhishead.“NexttimeIfuckyou,Iwanttobesureyou’renotgoingtopullawayfrommeafterward.”
“AndIcan’tescapeonaboat?”
“Thatmighthavecrossedmymind.”
Shehuffedalaugh.Hewasreallyseriousabouther.Andshe’dgonehomewithhimlastnightknowingit.Asnaturalascould
be,likeshediditallthetime.That’showitfeltbeingcollectedbyBrendanandsleepinginhisarms.Expected.Inevitable.

Damnhim.
TherewasachanceshemightbeseriousaboutBrendan,too.
Howhadthishappened?
“Justsowe’reclear,”shesaid,settingdownhercoffeemug.“Youarewithholdingsex.”
“No,I’mnot.”Hisjawflexed.“I’llfuckyoufacedownoverthatcounter,Piper.Ifsexisallyouwant,I’llgiveittoyou.
ButIwantmore.”Hisvoicebrookednononsense.“Youdo,too,oryouwouldn’thavecomehereinthemiddleofastormand
sleptinmybed.Don’teverdothatagain,bytheway.Ineedtoknowyou’llbesafewhenI’mnothere.”

“I’mastrongrunner!”
Hegaveadubiousgrunt.
“Fine,”shesaid,voiceirregular.“We’lltalk!”
“Good.Wheneveryou’reready.”
Lostinaseaofemotionalvulnerability,sheutilizedherbestphysicalweapon,strippingoffhisshirtandtossingittohim.Thenshemarchedoutofthekitchenandupthestairsinnothingbutherthong,knowingfullwellhe’dwatchherthewholeway.Ifhewasgoingtodemandshelethimincompletely,shedallofherdefenses,she’dmakesureitwasalongdayforthemboth.
***
AstheDellaRaybackedoutofitsslipintothemouthoftheharbor,itbecameobvioustoPiperthattheboatwasanextensionofBrendan
himself.Andthetimehespentonlandwasjustfiller.Hesatinthecaptain’schairwitheasycommand,confidentinevery
movement,thewheelslidingthroughhisreadyhands,hiseyesvigilant.Framedinthehazysunlight,hecouldhavebeenfrom
pastorpresent.Amanandtheocean.Timeless.

Piperwatchedhimfromthereliefskipper’sseat,hercheekpressedtothewoodpanelingofthewheelhouse,neverhavingfelt
saferinherlife.Physically,anyway.Thehumoftheenginebeneathposedanominouswarningtothetremblingorganinher
chest.

“Howfaroutarewegoingtogo?”
“Fiveorsixmiles,”hesaid.“I’lldroptheanchorsandgiveyouatour.Soundgood?”
Shenodded,findingherselflookingforwardtoit.Watchingthismanmoveinhisnaturalhabitat.Ithadthemakingsofcapability
pornalloverit.Andmaybeifsheaskedenoughquestions,theycouldavoidhavingthetalkofalltalks.

Yeah,right.Therewasnogettingoutofthis.Thesetofhisjawsaidaresolutionwasimminent,andhehadwaylessofa
hangoverthanshedid.Also,hewasinasexyboatcaptainmode.Itdidnotbodewell.

“Hey,”Brendansaid,hisbeardedchingivingapersuasivejerk.“Comesteerthisthing.”
“Me?”Shestoodslowly.“Areyousure?Basedonmytrackrecord,Iwillfindtheoneparkingmeterinthemiddleoftheoceanandbackintoit.”
Laughlinesappearedaroundhiseyes—andthenhepattedhisbig,sturdythigh.Ohyeah,likeshewasgoingtopassthatup.
“Getoverhere.”

Shefeignedonemoremomentofindecision,thenclimbedontohisleftthigh,mentallypraisingHannahforpackingheraskirt
soshecouldfeelthedenimofBrendan’sjeansagainstthebacksofherlegs.Theshiftofmuscle.

Brendantookanoldcaptain’shatoffapegonthewallanddroppeditontoherhead.Thenhewrappedhisleftarmaround
hermiddleandtuggedherbackmoresecurelyagainsthischest.“Seethisdial?Justkeepthearrowrightabouthere.Northwest.”
Hetookherhandsandplacedthemonthewheel,makingsuretheyweresteadybeforelettinggo.“How’sthat?”

“Cool.”Shelaughedbreathily,fascinatedbythevibrationsthatstartedinherpalmsandtraveleduptoherelbows.“Really
cool.”

“Yeah.Itis.”
Feelingalmostgiddilylightandkindof…unrestrained,shepointedoutatthehorizon.“Mermaidofftheportbow!”He
snortedinherear.“Phew.I’vegottentheLittleMermaidreferenceoutofmysystem.Iwasgoingtoexplode.”

“Idon’tknowhowIfeelaboutmyboatmakingyouthinkofaDisneymovie.”
“Aw,don’tbejealousofPrinceEric,we—”Sheturnedherheadandfoundhimabreathaway,thosevividgreeneyestrainedonhermouth.Notonthewater,wheresheexpectedthemtobe.Thearmaroundherbellyflexed,hispalmmoldingtoherribcage.Heatslickeduptheinsidesofherthighs,herskinsensitizingallover.“Don’tyoudarelookatmelikethat,”shesaidchoppily.“You’retheonewhowantedtotalkfirst.”
Heexhaledhard.“Andthenyouranupmystairsinapurplestring.Ithadanimpact.”
“Youlive,youlearn,”shechirped.
Agrowlkindledinhisthroat.“You’regoingtopunishmeallday,aren’tyou?”
“Countonit.Ibetyou’resecond-guessingwantingahigh-maintenancegirlfri—”Shecutherselfoffjustintime.“I’mholding
yourlivelihoodinmyhands,Brendan.Letmefocus.”

TheydrovetheboatforanotherfifteenminutesbeforeBrendaneasedthethrottleintoanuprightposition.Hepressedaseries
ofbuttons,andasteadyrumblefollowed,whichheexplainedwastheanchorsgoingdown.Andthenitwasquiet.Justthelapping
ofwateragainstthesideoftheboat,andthegentlegroansoftheshipcompensatingfortheriseandfalloftheocean.
Theysatinthecaptain’schairwithherheadleanedbackagainsthisshoulder,hisfingerstrailingupanddownherbare
arm.

“Comeon,”hesaidgruffly.“I’llbringyououtondeck.”
Nodding,shefollowedBrendandownthestairsofthewheelhouseandoutontothewidefloatingplatformthatmadeupthedeck.
Thevesselbobbedbeneaththem,buthemovedlikeitwasstationary,hislegseasilycompensatingforthedipsandlifts.
Shetriedtocopyhiseffortlessnessandthoughtshelookedonlyslightlydrunk.

“Lastweek,therewereseventysteeltrapsstackedonthisend.”Hegesturedtotheendofthedecknearestthewheelhouse,thenstoopeddowntoshowheracoveredportal.“Whenwe’reonthecrab,thisiswhereweputthekeepers.Malesoveracertainweight.Wesendthembelowtoprocessing,thenontothefreezerhold.”
“Whatifyou’refishing?”
“Samehold.Butwepackitfullofice.Nowater.”
Shesquintedupatthelargecranesoverhead,thespotlightsandantennassecuredtothetop,andachillcaughtheroffguard.
“Thoselightsaretohelpyouseeinthedark?Orseeifthere’sawavecoming?”

Brendancametostandbesideher,droppedakissontohershoulder.“Yeah.Icanseewhenthey’recoming,baby.”
“Didyouknow…that’showHenrydied?”Whywasshewhispering?“Aroguewavejustknockedhimrightoverboard.Micktold
me.”

“Yeah,Iknew.”Hedidn’tsayanythingforamoment.“I’mnotgoingtopretendthingslikethatdon’tstillhappen,Piper,
butithappensahellofalotlessthesedays.Trainingtobeondeckismorecomprehensive,themachinerywehaveleaves
lessroomforhumanerror.Boatsarebetterdesignedforsafetynow,andwithalloftherecentupdates,mineisoneofthe
safest.”

Piperlookedupathim.“Isthiswhyyoubroughtmeouthere?”sheaskedquietly.“ToshowmewhyIdon’thavetoworrywhen
you’regone?”

“It’soneofthereasons.Idon’tlikeyoucrying.”
Sheswallowedasharpobjectinherthroat.“WhenIheardtherewasanaccident,Ijustkeptthinkingoftheboatflipping
over.Canthathappen?”

“Rarely.Veryrarely.Especiallyforonethislarge.”Brendanstudiedherfaceforabeat,thenmovedbehindher,wrapping
hisarmsaroundhershoulders.“Closeyoureyes.”

Sheforcedherselftorelax.“Okay.”
“Justfeelthewaytheboatmoveslikeit’spartofthewater.That’showit’sdesigned,tocompensateforwaves.Likean
airplanegoingoverturbulence.Therearebumps,buttheyneverstopyoufrommoving.”Hishandsnuckaroundthefrontto
liftherchin.“Youseehowlowtherailingsareonthisboat?Andthoseopeningsatthebase?That’ssothewatercanjust
passrightoverandthrough.Itcan’tholdwaterfromawaveormaketheweightuneven.”

“But…becausethey’resolow,isn’titeasyforamantogoovertheside?”
“Ithasn’thappenedyettoanyoneonmyteam.”Heletgoofherchinandpulledhercloser.“IcantellyouwhenIworked
onthecrew,beforeIwasacaptain,mylegsbecamepartoftheboat.Youlearntobalance.Youlearntoreadthewater,to
brace,toloosen.I’minthewheelhouse,soit’snearimpossibleformetogooverboard,butI’mresponsibleforfivemen,
notjustmyselfanymore.”

“Whichisharder?”
“Responsibility.”
Absently,shereachedupandstrokedhisbeard.“They’rerighttotrustyou.”
Shefelthimswallowagainstthebackofherhead.“Doyou…feelanybetter?”
“Alittle.Standingontheboatmakesitseemmoresubstantial.”
It’saclearday,though.Notaraincloudinsight.Stormsareadifferentstory.
Hewasmakingsuchasweetefforttoallayherfearsthatshekeptsilent.
“Whatelsedoyouworryabout?”Brendanaskedagainstherear.
Pipershruggedbutdidn’tanswer.Onewrongmove,andtheycouldveerintodangerousterritory.Maybesheshouldmakeanother
LittleMermaidreference—

“Piper.”
“Ohyes?”
“Whatelsedoyouworryabout?”
Hersighallowedthetruthtosneakupherthroat,butsheplayeditofflikeherconcernwasminor.Whenitwasdefinitely
not.Infact,shewasstartingtothinkitwasthekernelcenterofthewholepieceofpopcorn.“I’mnot,um…builtfor
thiswholeworryingbusiness,Brendan.Keepingthehomefiresburning.Wrappingacardiganaroundmyshouldersandpacing
thedocks,clutchingalocketorsomething?Doesthatsoundlikeme?No.YouknowI’mtoohighmaintenanceforthat.I’m…”

Hestayedquiet,justheldher.
Whichwasbad,becauseshestartedtoramble.
“Youknow.Justhypotheticallyspeaking.Onceayear,yougoouttocatchcrab,sure.Butallthetime?Goingtobedthinking
youmightnotcomeback,nightafternight?Uh-uh.I’mnot…”Shesqueezedhereyesclosed.“I’mnotstrongenoughfor
that.”

“Yes,youare.Iknowitasksalot,butyes,youare.”
“No.I’mnot.Noteverywomancandothis.She—”Ugh.Piperrolledhereyesatherself.Howtrulypatheticshewasbeing,bringingupanotherwoman.Butassoonasthewordsstartedtoflow,apressureinhercheststartedtolessen,likeabrickhadbeensittingontopofit.“Youhadafisherman’swife.Shewasbornhere,andthiswasnormaltoher.Youcan’treallyexpectmetoliveuptothat.Iwill…”Disappointyou.Disappointmyself.DisappointHenry.“Alittlelessthanamonthago,Ihadnoresponsibilities.Noworries.Andnow,now…thishugeone.It’shuge.This
guyIcareaboutalot,like,alot,hasthemostdangerousjobintheuniverse.AndIdon’thaveajobatall.Idon’tevenlivehere.Notpermanently.Like,wearenotafit,Brendan.Itwon’twork,sostop—”

“Stopwhat,Piper?Thinkingaboutyoueverysecondoftheday?MissingyousomuchIclimbthefuckingwalls?Stopbeinghungry
foryou?Ican’tturnanyofthatoffandIdon’twantto.”WhenheturnedPiperaround,shesawhewasvisiblyconcerned
bywhatshe’drevealed.Well,welcometotheparty,bucko.“Okay,let’sstartfromthebeginning.We’regoingtotalkaboutmymarriage.Nothowshedied,butwhatitwaslike.”

Shetookabreath.“Idon’tknowifIwantto.”
“Canyoutrustme,honey?I’mjusttryingtogettothelight.Gettoyou.”Hewaitedforhernod,thendidthatwide-stance,settling-inthingandcrossedhisarms.Asiflettingherknowhewas
immovable.“IknewDesireemywholelife,butnotwell.Shewasagirlayearabovemeinschool.Quiet.Ididn’treallyget
toknowheruntilIstartedworkingforMick.Rightaroundthetimemyparentsmovedoutoftown,hetookmeunderhiswing
andbecamekindofa…guide.HeshowedmethisthingIlove.Fishing.Howtodoitwell.Andovertime,Iguessshebecame
family,too.Ineverfelt…”Heloweredhisvoice.“Therewasn’tanattractionlikeIhaveforyou.I’mnotjusttalking
aboutsex.Wewerefriends,inaway.Shewasalwaystryingtomeetherfather’sexpectations,andsowasI,afterhegave
metheDellaRay.Heobviouslythoughtwe’dmakeagoodmatch,soIaskedherout,andIthink…bothofusjustwantedtomakeMickhappy.That’swhatwehadincommon.Sowejustwentthroughthemotions,evenwhenitdidn’tfeelright.Whenshedied,Ikepttheringon,keptmyvows,tokeephimhealedasmuchaspossible.Thenyoushowedup,Piper.Thenyou.Anditfeltwronghavingevergiventhosevowstoanyoneelse.

“Wasshestrong?WasshecomfortablewavingoffmeandMickeverytimewelefttheharbor?Yeah.Iguessshewas.Butshe
haddecadestogetthere.It’sbeenamonthforyou,Piper.Less,ifyoucountthetimewespentpretendingwedidn’twant
eachother.Sothatcomparisonisunfair.You’reunfairtoyourself.”

TherewasnodoubtBrendanbelievedeverythinghewassaying.Anditwashardnottobelievehim,too,whenhestoodafoot
aboveher,aseacaptaininhisdomainwithavoicefullofconviction.Hewashugeinthatmoment.Sointenseshehadto
remindherselftobreath.Wasshehappyhismarriagehadn’tbeenfullofpassion?No.Thismandeservedthat.SohadDesiree.
Butthatpartofhislifehadbeenashadowycorner,andithelpedtohavethemysteriousaspectsofitgone.“Thankyoufor
tellingme.”

“I’mnotdone.”
“Wow.Onceyougetgoing,there’snoslowingyoudown.”
Brendansteppedcloser,seizedherbytheelbows.“Lastnight,yousaidacoupleofthingsthatbotheredme,andnowwe’regoingtoworkthroughthose.”Heleaneddownandkissedherforehead,hernose,hermouth.“Don’tevertellmeagainthereareathousandotherslikeyou,becausethat’sthebiggestpileofbullshitI’veeverheard.Andsomeday,trustme,IhopeImeetthepersonwhotoldyouthat.Apersondoesn’trebuildalegacyforadeadmanunlesstheyhavecharacterandcanacceptresponsibilities.”Hekissedhertemplehard.“Lastnight,Iwatchedyouinthebar,howyouimmediatelymadeeveryoneyourbestfriend.Madethemcount.Anddoyouknowwhatitmeanttomehavingyoushowupatthehospital?”Hedidn’tspeakforamoment.“Youhaveperseverance,character,andahugeheart.Ithinkyoumightstillbefindingyourway,butsoamI.Meandmystupidroutines.IthoughtIhaditallfiguredoutuntilyoumademestartbreakingthem.Iwanttokeepbreakingthemwithyou.”
Ashe’dbeenspeaking,Piperhadturnedintoalimplinguininoodleinhisarms.Thetipofhernosewasred,andshehad
toblinkupattheskytokeepfromtearingup.Warmthandasenseofbelongingreachedallthewaydowntohertoes,curling
theminherballetflats.“Thisisalottoprocess,”shewhispered.

“Iunderstand—”
“Imean,we’reboyfriendandgirlfriendnow.Iguessyougotwhatyouwanted.”
Arushofhisbreathpassedoverthecrownofherhead.Hisarmswerecrushinghertothatburlychestnow.“DamnrightI
did.”Abeatpassed.“AboutyougoingbacktoLA…”

“Canweputthatonepartoff?”Shepressedhernosetothecollarofhisshirtandinhaledhiscenteringscent.“Justfor
now?”

Hesighed,butshefelthimnod.“Yeah.Fornow.”
Theystayedlikethatforalittlewhile,Piperlockedinthesafetyofhisembracewhiletheboatcarriedhighandlowon
theocean,sunbeamswarmingherback.

He’dgivenheralottothinkabout.Maybeitwastimetoexamineherself.Or,moreimportantly,howsheviewedherself.Butonethingshedidn’thavetooverthinkwasmakingthesemomentswithBrendancount.
Shekissedhischinandeasedback,lacingtheirfingerstogetherandenjoyingthewayhisgazemeandereddownthefrontof
herbody.“DoIgettherestofthetour?”

“Yeah.”Heclearedhisthroatandpulledherbackinthedirectionofthewheelhouse.“Comeon.”
PipertiltedherheadwhilestaringatBrendan’sripplingback,wonderingifherealizedhowhardhewasabouttogetlaid.
He’dwokenupwithaplantotrytoslayherdragons…andhe’dexecutedit.Nothingstoodinhisway.He’devenpassed
onsexsotheycoulddigtotherootoftheirissues,andGod,thatwasn’tjustcommendable.Itwashot.

CaptainBrendanTaggartwasaman.Arealone.
Herfirst.
AndshecouldadmitnowthatstayingwithhimwouldmeangivingupLosAngelesandthelifesheknew.Buttherewasoneroot
hehadn’tfounddespiteallhisdigging:WhothehellwouldPiperBellingerbeifshestayedinWestport?

Thatwasaproblemforanothertime,though.
Holdhercalls.Rightnow,shewasonehundredpercentsexbrained.
First,Brendanshowedhertheengineroom,andshenoddedprettilywhileheexplainedwhatathrusterwasfor,commendingherselffornotgigglingonce.Thentheywentbackupstairstothecrewroom,thegalleywheretheyatewhileonthewater,andfinallythebunkroom.“Wow,”shemurmured,observingthenarrowbedstuckedintightagainstthewalls.“Closequarters.”Therewereninetotal,themajorityofthemstackedtwobedshigh.KindoflikethebunkshesharedwithHannah,buttheboat’sbedswereattachedtothewall.Mostofthemhadsnapshotstapedupbesidethem.Kids,women,smilingmenholdinggiantfishintheirhands.Onehadaslightlyinappropriatecalendarthatmadehersnort.
“Sorryaboutthat,”Brendangrumbled,rubbingatthebackofhisneck.“It’snotmine.”
Sherolledhereyesathim.“Duh.”Shetappedherlipswithafingeranddidarevolutionaroundthesmallroom,stopping
infrontofabunkalongthefarwall,asseparatefromtheothersasonecouldgetinsuchtightquarters.Itwastheonly
onethatdidn’thaveabedaboveit.“No,yoursisthisone.Thebedwithoutanypictures,isn’tit?”

Hegruntedintheaffirmative.
“Doyou…wantapictureofm—”
“Yes.”
“Oh.”Wassheblushing?“Okay.Thatcanbearranged.”
“Thankyou.”
Piperapproachedhernewboyfriendslowly,lettinghimseetheintentinhereyes,andthegreenofhisowndeepeneddrastically,
amuscleslidingverticallyinhisstrongthroat.Sheletjustthetipsofherbreastsmeethischest.“Doyouevergetalone
timeontheboat?”

“IfIneedtimealone,Imakeit,”herasped.“I’veneededalotofitlately.”
Whichwasasgoodasanadmissionthathe’dmasturbatedonboardwhilethinkingofher.Femininepleasureturnedtoslickness
betweenherthighs.“Then,whataboutprivatepictures?Justforyou.”Sherubbedherbreastssidetoside,andhisbreath
stuttered.“Wouldyoulikesomeofthose?”

Hiseyelidswenttohalf-mast.“God,yes.”
Shebitherlip,steppedback.“Takeoutyourphone.”
Brendanreachedbackandremovedhiscellfromhisbackpocket,nottakinghiseyesoffPiperoncewhileopeninghiscamera.
Thenhenoddedoncetoletherknowhewasready.

She’dalwayslikedbeingthecenterofattention,buthavingthisman’sundividedfocuswasthrillinginanentirelynewway.
Becauseherheartwasinvolved.

Heavily,apparently.
Itknockedimpatientlyagainstherribs,echoinginherearsassheshruggedoffthejacketshe’dwornandhungitneatly
ononecornerofBrendan’sbed.Theboatgroanedandsighedbeneaththeirfeetassheskimmedherpalmsupthefrontofher
body,overherbreasts,squeezing,thencoastingbackdowntocollectthehem,slowlyeasingthegarmentupandoff,leaving
hercladinjustareddenimskirtandballetflats.Shestackedherhandsbehindherhead,droppedahip,draggedherlower
lipthroughherteeth.Letitgowithapop.

Heexhaledapainedlaugh,shookhishead.“Fuck.”

“We’llgettothat.”
Brendan’snostrilsflaredasheliftedthephoneandsetofftheelectronicshutter.
Click.
Sheunbuttonedherskirtnext,turningaroundwhileloweringthezipper.Withaflirtylookoverhershoulder,sheletthe
redbottomsdrop.Hannahhadbeenprettyhilarious,notpackingPiperunderwearorabra,butBrendan’sreactiontoherbare
backsidewasdefinitelyworthanychafingthathadoccurred.Yeah,itwasallforgivenwhenhetookaninvoluntarystepforward,
hischestheaving.Click.Click.Click.
Shebracedahandonthewallandleanedforwardslightly,archingherbackandswingingherhipstopopthatbootyout—CLICK—andthatwasallshewrote.

Brendandroppedthephoneandcrossedtoherinonelunge.
Hestoopeddownandpickedherup,tossingherwithabounceontohisbed,coveringhernakedbodywithhisfullyclothed
one,andslamminghismouthdownontopofhers.AndohLord,ohLord,thatcontrastfiredoffflamethrowersinherblood.
Shewasvulnerableandcovetedandlustedafter,anditwaseverything.Everything.

“Thisbedisn’tstrongenoughtosurvivewhatI’mgoingtodotoyou,”Brendangrowledagainsthermouth,capturingherlips
againinakissfraughtwithmalesexualfrustration.Itletherknowinnouncertaintermsthatshewasthesourceandhe’d
beexactingrevenge.

Takeit.Takeit.
Withoutbreakingcontactwithhermouth,Brendan’shandwedgeddownbetweenthemandwrestledhiszipperdown,thedesperation
ofhisjerkymovementsexcitingherlikenothingelse,dampeningthefoldsbetweenherlegs.“Hurry,”shebegged,bitingat
hislips.“Hurry.”

“Goddammit,Piper,youmakemesofuckinghard.”Theybothpusheddownthewaistbandofhisboxerbriefs,handscolliding,
tonguesstrokingintoeachother’smouths,Piperteasing,Brendanaggressing.Finally,hisshaftwasfree,andhewinced,
suckedinabreath,wrappingafistaroundthethicknessofit.“Tellmeyou’rewet.Tellmetoputitin.”

“I’msowet,”shemoaned,liftingherhips,runningtheinsidesofherkneesupanddownhisheavingribcage.“I’mready.
Ineedyou.Roughasyoucan.”

Thatfull,smoothdomepressedupagainstherentrance,andshebraced,onehandflyingtohisshoulder,theothertothewoodenbunkrail.Andstillshewasn’tpreparedforthesavageryofthatfirstthrust.Withahoarseroar,hishipsdrovePiperupthenarrowbed,histhicknessinvadingallavailablespacewithinher,andwithoutallowinghertimetoacclimate,hewasalreadypumpingfeverishly,rockingthebedwithstaccatosqueaks.
Piper’smouthwaspermanentlywideopenagainsthisshoulder,hereyeswateringwiththeforceofpleasure.Pleasurefrom
havinghishardsexsmackingthroughherwetnesslikeitownedthejoint,hiscallousedhandsshovingherkneesdown,opening
herwiderforhisconvenience.Pleasurefromhavingbroughtthisvitalmantohisproverbialkneeswithneed.Godhelpher,
shelovedthat.Knewhelovedbeingchallenged.Knewhelovedthatshelovedchallenginghim.Perfect,perfect,perfect.

“Screamforit,baby,”hepanted,rakingherearwithhisopenmouth.“Whineformycock.Noonecanhearus.”
Alidcameoffinsideofher,whateverwasleftofherinhibitionshoppingoutandrunningwildontinylegs.Shechokedon
herfirstattemptstocallhisname,becausetheforcehewasexertingontopofherwassointense,hishugebodysurging
betweenherlegswithoutcease—andstillfullyclothedwhilesheremainedbare.Whywasthatsosinfullyhot?

“Brendan,”shegasped.Thenlouder,“Brendan.You’resogood.It’ssogood.”

“I’llneverlieinthisbedagainwithouthavingtojerkoff.”Hishandcameuptoframeherjaw,applyingjustenoughpressurewhilelookinghersquareintheeyethatanotherrushofwetnesscoatedhersex,aidinghiminhisdestructionofhersenses.“Youloveknowingthat,don’tyou?Youlovemakingmefuckingcrazy.”
Shebitherlipandnodded.“Sureyouwanttobemyboyfriend?”
“Yes,”hegrowled,andslammedintoher,holdingstill,deep,hispainedfacedroppingintothecrookofherneck.“Anddon’t
callmethatrightnoworI’mgoingtocome.”

Oh.Jesus.ThatconfessionsentacontractingripplethroughPiper’score,andsheletoutastrangledsob,herhandsflyingtoBrendan’s
assinsidehisloosenedjeans,fingernailssinkinginandyankinghim,scrapingpathwaysintohisflesh.“OhmyGod.N-now.
Now.”

“Fuck,”hegroundout,pickinguphisblisteringpaceagain,thesoundofwetslapsechoinginthetinyroom.“Fuckit.Ican’t
stop.”Shemilkedhimwithherintimatemuscles,andhemoaned,pumpedharder,rattlingthebedbeneaththem.“Thatmakeyou
hot,baby?Hearinghowbeingyourmanisgoingtogetmeoff?Getyourboyfriendoff?Sayitagain.”

Sheranhernailsdownhishard,flexingbuttanddugthemin,whispering,“Myboyfriendfucksmesoright,Ilethimcome
insidemewheneverhewants.”Asmile,dazedandwicked,curvedherlipswhenshesnuckhermiddlefingerdownthesplitof
hisbacksideandcincheditinsidethepuckeredentrance.“Heknowsjusthowtoearnit.”

Piperhadbeenhoveringrightontheedgeofherownorgasmwhenshepurredthoselastthreewords,butBrendan’sreactionpushedherevenclosertooblivion.Shewatchedthroughanopaquecloudofgatheringblissashebarkedashockedcurse,hishipspunchingforwardandbackindesperation,necktendonslookingreadytosnap.“Christ,I’mdone.I’mdone.Andyoubetterfuckingcomewithme,Piper,”herasped,reachingdownandfondlingherclitwithhisthumb.“Isatisfymygirlfriend’spussyeverytime”

And,ohGod—boom—shefiredoutofthecannon.Herkneesshotupandhuggedhisbody,backarchingasshescreamed,shook,slappedathisshoulders,
allwhiletearsrolleddownhertemples.Itwouldn’tend.Thehot,grindingpulsationswouldn’tend,especiallywhenBrendan
drovedeep,deepinsideofher,stilledandthenshudderedviolently,hishipsmovingindisjointedpatterns,thevolumeof
hismoansrivalingherscreamthatstilllingeredintheair.Shewrithedunderneathhim,tryingtofindthebottomofthe
pleasurewell,butuntilhismouthlandedonhers,anchoringher,shedidn’trealize…didn’trealizethebottomofthe
wellwasn’tphysical.Sheneededtheiremotionalconnectiontocalmherselfdown.Neededhim,hisheart,hisBrendan-ness.
Assoonastheirlipsmet,herheartsighedhappilyandrolledover,languidnesstravelingthroughherlimbsandmakingher
goboneless.

“Shhh,honey.”Hebreathedhard,hisfingersshakingastheystrokedthesideofherface.“I’vegotyou.I’vealwaysgot
you.”

Shedidn’tlookaway.“Iknow.”
Satisfactionfilteredintohissilver-greeneyes.“Good.”
BrendaneasedoffofPiperanddisappearedintothebathroom,comingbackwithzippedjeansandpapertowels,wipingoffthe
insidesofherthighsandkissingsensitivespotsashecleaned.Thenhejoinedherinthebed,bothofthemturningonto
theirsides,herbackupagainsthischest,apossessivearmwrappedaroundherwaist.

PiperwasslippingintoadrowsyslumberwhenBrendanrumbledthequestioninherear.“Soarewegoingtojustnottalkaboutthefingerthing?”

Theboatrockedsteadilyinthesunshineastheylaughedandlaughedsomemore.Andfivemilesfromland,itwaseasytopretend
noharddecisionswouldhavetobemade.

Soonerratherthanlater.ChapterTwenty-Two
TheypulledintoGraysHarborthatevening.Brendanhadplannedtobebackearlier,butPiperhadfallenasleeponhischest,
andabulldozercouldn’thavemovedhim.

Thereshewentagain,changinghisplans.Takingaredpentohisroutines.
AsheparkedhistruckinfrontofNoNameandglancedacrosstheconsoleatPiper,hethoughtbacktotheconversationon
theboat.They’dmanagedtoclarifyalotofunspokenissuesbetweenthem.Hismarriage,herfearsabouthisprofession,and
mostimportant,thewaysheviewedherself.Allthattalk,allthatclearingtheair,ledtoherstayinginWestport,whether
shewaswillingtodiscussityetornot.Whatwouldittakeforhertoconsiderit?

HewasaskingforalotofsacrificeonPiper’spart.Shewouldhavetoleaveherhome,herfriends,andeverythingshe’d
everknown.

Hannah,too,eventually,whenshewentbacktoLA.
Simplybreakingfreeofhispatternsdidn’tevencomeclosetowhathewasaskingofPiper.Comparedtowhat—towhom—hewouldgetinreturn,thatwasnothing.

Andthatbotheredhim.Alot.
Madehimfeellikeaselfishbastard.
“Hey.”Piperleanedacrosstothedriver’sseatandkissedhisshoulder.“What’swiththescaryfrown?”
Heshookhishead,debatingwhetherornottobehonest.Therehadbeenalotofhonestybetweenthemontheboat,andit
hadclearedtheirmostpressingobstacles.Madetheapprehensionofwhatwastocomefeelmitigated.Manageable.Buthecouldn’t
bringhimselftoremindheroftheunbalancedscales.Didn’twantherthinkingaboutitorconsideringtheissuetooclosely.
Notyet,whenhehadn’tbeengivenenoughtimetofindasolution.

Wasthereafuckingsolution?

“Iwasjustthinkingaboutnothavingyouinmybedtonight,”Brendansaidfinally,gladhedidn’tneedtolie.Notcompletely.
“Iwantyouthere.”

“Metoo.”Shehadthenervetoblushandaverthereyesafterwhatthey’ddoneontheboat?Goddamn.Thiswoman.Hewanted
tospenddecadeupondecadedecipheringallthelittlecomponentsthatmadeherup.“Butit’snotfairtoHannah.She’sin
WestportbecauseofmeandIcan’tkeepleavingheralone.”

“Iknow,”hegrumbled.
“I’lltextyou,”shecoaxed.“Anddon’tforgetaboutyourshinynewnudes.”
“Piper,evenwhenI’mdeadIwon’tforgetthem.”
Sheshimmiedhershoulders,pleased.“Okay,well.Good.So,Iguessthisiswherewedothebig,dramaticboyfriend-girlfriend
kissandactlikewewon’tseeeachotherforayear.”

Brendansighed.“Ialwaysthoughtitwasridiculous,thewaytheguyscan’tpeelthemselvesofftheirwivesandgirlfriendsatthedock.Pissedthey’remakinguslate.”Heregardedhisbeautifulgirlfriendstonily.“I’llbesurprisedifIdon’ttryandcarryyouovermyshoulderontotheboatnexttime.Takeyouwithme.”
“Really?”Shesatupstraighter.“Wouldyou?”
“Hellno.Whatiftherewasastormoryougothurt?”Whywashesuddenlysweating?Hispulsewasn’tfunctioningthewayitwas
supposedto,speedingupandtrippingalloveritself.“I’dlosemyshit,Piper.”

“Hannahwouldcallthisadoublestandard.”
“Shecancallitwhatevershewants,”hesaidgruffly.“Youstayonlandunlessit’sashorttripliketoday.AndI’mwithyou.Please.”

Piperwasbattlingasmile.“Well,sinceyousaidplease,IguessI’llturndownallofmyfishingboatinvitations.”
Eventhoughshewasbeingsarcastic,Brendangrunted,satisfied.“Yousaidsomethingaboutabigdramatickiss,”hereminded
her,reachingovertounbuckleherseatbelt,brushingaknuckleoverhernipples,oneatatime,ashetookhishandback.
Theypuckeredunderhisgaze,herhipsshiftingontheseat.Shecutoffhis
Theybrokeapartwithreluctantsighs.“Mmmm.”Sheblinkedupathim,slidbackintoherseat,andpushedopenthedoor.“Bye,
Captain.”

Brendanwatchedherdisappearintothebuildinganddraggedahanddownhisface.
IfPiperBellingerwasgoingtokillhim,he’ddieahappyman.
HestartedtodrivehomebutfoundhimselfturningtowardFox’splaceinstead.Hisbestfriendlivedinanapartmentnear
theharbor,astone’sthrowfromthewater,andwhereBrendan’shousehadanairofstability,Fox’swasastemporaryasit
got.Cursorypaintjob,basicfurniture,andahuge-asstelevision.Inotherwords,asingleman’sdwelling.Brendandidn’t
tendtovisitFoxathomeveryoften,sincetheysaweachotherfordays—oftenweeks—atatimeontheboat.Nottomention,
Brendanhadhisroutines,andtheydidn’tinvolvegoingtobarsormeetingwomenoranyofthethingsFoxdidwithhisspare
time.

ButthiswholebusinessofPipersacrificingeverythingwhilehegaveverylittle?Itwaspushingupunderhisskinliketree
roots.Turningtheproblemoverandoverinhismindwasn’tsolvingit.Maybeheneededtoaddresshisworriesoutloud,just
incasehewasmissingsomething.Aneasysolution.Hell,itwasworthashot.Betterthangoinghomeandstewingaboutit
alone.

Foxopenedthedoorinsweatpantsandbarefeet,abottleofbeerinhishand.Thesoundsofabaseballgamedriftedinto
thebreezewayfrombehindhisskipper.“Cap.”Hisbrowwasknitted.“What’sup?Somethingwrong?”

“No.Move.”HepushedpastFoxintotheapartment,tippinghisheadatthebeer.“Yougotanotheroneofthose?”
“Gotadozenorso.Helpyourself.Fridge.”
Brendangrunted.Hetookabeerfromthefridgeandtwistedthecapoffwithhishand,joiningFoxinfrontofthebaseballgame,puttingthemenonoppositesidesofthecouch.Hetriedtofocusonwhatwashappeningonthescreen,buthisproblem-solverbrainwasn’thavingit.FiveorsominutespassedbeforeFoxsaidanything.
“Yougoingtotellmewhyyou’rechewingnailsoverthere?”Foxheldupahand.“Imean,chewingnailsiskindofyourdefault,
butyoudon’tusuallydoitonmycouch.”

“Youhavecompanycomingoverorsomething?”
“Jesus,no.”Hisfriendsnorted.“YouknowIdon’tdatelocal.”
“Yeah,”Brendansaid.“Speakingofwhich,youusuallyheadtoSeattleafterapaydayliketheonewejusthad.Whatareyou
doinghere?”

Foxshrugged,staredattheTV.“Don’tknow.Justwasn’tfeelingthetripthistime.”
Brendanwaitedforhisfriendtoelaborate.Whenhedidn’tseeminclinedto,Brendanguessedtherewasnopointinputting
offthereasonforhisvisitanymore.“ThesewomenyoumeetinSeattle.You’veneverbeen…seriousaboutanyofthem,
right?”

“Ithinkyou’remissingthepointofleavingWestporttomeetwomen.”Hesalutedwithhisbeerbottle.“Sorry,sweetheart.
Justintownforthenight.Takeitorleaveit.”Hetippedthedrinktohismouth.“Theyalwaystakeit,incasethatwasn’t
obvious.”

“Congratulations.”
“Thankyou.”Foxlaughed.“Anyway,whyareyouaskingmeabout—”Hecuthimselfoffwithanexpressionofdawningcomprehension.
“Didyoucomehereforadviceonwomen?”

Brendanscoffed.“That’sastretch.”
“Youdid,didn’tyou?Sonofabitch.”Foxgrinned.“Piperstillgivingyouaproblem?”
“Whoeversaidshewasaproblem?”Brendanshouted.
“Relax,Cap.Imeant…”Foxsearchedtheceilingforthecorrectwording.“Haveyougottenheroutofyoursystem?”
Asthoughsuchathingwaspossible?“No.”
“Youhaven’tsleptwithher?”
Fuck.Hedidn’tliketalkingaboutthis.WhathappenedbetweenhimandPipershouldbeprivate.“I’mnotansweringthat,”
hegrowled.

Foxlookedimpressed.“Youhave,then.Sowhatistheproblem?”
Brendanstared.“IthinktheproblemmightbethatIcametoyouforadvice.”
Hisfriendwavedofftheinsult.“Justaskmewhatyouwanttoknow.I’mactuallyprettyfuckingflatteredthatyoucameto
me.Iknowtwothings:fishingandwomen.Andthosetwothingshavealotofsimilarities.Whenyou’refishing,youusebait,
right?”Hepointedathissmile.“I’vegotyourwomanbaitrighthere.”

“JesusChrist.”
“Nextyou’vegotthehook.That’syouropeningline.”
AholeopenedinthecenterofBrendan’sstomach.“MyopeninglinetoPiperwasbasicallytellinghertogohome.”
“Yeah,I’mprettysurprisedthatworkedmyself.”Herubbedatthelinebetweenhisbrows.“WherewasIwithmyanalogy?”
“Youweredone.”
“No,Iwasn’t.Onceshe’shooked,youjusthavetoreelherin.”Heleanedforwardandbracedhisforearmsonhisknees.“Soundslikeyou’vealreadydoneallthat,though.Unless…Wait,thegoalwasjustsex,right?”
“Ididn’thaveafuckinggoal.Notatthebeginning.OrIprobablywouldn’thaveshoutedather,calledherpurseugly,and
stronglysuggestedshegohome.”Suddenlysicktohisstomach,Brendanslappeddownthebeerbottleandpushedtohisfeet.
“God,I’mluckyshe’sgivingmethetimeofdayatall.NowIhavethenervetotryandmakeherstayhereforme?AmIinsane?”

Foxgavealowwhistle.“Okay,thingshaveprogressedalotsincethelasttimewetalked.”Hisfriend’sbemusementwasalarming.
“Youwantthatgirltostayinthistown?”

Brendanmassagedthepressureinhischest.“Don’tsayitlikethat.”
Abeatofsilencepassed.“I’moutofmydepthonthisone,Cap.Idon’thaveanyadviceonhowtoactuallykeepthefish
intheboat.Iusuallyjustletthemswimoffagain.”

“Fucksake.Stopwiththeanalogy.”
“It’sagoodoneandyouknowit.”
Brendansatbackdown,claspedhishandsbetweenhisknees.“IfshewentbacktoLA,I’dhavenochoicebuttolether.My
jobishere.Acrewwhodependsonme.”

“Nottomention,you’dgocrazythere.It’snotyou.You…areWestport.”

“SothatleavesPipertogiveupeverything.”Hisvoicesoundedbleak.“HowcanIaskhertodothat?”
Foxshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Butshe’dbegainingyou.”Heshrugged.“It’sprobablynotatotalshittrade.”

“Thanks,”Brendansaiddrily,beforesobering.“Ifshe’shappy,shewon’tleave.Thatstandstoreason,right?Butwhatdo
womenlike?Whatmakesthemhappy?”

Foxpointedtohiscrotch.
Brendanshookhisheadslowly.“You’reanidiot.”
Themanchuckled.“Whatdowomenlike?”Thistime,heseemedtoactuallyconsiderthequestion.“Idon’tthinkthere’sanyonething.Itdependsonthewoman.”
Hejerkedashoulder,wentbacktolookingattheballgame.“TakePiper’ssister,forexample.Hannah.Shelikesrecords,
right?IfIwantedtomakeherhappy,I’dbringhertoSeattletomorrow.There’savinylexpohappeningattheconvention
center.”

“Howthehelldoyouknowthat?”
“Itjustpoppedupontheinternet.Idon’tknow,”Foxexplained,alittletooquickly.“Thepointis,youhavetothinkabout
thespecificwoman.Theydon’talllikeflowersandchocolate.”

“Right.”
Foxstartedtosaysomethingelse,butaseriesofnotesfilledtheroom.IttookBrendanamomenttorealizehisphonewas
ringing.Heshiftedonthecouchandtuggeditoutofhisbackpocket.“Piper,”hesaid,hittingtheanswerbuttonimmediately,
tryingnottobeobviousthatjustthepromiseofhearinghervoicesenthispulseintochaos.“Everythingokay?”

“Yes.Thebuildingisstillintact.”Shesoundedbreezy,relaxed,totallyunawarethathewasacrosstowntryingtounlock
whatevermagicwouldgivethemachanceforafuture.“Um,woulditbealottoasktoborrowyourtrucktomorrow?Thereis
thisamazing,artsychickonMarketplacesellingashabbychicchandelierthatweneed,like,absolutelyneed,forthebar.
Forfortybucks.Butwehavetopickitup.She’slocatedbetweenhereandSeattle.”

“Aboutanhourdrive,”heheardHannahcallinthebackground.
“Aboutanhourdrive,”Piperrepeated.“WeweretryingtofigureoutthecostofanUber,butthenIrememberedIhaveahotboyfriendwithatruck.”Shepaused.“Thiswouldn’tmesswithanyofyourroutines,wouldit?”
Hisgutkicked.
Routines.
AskingPipertoremaininWestportwouldrequirehertohavealotoffaithinhim.Totakeamajorleap.ShowingPiperhow
farhe’dcomeintermsofbuckinghishabitsmightmakeadifferencewhenitcametimeforhertodecidewhetherornotto
returntoLA.IfhecouldgivehersomeofwhatshewasmissinginLA,he’dclosethegaponthatleaphe’deventuallyask
for.

Brendancouldbespontaneous.
Hecouldsurpriseher.Makeherhappy.Provideherwithwhatsheloved.
Couldn’the?
Yeah.Hecould.Actually,hewaslookingforwardtoit.
“Whydon’twepickupyourchandelierandkeepdrivingtoSeattle?WecouldstaythenightandheadbacktoWestportonMonday.”
BrendanliftedaneyebrowatFox.Foxnodded,impressed.
“Really?”Piperbreathedalaugh.“WhatwouldwedoinSeattle?”
Nohesitation.“There’savinylexpoattheconventioncenter.Hannahmightlikeit.”
“Avinylexpo?”Hannahyelpedinthebackground,followedbythesoundoffeetpoundingcloseronthewoodfloor.“Oh,um…
yeah,safetosayshe’sinterested.”Abeatpassed.“Howdidyouevenknowthisexpowastakingplace?”

Piper’squestionmusthavebeenloudenoughtohearthroughthereceiver,becauseFoxwasalreadyshakinghishead.“Foxmentionedit.”Brendangavehimthefinger.“He’sgoing.”
Thelookofbetrayalonhisfriend’sfacewasalmostenoughtoshameBrendan.Almost.Thechancetospendmoretimewithhis
girlfriendtrumpedhisowndishonor.GodknewPiperwasadistraction,andhedidn’twantHannahtobeunsafeinastrange
city.Piperwouldn’t,either.

“Sowe’dallgotogether?”Piperasked,soundingamusedandexcitedallatonce.
“Yeah.”
Shelaughed.“Okay.Itsoundsfun!We’llseeyoutomorrow.”Hervoicedroppedafewoctaves,emergedsoundingalittlehesitant.
“Brendan…Imissyou.”

Hisheartclimbedupintohisthroat.“Imissyou,too.”
Theyhungup.
Foxjabbedtheairwithafinger.“Youoweme.Bigtime.”
“You’reright.Ido.”Brendanheadedforthedoor,readyforanightofplanning.“HowaboutIgiveyoutheDellaRay?”

Heclosedthedooronhisfriend’sstupefiedexpression.ChapterTwenty-Three
Piperhadbutterfliesinherstomach.
Goodones.
Shewasgoingoutoftowntodaywithherboyfriend.Itdidn’tmatterifshewasalittlesuspiciousofthecircumstances.
Nordiditmatterthat,byagreeingtobehisgirlfriendandtravelingtogether,shewassinkingdeeperintoarelationship.
Onethatmightnotstandthetestoftime,dependingonwhethershewentbacktoLosAngelessoonerorlater.Butnoneof
thatwashappeningtoday.Ortomorrow.Soshewasgoingtokickback,relax,andenjoytheride.AndBrendanwouldbeenjoying
afewrideshimself.

Piperzippedhertoothbrushintoherovernightbagandsnickeredatherowninnuendo,butsheshutitdownwhenHannahgave
heraquestioninglook.Reinitin,hornytoad.
Seriously.Itwasdamnnearuncomfortablehowsexuallychargedshe’dbecomeoverthelastcoupleofdays.Vaginalorgasms
wereruiningherforregularlife.EventhemostcasualmentionofBrendanandherpussystartedpumpingoutaslowjam.

Speakingofwhich.“IthinkI’llgetwaxedwhilewe’reincivilization,”Pipersaid,tryingtodecideifshe’dforgottentopackanything.“Youwanttocomewithme?”
“Sure.”Hannahslungherstuffedbackpackoveroneshoulder.“Justincasewegotothehotelpoolorsomething.”
“AssoonasIfindoutwherewe’restaying,I’llscheduleus.”Piperclappedherhandstogether.“Sisterswaxdate!”
“It’sallsothrilling,”Hannahdeadpanned,leaningahipagainstthesideofthebunkbed.“Hey,Foxisn’tcomingalongto,
like…babysitme.Right?”

Piper’snosewrinkled.“Brendansaidhewasalreadygoing.”
“Yeah,excepthedidn’tknowthedifferencebetweenaforty-fiveandaseventy-eightthatdayattherecordshop.”Shenarrowed
hereyes.“Ismellsomethingfishy.”

“WelcometoWestport.It’stheofficialtownaroma.”PiperbracedherhandsonHannah’sshoulders.“He’snotcomingtobabysit
you.You’retwenty-six.Anyway,whywouldyouneedababysitter?MeandBrendanwillbewithyouthewholetime.”

Hannah’smouthfellopen.“Piper,youcan’tbethisnaive.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“WhenIaskedifFoxwascomingtobabysitme,Imeant,ishecomingtodistractmesoBrendancanhavetimealonewithyou
andyourfreshlywaxedbox?”NowitwasPiper’smouth’sturntofallopen.“BecauseIdefinitelydon’tmindthat.Atall.
Iwillbeamongmypeople,andIcanbrowserecordsuntilthecowscomehome.ButIdon’twantFoxtofeelobligatedtoentertain
me.Thatwouldkindofruintheexperience,youknow?”

“Igetwhatyou’resaying.”PipersqueezedHannah’sshoulders.“Doyoutrustme?”
“OfcourseIdo.”
“Good.Ifoneofusgetsthesensethey’retryingtodivideandconquer,we’llsplit.Okay?Ifbothofusaren’thavingagoodtime,it’snotworthit.”
Hannahnodded,gaveasmallsmile.“Deal.”
“Sealed.”Piperwetherlips.“Hey,beforetheygethere,Ihavesomethingtoaskyou.”Sheblewoutaslowbreath.“Howdo
youfeelabouthavingthegrandopeningofthenew-and-improvedbaronLaborDay?”

Hersister’slipsmoved,countingsilently.“That’seightdaysfromnow!Aweek!”
Piperlaughedprettily.“Doable,though?”
“Youvolunteeredtothrowaparty,didn’tyou?”
Pipergroaned,droppingherhandsawayfromhersister’sshoulders.“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“Iknowyou.Planningpartiesiswhatyoudo.”

“Ican’thelpit.”Hervoicedroppedtoawhisper.“They’resofun.”
Hannahfoughtasmileandwon.“Pipes,wehaven’teveninvitedDanielyet.”ShestudiedPiper.“Areyouevenplanningoninviting
himanymore?Ordoyouwanttostaythefullthreemonths?”

“OfcourseIplanoninvitinghim!”Pipersaidautomatically.Somethingsharptwistedinhermiddlethemomentshesaidthose
words.Butshecouldn’ttakethemback.

Itdidn’thurttohaveafail-safe,though,right?DanielcouldalwaysagreetoletPipercomehomeearly,andshecouldturn
downtheoffer.Eveniftheirstepfatherwaslenient,shedidn’thavetogetonaplanethesameday.Heroptionsjustneeded
tostayopen.

ThemoretimeshespentwithBrendan,though,thelessinclinedshewasgoingtobetogiveherselfanout.AndshewasnotevenclosetoreadytomakethedecisiontostayinWestport.Howcouldshebe?ShemighthavemadefriendsatBlowtheManDown.Might
havestartedforgingconnectionswithpeoplelikeAbeandOpalandthegirlsattheRedBuoy.Andthehardwarestoreowners
andsomeofthelocalswhomilledaroundalldayattheharbor.Sowhatifshelikedstoppingtochatwiththem?Sowhatif
shedidn’tfeelasoutofplacenowasshehaduponarriving?Thatdidn’tspellforever.

ShethoughtofBrendanstrokingherhairwhiletheynappedinhisbunkontheDellaRay.Thoughtofthegentlerockingofthewaterandthesoundofhisevenbreathing.Andshehadtoforceouthernextwords.

“I’llcallandinviteDanielrightnow.”
Justtobesafe.
Hannaharchedabrow.“Really?”
“Yeah.”Piperreachedforherphone,ignoringtheweirdstabofforebodinginhertummy,anddialed.Herstepfatheranswered
onthesecondring.“Hey,Daniel!”

“Piper.”Hesoundednervous.“Everythingokay?”
Shegiggled,tryingtodispelthecoldnessinherchest.“Whydoeseveryoneanswermycallsthisway?AmIthatmuchofa
disaster?”

“No.”Liar.“No,it’sjustthatyouhaven’tcalledinawhile.IexpectedyoutobebeggingtocomebacktoLAlongbefore
now.”

Yeah,well.Whocouldhavepredictedabigbruiserofaseacaptainwhogavevaginalorgasmsandmadeherforgethowtobreathe?
“Uh…”ShetuckedsomehairbehindherearandgaveHannahareassuringlook.“We’vebeenalittledistracted,actually.That’swhatI’mcallingtotalktoyouabout.MeandHannahdecidedtogivethebaralittleface-lift.”
Silence.“Really.”
Shecouldn’ttellifhewasimpressedorskeptical.“Really.Andwe’rehavingthegrandopeningonLaborDay.Doyouthink…?
Wouldyoucome?Please?”

Afteramoment,Danielsighed.“Piper,I’mbusyashellwiththisnewproject.”
Wasthatreliefshewasfeeling?God,ifso,itwasunnerving.“Oh.Well…”
“LaborDay,yousaid?”Sheheardhimclickingafewbuttonsonhiscomputer.Probablyopeninguphiscalendar.“Ihaveto
admitI’malittlecurioustoseewhatyoucallaface-lift.”Hesoundedalittledry,butshetriednottogetoffended.
Shehadn’texactlygivenhimareasontosuspectshewouldbeDIY-gifted,unlessshecountedthatbongshe’dmadeoutofan
eggplantduringhersenioryearofhighschool.“Icouldprobablyswingit.HowfarawayisSeattle?”

Aweightsunklowinherstomach.Hewascoming.
Piperforcedasmile.Thiswasagoodthing.ThiswaswhatsheandHannahneeded.
Options.Justincase.
“Twohours,giveortake.I’msureIcanfindyouahotelnearWestport—”
Danielsnorted.“No,thanks.I’llhavemyassistantfindmesomethinginSeattle.”Hesighed.“Well,it’sonthecalendar.
IguessI’llseeyougirlssoon.”

“Great!”Piper’ssmilefaltered.“WhataboutMom?”
Hestartedtosaysomethingandchangedtrack.“Sheisn’tinterestedingoingback.ButI’llrepresentusboth.Soundgood?”Morekeypunching.“Ihavetogonow.Goodtalkingtoyou.HugstoyouandHannah.”
“Okay,bye,Daniel.”Piperhungupandfusedherfeatureswithoptimism,staunchlyignoringthebonfiretakingplaceinher
stomach.God,whydidshefeelsoguilty?HavingherstepfathercometoWestportinthehopesofcuttingtheirsabbatical
shorthadbeentheplanallalong.“Allset!”

Hannahnoddedslowly.“Okay.”
“Okay!Andhesaidtogiveyouahug.”Pipercrushedhersistertoherchest,rockinghermaniacally.“Thereyougo.”She
pickedupherbag.“Shallwe?”

Whenthesisterswalkedoutside,BrendanandFoxwereleaningagainsttherunningtruckwearingidenticalscowls,asifthey’d
beenarguing.UponseeingPiper,Brendan’sfacecleared,heatflaringinhiseyes.“Goodmorning,Piper,”hegreetedhergruffly.

“Goodmorning,Brendan.”
Pipercouldn’thelpbutnoticethatFoxlookedalmost…nervouswhenhesawHannah,hisrangyframepushingoffthetruck
toreachforherbackpack.

“Morning,”hesaid.“Takethatforyou?”
“No,thanks,”Hannahsaid,skirtingpasthimandthrowingitthroughtheopenwindowofthetruck’sbackseat.“I’llhangon
toit.”

Piperlaughed.“Mysisterdoesn’tpartwithherheadphones.”SheletBrendantakeherbagandcaughtthelapelofhisflannel,tugginghimdownforakiss.Hecameeagerly,slantingtheirlipstogetherandgivingherthefainttasteofhismorningcoffee.Andinamoveshefoundoldschoolandendearing,hetuggedoffhisbeanieandusedittoshieldtheirfacesfromview.“Missedyou,”shewhispered,pullingawayandgivinghimameaningfullook.
Brendan’schestrumbledinresponse,andhedamnnearrippedthepassenger-sidedooroffthehinges,steppingbacktohelp
herinside.FoxandHannahclimbedintotherearcab,sittingasfarapartaspossible.Hannah’sbackpackrestedontheseat
betweenthem,makingPiperwonderiftherewassometensiontherehersisterhadn’ttoldherabout.Hadshebeensowrapped
upinherownlovelifethatshe’dmissedsomethingimportanthappeningwithHannah?Shevowedtoremedythatattheearliest
opportunity.

TheyweredrivingforfiveminutesbeforePipernoticedtheaddressonthenavigationscreen.Itincludedthenameofavery
upscalehotel.“Wait.That’snotwherewe’restaying,isit?”

Brendangrunted,turnedontothehighway.
Marblebathtubs,Egyptiancotton,whitefluffyrobes,andflatteringmoodlightingdancedinherhead.“Itis?”shebreathed.
“Uh-oh.Someoneisbreakingoutthebigguns.”Hannahchuckledinthebackseat.“Wellplayed,Brendan.”Hervoicechanged.
“Wait,but…howmanyroomsdidyoubook?”

“I’mstayingwithHannah,”Pipersaidpreemptively,passinghersisteranI-got-you-bitchlookoverthecabdivider.
“Ofcourseyouare,”Brendansaideasily.“Igotthreerooms.FoxandIwillhaveourown.Hegetsenoughofmysnoringon
theboat.”

Threerooms?Amonthago,shewouldn’tevenhaveconsideredthecostofstayingthenightataluxuryhotel.Butshementallycalculatedthepriceofeverythingnow,rightdowntoacupofafternooncoffee.Threeroomsatthishotelwouldbepricey.Wellintothethousands.Howmuch
moneydidfishermenmake,anyway?Thathadn’tbeenpartofherresearch.

She’dworryaboutitlater.Rightnow,shewastoobusybeingturnedonbythethoughtofaroomservicecheeseplateand
complimentaryslippers.

Thecaptainreallydidhaveherfiguredout,didn’the?
“Imadearoad-tripplaylist,”Hannahsaid,leaningforwardandhandingPiperherphone.“Inamedit‘SeattleBound.’Just
hitshuffle,Pipes.”

“Yes,ma’am.”ShepluggeditintoBrendan’soutlet.“IneverquestiontheDJ.”
“ThePassenger”byIggyPopcameonfirst.“That’sBowie’svoicejoininginonthechorus,”Hannahcalledoverthemusic.
“Thissongisabouttheirfriendship.Drivingaroundtogether,takingjourneys.”Shesighedwistfully.“Canyouimaginethem
pullingupnexttoyouatastoplight?”

“Isthatwhatyou’llbeshoppingforattheexpo?”Foxaskedher.“Bowie?”
“Maybe.Thebeautyofrecordshoppingisneverknowingwhatyou’llleavewith.”Animatedbyherfavoritetopic,Hannahsat
forward,turningintheseattofaceFox.“Theyhavetospeaktoyou.Moreimportantly,youhavetolisten.”

Frombehindhersunglasses,Piperwatchedtheconversationwithinterestviatherearviewmirror.
“Recordsarekindoflikefinewine.Somestudioshadbetterproductionyearsthanothers.It’snotjusttheband,it’sthepressing.Youcanbeassentimentalasyouwantaboutanalbum,butthere’saqualityaspect,too.”Shegrinned.“Andifyougetaperfectpressingofanalbumyoulove,there’snothinglikethatfirstnotewhentheneedletouchesdown.”
“Haveyouhadthat?”Foxaskedquietlyafteramoment.
Hannahnoddedsolemnly.“‘ACaseofYou’byJoniMitchell.ItwasthefirstsongIplayedonherBluealbum.I’veneverbeenthesame.”

“FastCar”byTracyChapmancameupnextontheplaylist.
Piper’ssisterhummedafewbars.“Moodisalsoafactor.IfI’mhappy,ImightshopforWeezer.IfI’mhomesick,I’lllook
forTomPetty…”

Fox’slipstwitched.“Doyoulistentoanythingfromyourowngeneration?”
“Sometimes.Mostlyno.”
“MyHannahisanoldsoul,”Pipercalledback.
Brendan’sfriendnodded,regardingHannah.“Soyouhavesongsforeverymood.”
“Ihavehundredsofsongsforeverymood,”Hannahbreathed,unzippingherbackpackandyankingoutherheadphonesandjam-packediPod,pressing
themtoherchest.“Whatkindofmoodareyouinrightnow?”

“Idon’tknow.Uh…”Foxexhaledupattheceiling,thatsmilestillplayingaroundtheedgesofhislips.“Glad.”
Glad,Hannahmouthed.“Why?”

Foxdidn’trespondrightaway.“BecauseIdon’thavetosharearoomwithBrendan.Obviously.”HenoddedatHannah’sheadphones.
“Whatdoyougotforthat?”

Lookingsuperior,Hannahhandedhimtheheadset.
Foxputthemon.
Amomentlater,heletoutacrackoflaughter.
Piperturnedintheseat.“Whatsongdidyouplayhim?”
“‘NoScrubs.’”
EvenBrendanlaughedatthat,hisrusted-motorlaughmakingPiperwanttocrawlupintohislapandnuzzlehisbeard.Probably
besttowaituntiltheyweren’tdrivingforthat.

Overthecourseofthetwo-hourtrip,FoxandHannahinchedclosertogetherinthebackseatuntiltheywereeventuallysharing
thesetofheadphones,takingturnschoosingsongstoplayeachotherandarguingoverwhosepickswerebetter.Andwhile
Piperhadn’tlikedthetensionbetweenFoxandhersister,shewasn’tsureshelikedthisanybetter.She’dgoneonenoughdateswithplayerstospotoneamileaway—andunlessshewaswildlymistaken,Foxhadplayboy
royaltywrittenalloverhim.

AfteraquickstoptopickupthechandelierandcoveritwithatarpinthebackofBrendan’struck,theyarrivedatthe
hotelbeforelunchtime.Piperwasgivenpreciousfewminutestoenjoythelobbywaterfallandsoothingpianomusicbefore
theywereheadedfortheelevators.

“Iaskedthemtoputusascloseaspossible,sowe’reallonthesixteenthfloor,”Brendansaid,passingoutroomkeys,so
casuallyincharge,Piperhadtobitedownonherlip.“Theexpostartsatnoon.Youwanttomeetinthelobbythenandwalk
over?”

“Soundsgood,”saidbothsisters.
AlthoughIwanttojumpyouiswhatPiperwasthinking.

Theyreachedthesixteenthfloorandheadedindifferentdirections—andPiperwasgratefultohavehalfanhouralonewith
hersister.“Hey,gettingalittlecozywithFoxthere,eh?”shewhispered,tappingtheroomkeyagainstthesensor,releasing
thelock.

Hannahsnorted.“What?No.Wewerejustlisteningtomusic.”
“Yeah,exceptmusicislikesexforyou—”Piperbrokeoffonagasp,runningtherestofthewayintotheroom.Itwasmagnificent.
Mutedsunlight.Aviewofthewater.Awhitefluffycomforterontheking-sizedbed,completewithmirroredheadboardand
moodlighting.Elegantcreamsandgoldsandmarble.Aseatingareawithaplushottomanandtasseledthrowpillows.Vintage
Voguecoversevenservedastheartwork.“Oh,Hannah.”Piperturnedinacircle,armsoutstretched.“I’mhome.”

“Thecaptaindonegood.”
“Hedonerealgood.”Pipertrailedherfingertipsalongacloudlikepillow.“Butwe’restilltalkingaboutFox.What’sgoing
onthere?”

Hannahploppedontotheloveseat,backpackinherlap.“It’sdumb.”
“Whatisdumb?”
Hersistergrumbled.“Thatdaywewalkedtotherecordshop,Imighthavethoughthewascute.Wewerehavingagoodconversation—deeper
thanIexpected,actually.Andthen…hisphonejuststartspingingnonstop.Multiplegirlnamescominguponthescreen.
Tina.Josie.Mika.Itmademefeelkindofstupidforlookingathimthatway.Liketherewaseven…potential.”Sheset
asideherbackpackwithashudder.“Ithinkmaybethecleaningproductswe’dsetonfirewenttomyheadorsomething.But
itwasamomentarylapse.I’mallaboutSergei.Allabouthim.Evenifhetreatsmelikeakidsister.”

“So…nogooeyfeelingsforFox?”
“No,actually.”Hannahseemedpleasedwithherself.“IthinkIlikehimasafriend,though.He’sfun.Smart.Itwasnaturalformetonoticehe’sgood-looking.Imean,whowouldn’t?Butit’sallaboardtheplatonictrain.Toot,toot.Friendsonly.”
“You’resure,Hanns?”Pipereyeballedhersister.“Prettyobvioushe’salady’sman.Iwouldn’twantyoutogethurtor—”
“Pipes.I’mnotinterested.”Hannahappearedtobetellingthetruth.“SweartoGod.”
“Okay.”
“Infact,I’mcoolhangingoutwithhimtoday.There’snobabysittingvibe.”Shemadeashooingmotionwithherhand.“You
andBrendancangodocouple-ythings.”

“What?Noway!Iwanttobrowsevinyls,too.”
“No,youdon’t.Butyou’recuteforpretending.”
Piperpouted,thenbrightened.“Wewillhaveoursisterswaxdate!”Shegasped.“Youknowwhat?Ibookeditataplacecloser
totheconventioncenter,becauseIassumedthat’swherewe’dbestaying.ButI’mgoingtocancelit.Ibettheyhavein-room
waxinghere.Let’ssplurge.”

“Locationdoesn’tmattertome.Hairisgettingrippedouteitherway.”
Piperlungedforthephone.“That’sthespirit!”ChapterTwenty-Four
BrendanhadbeenhopingtogetalotoftimealonewithPiperwhileinSeattle.Hehadn’texpectedtogetitsosoon,but
hesureashellwasn’tgoingtocomplain.Asthefourofthemstoodinthelavishhotellobbygettingreadytopartways,
hedidhisbestnottofeelunderdressedinjeans,flannel,andboots.He’dtakenoffthebeanieassoonashe’dgottento
hisroom,kindofdumbfoundedbythelevelofextravagance.Thepriceoftheirstayhadtippedhimoffthatitwouldbefancy,
buthewasgoingtospendthewholetimeworriedaboutleavingbootprintsonthecarpet.

Thisiswhatshe’susedto.
Thisiswhatyou’llgiveher.
PiperwaslaughingatHannah’sdisgruntledexpression.“Isitthatbad?”
“Shedidn’tevenwarnme.Justrip.”

“Whodidn’twarnyou?”Foxasked,splittingacuriouslookbetweenthewomen.“Jesus.Whathappenedsinceweleftyou?”
“Wegotwaxed,”Piperexplainedbreezily.“Intheroom.”
Hannahpokedhersisterintheribs.“Piper.”

Piperpausedintheactoffluffingherhair.“What?It’slikeabasichumanfunction.”
“Notforeveryone.”Hannahlaughed,red-faced.“OhmyGod.Ishouldgobeforemysisterembarrassesmeanymore.”Sheturned
toFox,raisedaneyebrow.“Ready?”

Foronce,Brendan’sbestfriendappearedtobeatalossforwords.“Uh,yeah.”Hecoughedintohisfist.“Let’sgorecord
shopping.”

“Meetbackhereatsixfordinner,”Brendansaid.
FoxsalutedlazilyandfollowedHannahtowardtheexit.
TheywerealmosttotherevolvingdoorwhenPipertuggedonBrendan’sshirt,makinghimlookdown.“Theyworrymealittle.
Shesaysthey’rejustfriendly,butIdon’twantmysistertogetherheartbroken.”

Brendanwouldn’tsayitoutloud,buthe’dbeenworriedaboutthesamething.Foxdidn’thavefemalefriends.Hehadone-night
stands.“I’lltalktohim.”

Pipernodded,thoughshecastonemoreworriedglanceathersister’sandFox’sretreatingbacks.“So…”Sheturnedon
aheelandgaveBrendanherfullattention.“It’sjustthetwoofus.Forthewholeafternoon.Shouldwegosightseeing?”

“No.”
“No?”Hereyeswereplayful.“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”
Sheobviouslythoughthewasgoingtothrowheroverhisshoulderandbringherbackuptotheroom.Andgoddamn,hewastempted
tospendthewholedayfuckingabare-nakedPiperonthatridiculousbed,butbeingpredictablewouldn’tservehim.Heneeded
tousehistimewithherwisely.“I’mtakingyoushopping.”

Hersmilecollapsed.Asheencoatedhereyes.
Atremblinghandpressedtoherthroat.“Y-youare?”shewhispered.
Hetuckedafallofhairbehindherear.“Yes.”
“But…really?Now?”
“Yes.”
Shefannedherface.“Forwhat?”
“Whateveryouwant.”
Thoseblueeyesblinked.Blinkedagain.Alineformedbetweenherbrows.“Ican’t…Ican’tthinkofasinglethingI
wantrightnow.”

“Maybeonceyoustartlooking—”
“No.”Shewetherlips,seemingalmostsurprisedbythewordscomingoutofhermouth.“Brendan,Iwillalwaysloveshopping
andfancyhotels.Like,lovethem.ButIdon’tneedthem.Idon’tneedyoutodo”—sheencompassedthelobbywithasweepinggesture—“allofthisinorder
tomakemehappy.”Hercheekpressedtohischest.“Canyouletmeintotherechargingstation,please?”

Withoutdelay,hisarmswerewrappedaroundPiper,hismouthpressedtothecrownofherhead.Untilshesaidthewordsand
reliefsettledoverhim,hedidn’tknowhowbadlyheneededtohearthem.Hemightbeabletoaffordplaceslikethis,but
hecouldn’tdenytheneedtobeenoughonhisown.Oddly,nowthatshe’derasedthatworry,hefoundhimselfwantingtotreat
hertoadayofherfavoritethingsevenmore.“I’mtakingyoushopping,honey.”

“No.”
“Yes,Iam.”
“No,Brendan.Thisisn’tnecessary.I’dbejustashappywatchingthemthrowfishatPikePlaceMarketwithyou,andohmyGod,Ireallymeanthat.”Shesnuggledincloser,herhandfistinginhisflannel.“Ireally,actuallydo.”
“Piper.”Hedroppedhismouthtoherear.“Spoilingyoumakesmydickhard.”
“Whydidn’tyousayso?”Shegrabbedhishandandtuggedhimtowardtheexit.“Let’sgoshopping!”
***
“Jeans?”

Piperliftedherchin.“YousaidwhateverIwant.”
Enjoyingthehelloutofhimself,BrendanfollowedPiperthroughtheaislesoftheclassyPacificPlaceshop,watchingher
asspunchsidetosideinherpinkskirt.Shewassoinherelementamongthemannequinsandracksofclothes,hewasglad
ashellhe’dpushedtogoshopping.Assoonasthey’dwalkedthroughthedoors,
“Ofcourse,youcangetwhateveryouwant,”hesaid,tryingtokeepfromknockingoverrackswithhiswideshoulders.“Ijust
figuredyou’dgostraightforthedresses.”

“Imighthave.”Shesenthimahaughtylookoverhershoulder.“IfIdidn’trememberyousarcasticallyaskingmeifIowned
apairofjeans.”

“ThenightyouwentdancingatBlowtheManDown?”Hethoughtback.“Ididn’tthinkyourecalledhalfthatnight.”
“Oh,onlytheimportantparts,”shesaid.“Likebackhandedslightsagainstmywardrobe.”
“Ilikeyour…wardrobe.”Allright,then.Heusedtheword“wardrobe”now.Withastraightface,too,apparently.“Inthebeginning,Ithoughtitwas…”
“Ridiculous?”
“Impractical,”hecorrectedherfirmly.“ButI’vechangedmymind.”
“Youjustlikemyclothesnowbecauseyougettotakethemoff.”
“Thatdoesn’thurt.Butmainly,they’reyou.That’stherealreason.”Hewatchedthesalesgirlapproachwithanarmloadof
jeansandjustbarelystoppedhimselffrombarkingathertogoaway.“IlikethethingsthatmakeyouPiper.Don’tgochanging
themnow.”

“I’mnotchanginganything,Brendan,”shesaid,andlaughed,pullinghimintothedressing-roomarea.“ButIcanonlyget
awaywithdressesforsolong.It’sgoingtobefallsoon,inthePacificNorthwest.”

ThesalesgirlbreezedinbehindthemandusheredPiperaway,puttingherintheclosestdressingroomwithahalf-dozenpairs
ofjeansofvariouscolorsandstyles.Thenshepointedatatiny,femininechair,wordlesslyimplyingthatBrendanshould
sit—andhedid,awkwardly,feelingalotlikeGulliver.“Isthiswhatit’slikewhenyougoshoppinginLA?”heaskedPiper
throughthecurtain.

“Mmmm.Notexactly.”Shepeekedoutathimandwinked.“Itypicallydon’thaveasix-foot-fourseacaptainalongfortheride.”
Hemadeanamusedsound.“Doesthatmakeitbetterorworse?”
“Better.Waybetter.”Shepushedbackthecurtainandwalkedoutinapairoflight-bluepainted-onjeansandablacksee-throughbra.“Ooh,notafan.”Sheturnedandlookedatherbuttinthefull-lengthmirror.“Thoughts?”
Brendandraggedhisjawupoffthefuckingfloor.“I’msorry.Howareyounotafan?”
Shemadeaface.“Thestitchingisweird.”
“The…what?”Heleanedinforacloserlookandimmediatelygotdistractedbytheass.“Whogivesashit?”
Thesalesgirlwalkedinandtiltedherhead.“Ohyeah.No.Passonthose.”
Pipernodded.“That’swhatIthought.”
“Areyoutwoplayingajokeonme?They’reperfect.”
Bothwomenlaughed.Outwentthesalesgirl.Piperretreatedtothechangingroom.AndBrendanwasleftwonderingifhe’dtaken
crazypills.“Yeah,safetosaythisisdefinitelydifferentthanshoppingwithmyfriendsbackinLA.I’mprettysurehalf
thetimetheytellmesomethinglooksgreatevenwhenitdoesn’t.There’salwaysasenseofcompetition.Tryingtogetthe
edge.”Azipperwentupandhewatchedherfeetturnright,left,rightunderthecurtain,smilingatthesparklypolishon
hertoes.ItwassoPiper.“Ithinkmaybeshoppinghasn’tbeenfunforawhileandIdidn’tevenrealizeit.Don’tgetme
wrong,Iadoretheclothes.ButwhenIthinkofgoingdresshuntingwithKirbynow,Ican’trememberfeelinganything.Ispent
allofthattimetryingtogivemyselfthatfirsteuphoricrush.But…Iwasmoreexcitedtogetadealonafishingnet
attheharborsupplyshopthanIwasbuyingmylastChanelbag.”

Shegasped.
AlarmsnappedBrendan’sspinestraight.“What?”
“IthinkDaniel’slessonworked.”Shepushedasidethecurtain,revealinghershockedexpression.“IthinkImightappreciatemoneynow,Brendan.”
Ifhewasn’tsupposedtofindherutterlyfuckingadorable,hewasfailingmiserably.
“That’sgreat,Piper,”hesaidgruffly,orderinghimselfnottosmile.
“Yeah.”Shepointeddownatapairofdarkjeansthatmoldedindecentlytohermouthwateringhips.“Theseareano,right?”
“They’reayes.”

Sheshookherheadandclosedthecurtainagain.“Andthey’reahundreddollars.Ilookedatthepricetag!”Thenshemumbled,
“Ithinkthat’salot?”

Hisheadtippedback.“Imakemorethanthatononecrab,Piper.”
“What?No.Howmanycrabsdoyoucatch?”
“Inaseason?IfIhitthequota?Eightythousandpounds.”
Whensheopenedthecurtainagain,shehadthecalculatorpulleduponherphone.WithhermouthinanO,sheslowlyturned
thescreentoshowhimallthezeroes.“Brendan,thisislike,millionsofdollars.”

Hejustlookedather.
“Ohno,”shesaidafterabeat,shakingherhead.“Thisisbad.”
Brendanfrowned.“Howisthisbad?”
“Ijustlearnedthevalueofmoney.NowIfindoutIhavearichboyfriend?”Shesighedsadly,closedthecurtain.“Wehave
tobreakup,Brendan.Formyowngood.”

“What?”Panicgavehimimmediate,searingheartburn.No.No,thiswasn’thappening.He’dheardherwrong.Butifhehadn’tmisheard,theyweren’tleavingthisfuckingdressingroomuntilshechangedhermind.Helungedtohisfeetandrippedthecurtainopen,onlytofindPiperlaughingintohercuppedpalm,hersidesshaking.Reliefwashedthroughhim,asifanoverheadsprinklersystemhadbeenengaged.“Thatwasn’tfunny,”hesaidraggedly.
“Itwas.”Shegiggled.“Youknowitwas.”
“Doyouseemelaughing?”
Shepressedherlipstogethertogetridofthesmile,buthereyeswerestillsparklingwithlaughter.Buthecouldn’tbe
madather,especiallywhenshecrossedherwristsbehindhisneck,pressedhersoftbodyupagainsthishardone,andcoaxed
hismouthintoawindingkiss.“I’msorry.”Shelickedgentlyathistongue.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dbuyitsoeasily.”

Hegrunted,annoyedathimselfforenjoyingthewayPiperwastryingtogetbackinhisgoodgraces.Herfingerstwistedthe
endsofhishair,hereyeswerecontrite.Allofitwasoddlysoothing.Christ,beinginlovewasdoinganumberonhim.He
wasagoner.

“WillyouforgivemeifIletyoupickoutmyjeans?”shemurmuredagainsthislips.
Brendansmoothedhispalmsbackandforthalongherwaist.“I’mnotmad.Ican’tbe.Notatyou.”
Shedroppedherhandsawayfromhisneckandhandedhimthenextpairofjeansinthestack.Ashewatched,sheunzippedthe
onesshewaswearingandpeeledthemdownherlegs.GoodGodalmighty,Piperwasbentoverinfrontofthemirror,herass
nearlybrushingtheglass—andlookingdownfromabove,hecouldseeeverything.Themint-greenstripoffabrictuckedupbetween
hersupplecheeks,thesuggestionofatanlinepeekingout.

Bythetimeshestraightened,herfacewasflushed,andBrendan’scockwasstrainingagainsthiszipper.“Putthemonforme?”
Christ.Itdidn’tmatterthatthesalesgirlcouldcomeinatanyminute.Arrestedashewasbythosebig,bluebedroomeyes,
nothingmatteredbuther.Hell,maybethatwouldalwaysbethecase.Brendanletoutashudderingbreathandwentdownon
hisknees.Hestartedtoopenthewaistbandsoshecouldstepintothem,butthelittletriangleofherpantiesabsorbedhis
attentionwhenherememberedshe’dgottenwaxedthatmorning.

Truthfully,he’dnevergivenathoughttowomen’s…landscapingbefore.Buteversincethefirsttimehe’deatenPiper’s
pussy,he’dcravedhers.Thewayitlooked,felt,tasted,thesmoothsucculenceofher.

“CanIsee?”
Almostshyly,shenodded.
Brendantuckedafingerinthecenterofherthong’sfrontwaistbandandtuggeditdown,revealingthatteasinglittlesplit,
thenuboffleshjustpushingherlipsapart.Heswayedforwardwithagrowl,pressinghisfacetothelushfleshandinhalingdeeply.“Thisis
mine.”

Herstomachhollowedonanintakeofbreath.“Yes.”
“Goingtospoilyouwithmycreditcardnow.”Hekissedthetopofherslit.“Thenhaveyousitonmyfaceandspoilyoufucking
rottenwithmytonguelater.”

“Brendan.”

Hebandedhisarmsaroundherkneeswhentheydipped,usinghisupperbodytoleanherbackagainstthedressingroomwall.Whenhe’dmadesureshewasstable,heurgedherwithoutwordstostepintothelegs,oneatatime.Hishandsscootedthedenimuphercalves,knees,andthighs,hismouthleavingkissesonthedisappearingskinashewent.Ithurttodragthezipperupandhideherpussyaway,buthedidit,swirlinghistonguearoundherbellybuttonwhileengagingthesnap.
Hestood,turningPiperaroundsoshewasfacingthemirror.Hetuggedherassbackintohislapsoshecouldfeelhishard-on,
makingherlipspuffopen,herneckgolimp.

Throughdazedeyes,shescannedherreflection,herattentiononBrendan’shandasittraveleddownherstomach,hislong
fingersdelvingintothefrontwaistbandtogripherpussyroughly,earninghimashockedwhimper.“Keepers.Definitely.”

“Y-yes,we’llgetthese,”shesaidinarush.Brendantightenedhisgripagain,lifted,andshewentuponhertoes,herlips
fallingopenonagasp.“Yes,yes,yes.”

Brendanplantedakissonthesideofherneck,bitingdownonthespotandslowlyslidinghishandoutofherjeans.When
shestoppedswaying,heleftherflushedinfrontofthemirrorandedgedoutintothewaitingarea.“Goodgirl.”

“Youknow,”shepantedthroughthecurtain.“Shoppingismoreaboutthejourneythanthedestination.”
Hegesturedtothesalesgirlasshewalkedin.“She’lltakethemall.”ChapterTwenty-Five
PipersniffedBrendan’sneckandpursedherlipsthoughtfully.“Nope,it’snottherightoneyet.Toocitrusy.”
Brendanleanedanelbowontheglasscounter,halfamused,halfimpatient.“Piper,you’regoingtorunoutofplacestospray
me.”

Itwasgettinglaterintheafternoon,andafterlunchdowntown—duringwhichBrendantriedhisfirsttiramisuandlikedit!—theywerebackatthehotel.Herboyfriendhadseemedquiteinclinedtogetherupstairsasfastaspossible,butshe’d
draggedhimintoamen’sshopjustoffthelobbytoseeiftheycouldfindhimasignaturescent
Wasshestalling?Maybealittle.
Forsomereason,hernerveswerepopping.
Whichwascrazy.Sotheyweregoingupstairstogetiton.They’ddonethattwicebefore,right?Therewasnoreasonfortheextraraceofbubblesinherbloodstream.ExceptanewtorrentofthemwassetlooseeverytimeBrendankissedherknucklesorputanarmaroundhershoulder.Andevenintheairconditioning,theskinofherneckflamed,andshefoundherselftakingdeep,deepbreaths,attemptingtostillhersprintingheart.
Ifshecouldjustfocusonfindinghimtheperfectcologne,thatwouldgiveherenoughtimetorelax.Oratleastfigureout
whyshecouldn’t.

Sheleanedacrosstheglasstopluckupasquare,sage-coloredbottle,andBrendansplayedahandonthesmallofherback.
Casually.Butherpulsespikedlikeshewastakingaliedetectortestandbeingquestionedaboutherpastspendinghabits.
Mentallyshakingherself,sheliftedthebottleandtookasniff.“Oh,”shewhispered,smellingitagaintobesure.“This
isit.Thisisyourscent.”

Andmaybeitwasthecraziestthing,butfindingthatelusiveessenceofBrendan,holdingitrightthereinherhandandhaving
itfloodhersenses…itdroppedthatfinalveilthathadbeenobscuringherfeelings.Shewashopelessly,irrevocably
inlovewiththisman.

Thechangeintheirsurroundingsmadeitimpossiblenottoacknowledgeeverylittlereasonshegravitatedtowardhim.His
honor,hispatience,hisdependabilityandsteadfastnature.Howhecouldleadandberespectedwithoutbeingpowerhungry.
Hisloveofnatureandtraditionandhome.Thewayhesodelicatelyhandledhisfather-in-law’sfeelingsevengottoher.

Assoonassheacknowledgedthedepthofherfeelings,thosethreelittlewordsthreatenedtotripoutofhermouthThatwasthesourceofhernerves.Becausewherewouldthatleaveher?Inarelationship.Apermanentone.NotonlywiththismanbutwithWestport.

“Piper,”Brendansaidurgently.“Areyouokay?”
“OfcourseIam,”sheresponded,fartoobrightly.“I—Ifoundit.It’sperfect.”
Hiseyebrowraisewasskepticalasheturnedthebottlearound.“SplendidWood?”
“See?Youweremadeforeachother.”Shestaredintohiseyeslikealovesickpuppyforseveraltoo-longseconds,beforebreaking
thespell.“Um,wehavetosmellitonyou,though.”

Brendanwasregardingherwithapuckeredbrow,practicallyconfirmingthatherbehaviorwasoff.“You’vealreadysprayed
mywristsandbothsidesofmyneck,”hesaid.“There’snothingleft.”

“Yourchest?”Shelookedaroundthesmallmen’sshop.Theclerkwasbusyontheothersidewithanothercustomer.“Justa
quicksnifftest.Sowedon’twastemoney.”Shebeamed.“Oh,listentome,Brendan!I’mpracticallycuttingcouponshere.”

Affectionflashedinhisface.“Bequick,”hegrowled,unbuttoningthetopthreebuttonsofhisflannel.“I’mgoingtoneed
threeshowerstogetthisstuffoff.”

Piperdancedinplace,excitedbytheimminentbreakthrough.Thiswasgoingtobeperfect.Shejustknewit.Withaneffort,
sheheldbackhersquealandreleasedapuffofmistintoBrendan’schesthairwhileheheldopentheflannel.Sheleaned
in,buryinghernosethere,inhalingthecombinationoftheearthinessandBrendan’ssaltwater…andohLord,yes,she
wasinloveallright.Herbrainsighedwithtotalcontentmentandjoyathavingcapturedhim,foundawaytobreathehim
inanytimeshewanted.Shemusthavestayedthereinadreamlikestate,exhalinggustily,forlongmoments,becauseBrendan
finallychuckled,andsheopenedhereyes.

“Whatareyouthinkingaboutdownthere?”
ThatifI’mnotcareful,therearegoingtobelittleseacaptainbabiesscamperingaround.
Andhowbaddidthatsound,anyway?
Notbadatall.Kindofamazing,actually.
“IwasthinkingthatI’mproudofyou,”shefinallyanswered,rebuttoninghisshirt.“Youtriedtiramisutoday.And…
andyoujustplantripstoSeattlenow.Onawhim.You’relikeanewman.AndIwasthinking…”

Howshe’dchangedalot,too,sincecomingtoWestport.SincemeetingBrendan.Whatshe’dthoughtbeforewaslivinglifeto
thefullesthadactuallybeenlivinglifeforotherpeopletowatch.Togawkat.Shewouldn’tlietoherselfandpretendone
monthhadcompletelycuredherofherdeeplyrootedyenforattention.Forpraise.Forwhatshe’donceinterpretedaslove.
Now,though?Shewasparticipatinginherownlife.Notjustposingandpretending.Theworldwassomuchbiggerthanher,
andshewasreallyseeingitnow.Shewasreallylooking.

Inthedressingroomwhiletryingonjeans,itdidn’tevenoccurtohertosnapaselfieinthemirror.Shejustwantedto
bethere,inthemoment,withthisman.Becausethewayhemadeherfeelwasthreemilliontimesbetterthanthewaythree
millionstrangersmadeherfeel.

HolyGod.WasshegoingtotellBrendanshelovedhim?
Yeah.
Yeah,shewas.
Ifshethoughtbreakingintoarooftoppoolandsummoningthepolicedepartmentwascrazy,thisfeltamilliontimesriskier.ThiswaslikerappellingdownthesideofthatLAhotelwithsticksofdynamitepokingoutofherears.Becauseshewasnewatthis,andtheroadtofindingoutexactlywhereshefitintohernewplacewasalongone.
Whatif,ultimately,shedidn’tfitatall?
Thewayshe’dfeltwhenAdriancutherloosewouldbelaughablecomparedtodisappointingBrendan.Heknewexactlywhohe
was(commanderofavessel),whathewanted(afleetofboats),andhowtogetit(apparentlymakemillionsofdollarsand
justhaveboatsbuilt??).Meanwhile,she’dspentaweektryingtofindachandelierwiththerightvibe.

Thiscouldbeadisaster.
ButshelookedintohiseyesnowandheardhiswordsechobackfromthedeckoftheDellaRayYouhaveperseverance,character,andahugeheart.
Andshechosetobelievehim.
Shechosetobelieveinherself.
“Brendan,I—”
Herphonewentnutsinherpurse.Loud,scatterednotesthatshedidn’timmediatelyplacebecauseithadbeensolongsince
hearingthem.

“Oh.”Sherearedbackalittle.“That’sKirby’sringtone.”
“Kirby.”Hisbrowssnucktogether.“Thegirlwhoturnedyouintothepolice?”
“Theoneandonly.Shehasn’tcalledmesinceIleft.”Somethingtoldhernotto,butsheunzippedherpurseandtookout
thephoneanyway,weighingitinherhand.“Iwonderifsomethingiswrong.MaybeIshouldanswer.”

Brendansaidnothing,juststudiedherface.
Herindecisionlastedtoolong,andthephonestoppedscreaming.
Sheblewoutabreathofrelief,gladthedecisionhadbeentakenoutofherhands—andthenthephonestartedblowingup.Itwasn’tjustKirbycallingagain;itwastextmessagesfromnamesshevaguelyrecognized,emailpings…andnowanothernumberwithanLAareacodewascallingontheotherline.Whatwasgoingon?
“IguessIshouldtakethis,”shemuttered,frowning.“CanImeetyoubytheelevators?”
“Yeah,”Brendansaidafteramoment,seeminglikehewantedtosaymore.
“It’sjustaphonecall.”
Whenthatstatementcameoutsoundinglikeshewastryingtoreassureherself,too,shecutherlossesandlefttheshop.
Wasitjustaphonecall,though?Herfingerhoveredoverthegreenanswerbutton.ThiswasthefirsttimeherLAlifehad
touchedhersincecomingtoWashington.Shehadn’tevenansweredyet,butitfeltlikesomeonewasshakingherinbed,trying
towakeherupfromadream.

“You’rebeingridiculous,”shescoldedherselfquietly,hittingtalk.“Hey,Kirby.Reallystretchedthatapologywindow,didn’t
you,babe?”

Piperfrownedatherreflectioninthesteelelevatorbank.Wasitherimaginationordidshesoundcompletelydifferenttalking
toherLAfriends?

“Piper!Ididapologize!Didn’tI?OhmyGod,ifnot,Iam,like,downonmyknees.Seriously.Iwassuchaterriblefriend.
Ijustcouldn’taffordformydadtocutmeoff.”

Why,oh,whydidsheanswerthecall?“Yeah,neithercouldI.”Itmighthavesomethingtodowiththeendlessdingsandvibrations
happeningagainstherear.“Look,it’sfine,Kirby.Idon’tholditagainstyou.What’sup?”

“What’sup?Areyouserious?”Afewhonksfiredoffinthebackground,thesoundofabusmotoringpast.“Haveyouseenthecoverof
LAWeekly?”

“No,”shesaidslowly.
“Youareonit—andlookinglikeasmokeshow,bitch.OhmyGod,theheadline,Piper.‘APartyPrincess’sVanishingAct.’Everyoneisfreakingout.”

Hertemplesstartedtopound.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“GolookattheirInstagram.Thepostisblowingup.”Shesquealed.“Thegistofthearticleisthatyouthrewthepartyof
thedecadeandthendisappeared.It’slikeagiantmystery,Piper.You’relike,fuckingBanksyorsomething.EveryonewantstoknowwhyyouwentfromWilshireBoulevardtosomerandomharbor.Youdidn’teventagyour
location!Peoplearedyingfordetails.”

“Really?”Shefoundabenchandfellontoit,tryingtopuzzlethroughtheunexpectednews.“Noonecaredyesterday.”
Kirbyignoredthat.“Moreimportantly,theywanttoknowwhenyou’llcomebackandreclaimyourthrone!Whichbringsmeto
themainpointofmyphonecall.”Sheexhaledsharply.“Letmethrowyouawelcomebackparty.I’vealreadygotthevenue
linedup.Exclusiveinvitesonly.ThePartyPrincessReturns.Imighthaveleakedtheideatoafewdesigners,somebeverage
companies,andtheyareofferingtopayyou,Piper.Awholelotofmoneytowalkoutintheirdress,drinktheirshitoncamera.
I’mtalkingaboutsixfigures.Let’sdothis.Let’smakeyouafuckinglegend.”

AprickleclimbedPiper’sarm,andshelookeduptofindBrendanstandingafewyardsaway,holdingherbagofjeansandasmallerone,whichsheassumedcontainedthecologne.Hewasn’tcloseenoughtoheartheconversation,buthisexpressiontoldherhesensedthegravityofthephonecall
Wasthephonecallthatimportant,though?Thisriseinpopularitywouldbefleeting,fast.She’dhavetoridethewaveasfaraspossible,thenimmediatelystarttrying
tofindafreshwaytoberelevant.Comparedtothemanshelovedbeingoutonaboatinastorm…orawavecomingout
ofnowhereandsnatchingsomeoneoffthedeck…atripbackintothelimelightdidn’tseemthatsignificant.

Amonthago,thisunexpectedwindfallofnotorietywouldhavebeenthegreatestthingthateverhappenedinherlife.
Nowitmostlyleftherhollow.
WasthereanaggingpartofPiperthatwantedtofallbackintothislifestyleshewasguaranteedtobegoodat?Yes,she’d
belyingifshesaidtherewasn’t.Itwouldbesecondnaturetostrutintoadarkclubtotheperfectsongandbeapplauded
foraccomplishingabsolutelynothingbutbeingprettyandrichandphotogenic
“Piper.Areyouthere?”
“Yeah,”shecroaked,hereyesstilllockedwithBrendan’s.“Ican’tcommit.”
“Yes,youcan,”Kirbysaid,exasperated.“Look,IheardDanielslashedyourfunds,butifyoudothisparty,you’llhaveenough
cashtomoveout,doyourownthing.MaybewecouldevenrevampPuckerUpnowthatyouhavesomeextraclout!I’llbuyyou
theplaneticketbacktoLA,allright?Youcanstayinmyguestroom.Doneanddone.IbookedthevenueforSeptemberseventh.
EverywherewasalreadytakenforLaborDay.”

“Septemberseventh?”Pipermassagedthecenterofherforehead.“Isn’tthataTuesday?”
“So?Whatareyou,forty?”
God.Thiswasherbestfriend?“Kirby,Ihavetogo.I’llthinkaboutit.”
“Areyouinsane?Thereisnothingtothinkabout.ParisisonmyshortlisttoDJthisthing—andshe’satthebottom.Thisistheonewe’llbetalkingaboutfortherestofourlives.”

Brendanwascomingcloser,hisgazelaser-focusedonherface.
Ican’ttellhim.
Shedidn’twanttotellhimaboutanyofthis.LAWeekly.Thepartybeingplannedinherhonor.Hersplashynewtitle.Anyofit.

Ifshemadeapro/conlistofLAversusWestport,PiperlovesBrendanwouldbeinthepro-Westportcolumnandthatoutweighedanycon.Theycouldn’tdiscussapotentialreturntoLAwithoutPiperrevealingherfeelings,andthen…howcouldshedo
anythingbutturntheopportunitydownaftertellinghimthosethreewords?Butshewasn’tonehundredpercentreadytosay
notoKirby.Notjustyet.Ifshesaidnotothistriumphantreturntothesceneshe’dlivedforthelastdecade,she’dbe
sayingyestoWestport.Yestobeingwiththismanwhoendangeredhimselfasamatterofcourse.Yestostartingoverfrom
scratch.

KirbywasramblinginherearaboutaBurberry-inspiredcolorschemeandasignaturedrinkcalledtheHornyHeiress
“Okay,thanks,Kirby.Imissyou,too.Havetogo.Bye.”
“Don’tyoudarehang—”
Piperhungupquicklyandpowereddownherphone,hoppingtoherfeet.“Hey.”ShedirectedhermostwinningandhopefullydistractingsmileatBrendan.“Youboughtthecologne?Iwantedtogetitforyouasagift.”
“Ifitmakesyouwanttosmellmeinpublic,I’llconsideritaninvestment.”Hepaused,noddingatherphone.“Everything
okay?”

“What?Yes.”Stopflutteringyourhands.“JustsomegossipthatKirbythoughtwasurgent.Spoiler:it’snot.Let’sgoupstairs,right?”

Pipersprungforwardandhitthecallbutton,praisingthesaintswhenanemptycartotheirimmediateleftopened.Shetook
Brendan’sthickwrist,gratefulwhenheallowedhimselftobedraggedinside.Andthenshepushedhimupagainsttheelevator
wallandutilizedtwoofherfavoriteskills—avoidanceanddistraction—tokeephimfromaskinganymorequestions.

Questionsshedidn’twanttoaskherself,either.ChapterTwenty-Six
Brendancouldn’tshakethesensethatPiperhadjustslippedoutofhisreach—anditfuckingterrifiedhim.
Whilecologneshopping,she’dlookedupathiminawayshehadn’tbefore.Likeshewasgettingreadytolaydownherweapons
andsurrender.He’dneverhadanyonelookathimlikethat.Scaredandhopefulallatonce.Beautifullyexposed.Andhecouldn’t
waittorewardthattrust.Tomakehergladshe’dtakentheleap,becausehe’dcatchher.Couldn’twaittotellherthatlife
beforeshe’dshownupinWestporthadbeenlackingallcolorandlightandoptimism.

Herhandssmootheddownhischestnow.Lower,tohisabdomen.
Sheleanedinandburiedhernoseinhischest,inhaling,moaningsoftly.
Tracingtheoutlineofhiscockwithherknuckle.
Thattouch,obviouslymeanttodistract,trappedhimbetweenneedandirritation.Hedidn’twantPiperwhenhermindwasobviouslyelsewhere.Hewantedthosebarriersgone.Wantedallofher,everyfuckingounce.Buttherewasapartofhimthatwasnervous,too.Nervousashellthathewasn’tequippedtofightwhateverunseenfoehewasupagainst
Thelatteraccountedforhisharshnesswhenhecaughtherwrist,holdingitawayfromhisdistendedfly.“Tellmewhatthe
phonecallwasreallyabout.”

Sheflinchedathistone,pushedawayfromhim.“Ididtellyou.Itwasnothing.”

“Areyoureallygoingtolietome?”
God,shelookedliterallyandfigurativelycornered,stuckintheelevatorwithnowheretorun.Notthatshedidn’tlookfor
anexit,evenontheceiling.“Idon’thavetotellyoueverysinglething,”shestammeredfinally,punchingtheopendoorbuttonrepeatedly,eventhoughtheywereonlymidwaytothesixteenthfloor.“Areyouplanningonbeingthisdomineering
allthetime?”Herlaughwashigh-pitched,panicky,anditburnedaholeinhischest.“Becauseit’salittlemuch.”

Nope.Nottakingthatbait.“Piper.Comehereandlookatme.”
“No.”
“Whynot?”
Sherolledhereyes.“Idon’twanttobeinterrogated.”
“Good,”hegroundout.“Iwantthetruthwithouthavingtoaskyouforit.”
Hecaughtheraudibleswallowjustbeforetheelevatordooropened,andshewasofflikeashot,speed-walkingintheopposite
directionofhisroom,whichwaswherethehellshewasgoingtoendup,ifhehadanythingtosayaboutit.Brendancaught
upwithherrightbeforeshecouldswipeintoherownroom,wrappinganarmaroundhermiddleandhaulingherbackupagainst
hischest.

“Enough.”

“Don’ttalktomelikeachild.”
“You’reactinglikeone.”
Shegasped.“You’retheone—”

“Christ.IfyoutellmeI’mtheonewhowantedahigh-maintenancegirlfriend,you’regoingtopissmeoff,Piper.”Hegripped
herchinandtippedherheadbackuntilitmethisshoulder.“Iwantyou.Howeveryouare,whateveryouare,Iwantyou.AndI’llfighttogetinsidethatheadasmanytimesasittakes.Overandoverandover.Don’tyoudaredoubtme.”

Herbodyheavedwithtwodeepbreaths
“KirbycalledtotellmeI’monthecoverofLAWeeklyOkay?‘APartyPrincess’sVanishingAct.’There’sawholestoryand…nowIguess,ta-dah,I’minterestingagain.Afteramonth
ofsilence,everyonesuddenlywantstoknowwhereI’vegone.”Shebrokefreeofhisgripandpushedaway,herposturedefensive.
“Kirbywantstothrowmeabig,over-the-topcoming-homeparty.AndIdidn’twanttotellyoubecausenowyou’regoingto
beardownonmeuntilImagicallyproduceanswersaboutwhatIwant—andIdon’tknow!”

Brendan’spulsericochetedaroundhisveins,hisnervesescalatingtofull-onfear.LAWeekly.Over-the-topparty.Didhestandafuckingchanceagainstanyofthat?“Whatdoyouknow,Piper?”hemanaged,hoarsely
Hereyesclosed.“IknowIloveyou,Brendan.IknowIloveyouandthat’sit.”
Theworldwentmomentarilysoundless,devoidofnoiseexceptforthesoundofhishearttendonsstretching,onthevergeof
snappingunderthepressureofthewondershe’djuststuffedinsideofit.Shelovedhim.Thiswomanlovedhim“Howcanyousay‘that’sit’?”Hetookagiantstepandscoopedherintohisarms,rejoicingwhenshecameeasily,loopingherlegsaroundhiswaist,buryingherfaceinhisneck.“Howcanyousaythat’sitwhenit’sthebestthingthat’severhappenedtome?”Hekissedherhair,hercheek,pressedhismouthtoherear.“Iloveyou,baby.Goddammit,Iloveyouback.Aslongasthat’sthecase,everythingwillbefine—anditwillalwaysbethecase.We’llworkonthedetails.Okay?”

“Okay.”Sheliftedherheadandnodded,laughedinadazedway.“Yes.Okay.”
“Weloveeachother,Piper.”Heturnedandstrodetowardhisroom,gratefulhealreadyhadthekeyinhishand,becausehe
wouldn’thavebeenabletotakehisattentionoffhertosearchforit.“Iwon’tletanythingoranybodyfuckwiththat.”

Jesus.She’dbeen…unlocked.Hereyesweresoftandtrustingandbeautifuland,mostimportant,confident.Inhim.In
them.He’ddonetherightthingpushing,hardasithadbeentoseeherscared.Butitwasallrightnow,thankGod.Thank
God
Heslappedtheroomkeyoverthesensorandkickedthedooropen,hissolemissioninlifetogivethiswomananorgasm.To
seethosesoftenedblueeyesgoblindandknowhisbodywasresponsible.Wouldalwaysberesponsibleformeetingherneeds.

“Ineedyousobad,”shesobbed,tuggingathiscollar,movingherhipsindesperatelittlecircles.“OhmyGod,I’maching.”

“YouknowI’mgoingtohandleit.”Hebitthesideofherneck,thrusthishipsuproughly,andlistenedtoherbreathcatch.
“Don’tyou?”

“Yes.Yes.”

BrendansetPiperonherfeetandspunheraround,thenyankedherskirtupaboveherhips.“Maybesomedaywe’llbeabletowaitlongenoughtogetundressedatthesametime,”herasped,strippingherpantiesdowntoherankles,beforeattackinghiszipperwithshakinghands.“Butit’snotgoingtobetoday.Getbothkneesontheedgeofthebed.”
God,helovedPiperwhenshewasashamelessflirt.Whenshewaspissed.Whenshewasbeingateaseormakinghimworkhis
assoff.Buthelovedhermostasshewasnow.Honest.Hidingnothing.Hotandneedyandreal.Clamberingontotheveryedge
ofthebedandtiltingherhips,begging.“Please,Brendan.Willyou,please,willyou,please…”

Therewasnowayhecouldn’ttakeamomenttoadmiretheworkofartthatwasPiper.Thelithelinesofherpartedthighs,
theassthatmadehislifeheavenandhell.Hegrippedthecheeksnowandkneadedthem,spreadingthefleshsohecouldsee
whatwaswaitingforhiminbetween.“Ah,baby.Ishouldalwaysbetheonesaying‘please,’”hesaidhoarsely,leaningdown
andstrokinghistongueoverthetight,gatheredskinofherbackentrance.Shehuffedhisname,thenmoanedithesitantly,
hopefully,andyeah,hecouldn’tstophimselffromyankinghersexybacksidecloser,buryinghismouthinthevalleybetween
andtonguingherroughly.

“Ohwow,”shebreathed,pushingbackagainsthim.“Whatareyou—ohmyGod.”

Hebroughthishandaroundherhip,trailingtwofingersbetweenhersoftfolds,andenjoyedtheactofgettingherpussywetashellbylickingsomethingelseentirely.Enjoyingherinitialshynessandthewaysheeventuallycouldn’thelpbutslideherkneesevenwideronthebed,herhipsundulatingintimewiththehungrystrokesofhistonguehistonguetraveldownandaroundtohersex,herclitwassoswollen;hebattedthenubwithhistongueafewtimes,rubbedthesensitivebuttonwithhisthumb,andshebrokeapart,hiccuppingintothecomforter,herdeliciouswetnesscoatingherinnerthighs,hismouth.
Shewaspantingasherose,droppedhischestdownontoherbackandpushedhiscockinsideofherstill-contractingpussy.
“Mine,”hegritted,thetightnessofhercinchinghisballsuppainfully,firingeveryounceofhisbloodwithpossessiveness.
“I’mtakingwhat’sminenow.”

AmovementaheadofthemonthebedremindedBrendanofthemirroredheadboard,andhealmostcame,caughtoffguardbythe
eroticsightofherslackjawandtitsthatbouncedalongwitheverypumpofhiships.Hisbodyloomedbehindher,damnnear
twicehersize,hislipspeeledbackfromhisteethlikehemightverywelldevourherwhole.Whowouldn’t?Whowouldn’twant
togathereverypartofthiswomanascloseaspossible?Toconsumeherfire?Whowouldn’tdietryingtoearnherloyalty?

“Christ,you’resobeautiful,”hegroaned,fallingontopofher,pinninghertothebedandbucking,fillingherlikeshewasfillinghischest,hismind.Allofhim.Completinghimjustbybreathing.Hetookherhairinafist,usingittopullherheadback,lockingtheirgazesinthemirror.Shegasped,joltedaroundhiscock,herwallstellinghimshewasasturnedonbythemovietheywerestarringinashewas.“Yeah,youlikebeingadmiredandcomplimented,don’tyou,Piper?Nobettercomplimentthanhowhardyoumakemycock,isthere?Howroughyoumakemegiveittoyou?Can’tevengetmygoddamnjeansdown.”Herbreathhitched,andshestartedtosquirmunderneathhim,herfingersclawingatthecomforterasshegaveaclosed-mouthscreamofhisname.“Goon.Givemethatsecondone,baby.Wanttoturnyoufuckinglimp.”
Herblueeyeswentblind,andshemoanedhoarsely,herhipstwitchingbeneathhim,spasmsrackingherpussyandplunginghim
overtheedge.Herockedintoherhotchannelonemoretime,spearingdeep,lookingherintheeyesashegrowledhername,
lettingloosetheexcruciatingpressurebetweenhislegs,pantingagainstthesideofherhead.

“Iloveyou,”shegasped,thewordsseemingtocatchheroffguard,alarmher,andBrendanwonderedifitwaspossibleforhishearttoexplodeoutofhischest.Howwashegoingtosurviveher?Everytimehethoughthisfeelingsforherhadfinallyreachedtheirapex,sheprovedhimwrong,andhischestgrewanothersize.Howcouldhecontinueatthisrateforthenextfifty,sixtyyears?
“Piper,Iloveyou,too.Iloveyou.”Stillpressingherdownintothebed,heleftslowkissesonhertemple,hershoulder,herneck,beforefinallyrolling
offhertooneside,drawinghertighttotheplaceshecalledtherechargingstation.Andhe’dlaughedatthatname,but
whenshefoundherplaceinhisarms,herfeaturesrelaxedandshesighed,asifbeingheldbyhimtrulymadeeverythingokay.
JesusChrist,thatprivilegehumbledhim.

“I’veneversaidittoanyonebefore,”shemurmured,restingherheadonhisbicep.“Itdidn’tfeellikeIalwaysthought
itwould.”

Heranhishanddownherhair.“Howdidyouthinkitwouldfeel?”
Shethoughtaboutit.“Gettingitoverwith.LikerippingoffaBand-Aid.”
“Andhowdiditfeelinstead?”
“Thereverse.Likeputtingabandageon.Wrappingittight.”Shestudiedhischinamoment,thentickedhereyesuptohis.
“IthinkbecauseItrustyou.Icompletelytrustyou.That’sahugepartoflove,isn’tit?”

“Yeah.Ireckonithastobe.”Heswallowedaroundthelumpinhisthroat.“ButI’mnotanexpert,baby.I’veneverloved
likethis.”

Ittookamomentforhertospeak.“I’llneverkeepanythingfromyouagain.”Herexhalewasrocky.“Ohwow.Bigpost-coital
declarationshappeninghere.ButImeanit.Nomorekeepingthingstomyself.Notevenforthelengthofanelevatorride.
Iwon’tmakeyoufighttogetintomyhead.Idon’twantthat.Idon’twanttobeconstantworkforyou,Brendan.Notwhen
youmakeitsoeasytoloveyou.”

Hecrushedheragainsthim,nootherchoice,unlesshewantedtosplinterapartfromthesheerfuckingemotionsheproduced
insideofhim.“Constantwork,Piper?No.Youmisunderstandme.”Hetippedherchinupandkissedhermouth.“Whenthereward
isasperfectasyou,asperfectasthis,theworkisafuckinghonor.”

BrendanrolledPiperontoherbackastheirkissesescalated,hiscockgrowingstiffagaininamatterofseconds,swelling
painfullywhenshebeggedhimtotakeoffhisshirt.Hecomplied,somehowfindingawaytokickoffhisjeansandboxersbefore
strippinghercleanofanyclothing,too.Satisfiedsoundsburstfromtheirmouthswhentheirnakedbodiesfinallytwined
together,skinonskin,notasinglebarrierinsight.

Piper’slipscurvedwithhumorbeneathhis.“Soarewejustnotgoingtotalkaboutthetonguething?”

Theirlaughterturnedtosighsandeventuallytomoans,thebedspringsgroaningbeneaththem.Anditseemedlikenothingcouldtouchtheperfectionofthem.Notaftersuchhard-foughtconfessions.Notwhentheycouldn’tseemtobreathewithouteachother.
ButifBrendanhadlearnedonethingasacaptain,itwasthis:Justwhenitseemedlikethestormwasbeginningtobreak
anddaylightspreadacrossthecalmwaters?That’swhenthebiggestwavehit.

Andforgettingthatlessoncouldverywellcosthimeverything.ChapterTwenty-Seven
TherestoftheirtimeinSeattlewasadream.
HannahandFoxmettheminthehotellobbyatthedesignatedtime,loadeddownwithsecondhandrecords.AndwhilePiperstill
wantedBrendantospeaktoFoxaboutHannahbeingoff-limits,herfearsweretemporarilyputtorestbythegenuinefriendship
thatseemedtohavesproutedbetweenthetwo.Oneafternoontogetherandtheywerefinishingeachother’ssentences.They
hadinsidejokesandeverything.NotthatitsurprisedPiper.Hersisterwasagoddesswithapure,romanticspirit,andit
wasabouttimepeopleflockedtoher.

Aslongascertainappendagesremainedintheirpants.
Atdinner,BrendanandFoxtoldthemaboutlifeontheboat.Piper’sfavoritestorywasaboutacrabclawgettingfastenedtoDeke’snipple,requiringBrendantogivehimstitches.Shemadethemtellittwicewhileshelaughedherselfintoawine-aidedstupor.Halfwaythroughthemeal,Foxbroughtuplastweek’sstorm,andPiperwatchedBrendanstiffen,hisgazeflyingtohers,gaugingifshecouldhandleit.Shewassurprisedtofindthatwhilehernervesbubbledupominously,shewasabletocalmthemwithafewdeepbreaths.ApparentlyBrendanwassohappyaboutPiperencouragingFoxtofinishthestory,hepulledheroverontohislap,andthat’swhereshehappilyremainedfortherestoftheevening.
Theysleptintheirassignedroomsthatnight,althoughsomenaughtytextshadbeenexchangedbetweenherselfandBrendan,
andthenextmorningtheypiledintothetrucktoheadbacktoWestport.

WithherhandclaspedtightlyinBrendan’sontheconsoleandHannah’sroad-tripmixdriftingfromthespeakers,Piperfound
herself…lookingforwardtogoinghome.She’dcalledAbethismorningtolethimknowshewouldbelatefortheirwalk,
followedbyaquickcalltoOpaltoarrangecoffeelaterintheweek.

TherewereoverahundredtextmessagesandcountlessemailsonherphonefromLAacquaintances,clubowners,andKirby,but
shewasignoringthemfornow,notwantinganythingtostealthelingeringbeautyoftheSeattletrip.

ApartfromthoseincreasinglyurgentmessagesaboutSeptember7,Piperwasdelightedtohavetwotextsfromgirlsshe’dmet
inBlowtheManDown.TheywantedtomeetupandhelpplantheLaborDayparty.Andhowwouldshefeelaboutagroupmakeup
tutorial?

Good.Shefelt…reallygoodaboutit.Withhergrowingnumberoffriendsandthegrandopeningonthehorizon,Pipersuddenlyhadapackedschedule.

WhatifshecouldactuallybelonginWestport?
Yes,Brendanmadeherfeellikeshealreadydid.Buthehadhislivelihoodhere.Acommunityhe’dknownsincebirth.Thelastthingshewantedwastobedependentonhim.IfshestayedinWestport,sheneededtomakeherownway.Tobeapersonindependentoftheirrelationship,aswellasamemberofit.Andforthefirsttime,thatdidn’tseemlikeafar-fetchedpossibility.
WhentheyarrivedinWestport,BrendandroppedFoxoffathisapartmentfirst,thencompletedthefive-minutedrivetoPiper
andHannah’s.Hisexpressioncouldonlybedescribedassurlyasheshovedthetruckintopark,visiblyreluctanttosaygood-bye
toher.Shecouldrelate.Buttherewasnowayshe’dmakeitahabittoleaveHannahalone.

Hersisterleanedoverthefrontseatnow,chinproppedonherhands.“Allright,Brendan,”shesaiddrily.“Piperwassinging
‘NaturalWoman’atthetopofherlungsintheshowerthismorning—”

“Hannah!”Pipersputtered.
“AndsinceIlikeseeingherhappy,I’mgoingtodoyouasolid.”
Brendanturnedhisheadslightly,hisinterestpiqued.“What’sthat?”
“Okay.I’massumingyouhaveaguestroomatyourplace,”Hannahsaid.
Piper’sboyfriendgruntedintheaffirmative.
“Well…”Hannahdrewout.“Icouldcomestayinit.ThatwouldalleviatePiper’ssisterguiltandshecouldstayinthe
captain’squarters.”

“Gopack,”Brendanresponded,nohesitation.“I’llwait.”
“Holdon.What?”Piperturnedontheseat,splittinganincredulouslookbetweenthesetwocrazypeoplesheloved.“I’mnot—we’re
not—justgoingtomoveintoyourhouse,Brendan.Thatrequiresa-a…attheveryleast,aseriousconversation.”

“I’llletyouchat,”Hannahsaidmerrily,hoppingoutofthetruck.
“Brendan…”Piperstarted.
“Piper.”Hereachedovertheconsole,brushedhisthumbalonghercheekbone.“Youbelonginmybed.There’snothingtodiscuss.”
Shepuffedalaugh.“Howcanyousaythat?I’veneverlivedwithanyone,butI’mprettysureasignificantportionoftime
isspentwithnomakeupand…laundry!Haveyoutakendirtyclothesintoconsideration?WherewillIputmine?I’vemanaged
tomaintainacertainairofmystique—”

“Mystique,”herepeated,lipstwitching.
“Yes,that’sright.”Shebattedawayhistouch.“What’sgoingtohappenwhenthereisnomore…mysteryleft?”
“Idon’twantanymysterieswhenitcomestoyou.AndwehavetoleaveonafishingtriponSaturday.Twonightsaway.”Justafewdaysfromnow.“IwanteverysecondIcangetwithyouuntilIpulloutoftheharbor.”

“Saturday.”Thiswasnewstoher,althoughshe’dknownatsomepointhewouldbegoingbackoutonthewater.Usuallythe
turnaroundwaseventighter,butthey’dtakenafullweekoffaftercrabseason.“Doyouthinkyou’llbebackforthegrand
openingonLaborDay?”

“DamnrightIwill.Iwouldn’tmissit.”Heraisedacasualeyebrow,asifhehadn’tjustmadeherpulsethrumwithundiluted
joy.“Willseparatelaundrybasketsswayyou?”

“Maybe.”Shechewedherlip.“Therewouldhavetobeano-kissing-until-I’ve-brushed-my-teethrule.”
“Nah,fuckthat.”Hisgazedroppedtothehemofherskirt.“IwanttopushrightintosleepyPiperandmakeherlegsshakefirstthinginthemorning.”
“Fine,”sheblurted.“I’llgopack,then.”
Hisexpressionbecameamixtureoftriumphandaffection.“Good.”
Frowningatherboyfriend,eventhoughherheartwastap-dancing,shepushedopenthedoorofthetruck.Beforeshecould
closeitbehindher,sherememberedherpromisetomeetAbeandwalkhimtothemuseum.“Howaboutwecomeoverarounddinnertime?”
shesaidtoBrendan.“We’llgetgroceriesontheway.Maybeyoucangivemeacookinglesson.”

“I’llhavemyextinguisherhandy.”
“Har-har.”Wasitnormalforone’sfacetoactuallyachefromsmiling?“I’llseeyoutonight,Captain.”
Hissilver-greeneyessmokedwithpromise.“Tonight.”
***
PiperjoggedtothehardwarestoreandwalkedAbetothemaritimemuseum,chattingwithhimforawhilebeforecontinuing
herruntoOpal’shouseforcoffee.WalkingbacktoNoName,shetappedoutrepliestohernewfriends,PattyandVal,arranging
atimetoplanforLaborDay.SheandHannahwouldhavetokicktheirproductivityintohyperdrivetohavethebarreadyin
time—theydidn’tevenhaveanewsignyet—butwithsomedetermination,theycoulddoit.

Thatevening,thesisterspackedenoughclothesforacoupleofnightsandwalkedtothemarketwiththeirbackpacks,buyingingredientsidenticaltotheonesBrendandroppedintoherhandcartthatfirstmorninginWestport.
Butterflywingssweptherstomachwhensheknockedonhisdoor,butthestrokesturnedlanguidandcomfortingthemomenthis
extra-largeframeappearedintheentrance…ingraysweatpantsandaT-shirt.

Ando-kay.Justlikethat,theadvantagesofthislivingarrangementwerealreadymakingthemselvesknown.

“Don’tlookatmyboyfriend’sdickprint,”PiperwhisperedtoHannahastheyfollowedhimintothehouse,sendinghersister
intodoubled-overlaughter.

Brendancocked—ha—aneyebrowatthemoverhisshoulder,butcontinuedonuntiltheyreachedtheguestbedroom,carryingthe
groceriesthey’dbroughtinonehand.Theroomheledthemtowassmallandjustoffthekitchen,butithadaniceviewof
thegardenandthebedlookedinfinitelymorecomfortablethanthebunkbackatNoName.

“Thanks,thisisperfect,”Hannahsaid,droppingherbackpackonthefloor.Sheturnedinacircletoobservetherestof
theroomandsuckedinabreath,herhandflyinguptocoverhermouth.“Whatis…whatisthat?”

Puzzledbyhersister’schangeindemeanor,Piper’sgazetraveledfromBrendan’ssweatpantstotheobjectthathadelicited
thereaction.Thereonthedeskwasarecordplayer.Dustyandheavy-looking.“Irememberedmyparentsgavemetheirsbefore
theymoved,”Brendansaid,crossinghisarms,noddingatit.“Wentandgotitoutofthebasement.”

“ThisisavintagePioneer,”Hannahbreathed,runningherfingeralongtheglasstop.SheturnedwideeyesonBrendan.“I
canuseit?”

Henoddedonce.“That’swhyIbroughtitup.”Asifhehadn’tjustmadeHannah’slife,hejerkedhischinatthecloset.“PutwhateverrecordsIcouldfindinthere.Mightbenothing.”
“Anythingwillsoundlikesomethingonthis.”Hannah’skneesdipped,andsheleaptup,doinganexciteddance.“Idon’teven
careifyouunearthedthisspecificallytodrownoutthesexnoises.Thankyou.”

Brendan’searsdeepenedslightlyincolor,andPipersomehowfellfurtherinlovewithhim.Doingsomethingniceforhersister
hadearnedhereverlastingdevotion.Andwhenhesaid,inhisgruff,reservedway,“No.Thanksfor,uh…lettingmehave
Piperhere,”shealmostfainteddeadaway.“I’lltakethat.”

HeeasedthebackpackoffPiper’sshoulders,kissedherforehead,andabruptlylefttheroom.Theyobservedhisdeparture
likeseagullswatchingafullsliceofbreadsailingthroughtheair—andthankstoherharborjogs,Piperknewwhatthatlooked
likenow.Reverent.

Youhavetomarryhim,Hannahmouthed.

Iknow,Pipermouthedback.Whatthefuck?
StillnoactualsoundcameoutofHannah’smouth.Askhimfirst.Doitnow.
Imight.OhGod.Imight.
Hannahcarefullydrapedherselfovertherecordplayer.“Youcangoondoubledateswithmeandmyrecordplayer.Piper,lookatit.”Sheslumpedintothedeskchair.“Attheexpo,Ihadmyeyeonthisperfect,perfectFleetwoodMacforty-five.It
wastooexpensive.ButifI’dknownIhadthisPioneertoplayiton,Iwouldhavesplurged.”

“Ohno.Itspoketoyou?”
“Loudandclear.”Hannahsighed,wavingoffhersadness.“It’sfine.Ifitwasmeanttobe,I’llrunintoitagainoneday.”Shepushedtoherfeet.“Let’sgomakedinner.I’mstarved.”
***
Thethreeofthemfellintoahappypattern.
Inthemornings,BrendanwokePiperupwithfingertipstrailingupanddownherbelly,whichledtoherbacksideteasinghis
lap.Sometimesherolledheroverfacedownandyankedherupontoherknees,takingherfastandfuriously,herhandsclinging
totheheadboardforpurchase.Othertimes,hetossedherkneesupoverhismuscularshouldersandrockedintoherslowly,
whisperinggruffpraiseintothecrookofherneck,thethickpushandpullofhisshaftbetweenherlegsasreliableasthe
tide,neverfailingtoleaveherlimpandtrembling,hercrieslingeringinthecool,dimairofhisbedroom.

Aftershe’dfloatedbackdowntoearthfromtheirintenselovemaking,shedressedforherjogandwenttomeetAbe,helping
himupthestairsofthemuseumbeforecontinuingonherway.She’dreturnhomeandshower,thenhavebreakfastwithBrendan
andHannahbeforeheadingtoNoNameforworkinhistruck.Apartfromthesign,thebarjustneededdécorandafewfinal
touches.Brendanhungthechandelier,laughingatthewayPipersquealedinvictory,declaringitperfect.Theyarrangedhigh
toptablesandstools,hungstringsoflightsonthebackpatio,andcleanedsawdustoffeverything.

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthename,”Pipersaidoneafternoon,waitinguntilhersisterlookedather.“Um…howdoyoufeelaboutCrossandDaughters?”
AsoundrushedoutofHannah,hereyestakingonasheen.“Iloveit,Pipes.”
Brendancameupbehindher,plantingahardkissonhershoulder.“It’sperfect.”
“Iwishwehadalittlemoretime,”Hannahsaid.“Thatnamedeservesagreatsign.”
“Itdoes.ButIthink…maybewhat’sperfectaboutthisplaceisthatit’snot.It’spersonal,notflawless.Right?”Piper
laughed.“Let’spaintitourselves.It’llmeanmorethatway.”

Hannah’sphonerang,andshelefttheroomtoanswer,leavingPiperandBrendanalone.Sheturnedtofindhimscrutinizing
herinthiswayhe’dbeendoingoftenlately.Withlove.Attentiveness.Buttherewasmorehappeningbehindthoseeyes,too.
Hesaidhewouldn’tpressureherforadecision,butthelongershelefthimhanging,themoreanxioushegrew.

TheypaintedthesignonThursdaywithbig,sloppybucketsofsky-bluepaint.Brendanhadspentthemorningsandingdownalongpieceofplywoodandtrimmingtheedgesintoanovalshapewithhistablesaw.OncePipermadearoughoutlineoftheletterswithapencil,theywereofftotheraces,applyingthebluepaintwithplayfulcurvesandtiltinglines.Somemight’vesaiditlookedunprofessional,butallshesawwascharacter.AnadditiontoWestportthatfitlikeanacorninasquirrel’scheek.Afterthepaintdried,Brendanstoodbyanxiously,preparedtocatchthemiftheyfellofftheladdersthey’dbeenloanedfromthehardwarestore.Nowtheyaffixeditoverthefadedoriginalsignwithhisnailgun,Brendaninstructingthempatientlyfromtheground.Whenthesignwasnailedonallsides,thetwosistersclimbeddownandhuggedinthestreet.
Shecouldn’tsayforcertainhowHannahfeltabouthavingthebarcompleted,butinthatmoment,somethingclickedintoplace
insidePiper.Somethingthathadn’tevenexistedbeforeshelandedinthisnorthwestcornerofthemap.Itwasthewelcome
homeHenryCrosshaddeservedbutnevergot.Itwasaproperburial,anapologyfordesertinghim,anditsoothedthejagged
edgesthathadappearedonherheartthemoreshe’dlearnedaboutherfather.

“Nowallweneedisbeer,”Hannahsaid,steppingbackandwipinghereyes.“Andice.”
“Yeah,timetocallthewholesaler,Iguess.Wow.Thatwasfast.”Shepeeredupatthesign,warmedbythecurlicueatthe
endof“Daughters.”“Ifwewanttoservespiritseventually,we’llneedaliquorlicense.”

“Ifyouwantto,Pipes,”Hannahsaidsoftly,puttinganarmaroundhershoulder.“Leavingyouisgoingtosuck,butIcan’tbehere
forever.I’vegotmyjobwithSergeiwaiting.Ifyoudecidetostay…”

“Iknow,”Pipermanaged,thesignblurring.
“Areyou?Stayingforsure?”
Throughthewindow,theywatchedBrendaninsidethebarwherehescrewedalightbulbintothechandelier.Socapableand
reassuringandfamiliarnow,herheartdrewuptight,lodginginherthroat.“Yeah.I’mstaying.”

“Shit,”Hannahbreathed.“I’mtornbetweenhappyandsad.”
Piperswipedathereyes,probablysmearingbluepaintalloverherfacebutnotcaringonebit.“IsweartoGod,youbettervisit.”
Hersistersnorted.“Whoelseisgoingtobailyououtwhenallthisgoessouth?”ChapterTwenty-Eight
Thingsweretoogoodtobetrue.
Onthewater,thatusuallymeantBrendanwasmissingsomething.Thathe’dforgottentoflushoutafuellineorreplacea
rustingwinch.Therewasnosuchthingassmoothsailingonaboat,notforlong.Andsincehe’dlonglivedhislifeinthe
samemannerhecaptainedtheDellaRay,hecouldn’thelpbutanticipateatimebombgoingoff.

Hehadthiswoman.Thisonce-in-a-hundred-lifetimeswomanwhocouldwalkintoaroomandrobhimoffuckingbreath.Shewas
courageous,sweet,clever,seductive,adventurous,kind,guilelessonemoment,mischievousthenext.Sobeautifulthatasmile
fromhercouldmakehimwhisperaprayer.Andshelovedhim.Showedhimexactlyhowmuchinnewwayseveryday—likewhenhe’d
caughthersprayinghiscologneontohernighttimeshirt,holdingittohernoselikeitcouldhealallills.Shewhispered
herloveintohiseareverymorningandeverynight.Sheaskedhimaboutfishingandgoogledquestionstofillintheblanks,
whichBrendanknewbecauseshewasalwaysleavingherlaptopbrowseropenonthekitchencounter.

Toogoodtobetrue.
Hewasmissingsomething.
Alinewasgoingtosnap.
Itwashardtoimagineanythingbadhappeningatthemoment,however,whilecookinginthekitchenwithPiper.Withherhair
overhershoulderinaloosebraid,shewasbarefootinyogapantsandaclingysweater,hummingbetweenhimandthestove,
absentlystirringpastasaucewithonehand.They’dcookeditthreenightsinarow,andhedidn’thavethehearttotell
herhewassickofItalian,becauseshewassoproudofherselfforlearningtomakesauce.He’deatitforadecadestraight
aslongassheheldherbreathforthefirstbiteandclappedwhenhegaveherathumbs-up.

BrendanhadhischinontopofPiper’shead,armsloopedaroundherwaist,swayingsidetosidetothemusicdriftingfrom
Hannah’sroom.Inthesequietmoments,hecontinuallyhadtostophimselffromaskingforadecision.Wasshegoingbackto
LAfortheparty?Oratall?

Thispartyinherhonormadehimnervousforalotofreasons.Whatifshewenthomeandwasremindedofallthereasonsshe
loveditthere?Whatifshedecidedthatbeingcelebratedandreveredbymillionswaspreferabletobeingwithafisherman
wholeftheronaweeklybasis?Because,Jesus,thatwouldn’tbesuchafuckingstretch.IfshewouldjusttellhimWestport
washerhome,he’dbelieveher.He’dletthefeardrop.Buteverydaycameandwentwiththemdancingaroundtheelephant
intheroom.

Despitehisrefusaltopressureher,theunknown,thelackofaplan,wasgettingtohim.
He’dnevercomparehisrelationshipwithPipertohismarriage,butafterthetyphoonandPiper’ssubsequentracetothehospital—nottomentionthetearsshe’dshedinhisbedafterward—anewanxietyhadtakenroot.
BadthingshappenwhenIleave.WhenI’mnotheretodoanythingaboutthem
He’dreturnedhomeoncetofindhimselfawidower.
Itfeltlikejustyesterdaythathe’dscaredthehelloutofPiper.Sentherrunningthroughadangerousstormanddriving
toreachhiminastateofpanic.

Whatifhecamehomenexttimetofindhergone?Withoutananswerinregardtothefuture,theupcomingtriploomedominously,
impatiencescrapingathim.

“Whocookswhenyou’reontheDellaRay?”sheasked,leaningherheadbackagainsthischest.

Brendanshookoffhisunwantedthoughts,tryinghisbesttobepresent.Totaketheperfectionshewasgivinghimandbegrateful
foreverysecond.“Wetaketurns,butit’susuallyDeke,sincehelikesdoingit.”

Shesighed.“I’msorryyou’llneverbeabletoenjoyanythingasmuchasmysauce.”
“You’reright.”Hekissedherneck.“Nothingwillevercompare.”
“I’llhavesomereadywhenyougethome.Twoservings.”

“Justhaveyourselfready,”herumbled,runningafingeralongthewaistbandofherpants.
Pipertippedherheadback,andtheirmouthsmetinaslowkissthatmadehimanxiousforlater,whentheycouldbealoneinbedtogether.Anxioustohearthosesobsofurgencyinhisears.Anxioustomemorizethemsohecouldbringthemontheboattomorrow.“Brendan?”
“Yeah?”
Shebitoffalaugh.“Howlongareyougoingtoeatthissaucebeforeyouadmityou’resickofit?I’mgoingtolosemybet
withHannah.”

Helaughedsohardshedroppedthespoonintothesauce.
“Oh!”Pipertriedtofishtheutensiloutofthebubblingsaucewithherfingers,butyankedthemoutwithayelp.“Ohcrap!
Ouch!”

Hislaughterdiedimmediately,andheturnedheraround,swiftlyusingakitchentoweltocleanoffherburnedfingersand
kissingthem.“Youokay,baby?”

“Yes,”shegasped,herpetiteframestartingtoshakewithlaughteragainsthim.“Iguesslosingacoupleoffingersisthe
priceofwinningthebet.”

“Ilovethesauce.”Curious,heshifted.“HowlongdidHannahthinkitwouldtaketo…”
“Admityouweresickofmysauce?Eternity.”
“That’showlongitshouldhavetaken,”Brendangrowled,pissedathimself.“Youshouldhavelost.Andyoushouldhaveassumed
itwouldtakeaneternity,too.”

Herlipstwitched.“I’mnotmad.”Shelaidhercheekagainstthecenterofhischest.“Igottohearthatbig,beautifullaugh.
I’madoublewinner.”

“Ilovethedamnsauce,”hegrumbledintothecrownofherhead,decidingtogivevoicetoanotheroneoftheworriesthat
hadbeenneedlinghim.“AreyougoingtobeallrightwhenIleavetomorrow?”

“Yes.”Shelookedupathimwithafurrowbetweenherbrows.“Don’tworryaboutmewhenyou’reoutthere,please.Ineedtoknowyou’refocusedandsafe.”
“Iam,Piper.”Hebrushedhercheekwithhisknuckles.“Iwillbe.”
Herbodyrelaxedalittlemoreagainsthim.“Brendan…”Withhisnamelingeringintheair,sheseemedtocomeoutof
atrance,startingtoturnawayfromhim.“Weshouldorderpizza—”

Hekeptherfromturning.“Whatwereyougoingtosay?”
Basedonthewayshesquaredhershoulders,shewasrememberingherpromisenottokeepanythinglockedinherhead.Away
fromhim.Amixtureofdreadandcuriosityrippledinhisstomach,buthestayedsilent.Thiswasgood.Theopennessbetween
themwascomingeasierandeasier,becauseoftrust.“Iwasgoingtoaskifyouwantedkidssomeday.AndIrealizethatsounds
like…likeI’maskingifyouwantthemwithme,which…”Colorsuffusedhercheeks.“Anyway.It’sjustthatwenevertalkedaboutit,andkidsseemlikesomethingyou’d
haveafirmplanon—”

Herphonestartedvibratingonthekitchencounter.“Leaveit.”
Pipernodded.HerphonehadbeenunusuallyactivesincetheyreturnedfromSeattle,whichwasanotherreasonhe’dbeenon
edge.Butjustlikewhenthey’dbeeninthehotellobbyshoppingforcologne,thephonewouldn’tquiet,dancingandjangling
onthecounter.“Letmejustsilenceit,”shemurmured,reachingforthedevice.Pausing.“Oh.It’sDaniel.”Hereyeswidened
alittle,asifmaybeshe’djustrememberedsomething.“I—I’llcallhimbacklater.”

Brendanwantednothingmorethantogetbacktotheconversationathand,butwhenhetoldherthatyes,hewantedkids,hedidn’tneedherdistracted.“It’sfine.Answerit.”
Sheshookherheadvigorouslyandputthephoneonsilent,buttheunsteadinessofherhandscausedittoslip.Whenshecaught
it,thepadofherfingerhittheanswerbuttonbymistake.“Piper?”cameaman’svoiceoverthespeakerphone.

“Daniel,”shechokedout,holdingthephoneawkwardlybetweenherchestandBrendan’s.“Hey.Hi!”
“Hi,Piper,”hesaidformally.“BeforeIbookthisflight,Ijustwanttomakesurethegrandopeningisstillon.You’re
notexactlyfamousforyourreliability.”

Brendanstiffened,alarmandbetrayalturninghisbloodcold.
Hereitwas.Theothershoedropping.
Piperclosedhereyes.“Yes,”shesaidquietly.“It’sstillon.Sixo’clock.”
“That’lldofine,then,”herstepfatherrespondedbriskly.“There’saflightthatgetsinafewhoursbefore.Isthereanything
Icanbringyoufromhome?”

“Justyourself,”shesaidwithfalsebrightness.
Danielhummed.“Verywell.Havetorun.Yourmothersendsherlove.”
“Sametoher.Bye.”
Whenshehungupthephone,shewouldn’tlookathim.Andmaybethatwasagoodthing,becausehewastoowindedtohideany
ofthedreadandanxietythathadtakenholdofhissystem.“Danieliscoming.”Heswallowedthenailsinhisthroat.“You’re
stillplanningonimpressinghimwiththebar.Sohe’llletyoucomebacktoLAearly.”

“Well…”Shethreadedunsteadyfingersthroughherhair.“Thatwastheoriginalplan,yes.Andtheneverythingstartedmovingsofastwithus…andIforgot.Ijustforgot.”
“Youforgot?”Brendan’svoicewasflat,angerflickeringtolifeinhischest.Angerandfear,thefearofherslippingaway.
Goddammit.Justwhenhethoughttheywerebeinghonestwitheachother.“We’vebeendoingnothingbutworkonCrossandDaughters
forthelastweek,andthereasonyoustartedrenovatingitinthefirstplaceslippedyourmind?Doyouexpectmetobelieve
that?”

“Yes,”shewhispered,extendingahandtowardhim.
Brendanmovedoutofherreach,immediatelyregrettingtheactionwhensheflinchedanddroppedherhand.Buthewastoofucking
worriedandshotthroughwithholestoapologizeandreachforher.Hisarmswereleadenanyway.Impossibletolift.“You
didn’tkeepDaniel’svisitasasafetynet?”

Hercolordeepened,speakingvolumes.“Well,Id-did,butthatwas—”
Hislaughterwashumorless.“AndyourfriendKirby?Haveyoutoldheryou’renotplanningonflyingtoLAfortheparty?”
Piper’smouthsnappedintoastraightline.
“No,Ididn’tthinkso,”herasped,asharpobjectlancingthroughhisribs.“You’vegotallkindsofsafetynets,don’tyou,
Piper?”

“Iwasn’tgoingtogo,”shewheezed,hugginghermiddle.“Brendan,stopbeinglikethis.”
Buthewaspasthearingher.Pastanythingbutweatheringthebatteringwaves.Tryingtokeepthewholeshipfromgettingsuckeddownintotheeddy.Thiswasit.Thiswasthestormhe’dfeltcoming.Feltinhisfuckingbones.HadheeverreallyhadachancewithPiper,orhadhebeenadelusionalidiot?“Jesus,whatthehelliswrongwithme?”hesaid,turningandleavingthekitchen.“Youwerenevergoingtostay,wereyou?”
Piperjoggedafterhim.“OhmyGod.Wouldyoujuststopandlistentome?”

Brendan’slegstookthestairstwoatatime,seeingnothinginfrontofhim.Justmovingonautopilot.“Iwasrighthere,
readytolistenthiswholetime,Piper.”

Shefollowed.“You’renotbeingfair!Everythingisnewtome.Thistown.Beinginarelationship.I’m…I’msorryit
tookmelongerthanitshouldhavetoletitallgo,butlettingeverythinggoisalottoask.”

“Iknowthat,goddammit.Ido.Butifyouweren’tevenconsideringthis,us,youshouldn’thavekeptstringingmealonglikeoneofyourfollowerswhenyouwerejustplottingyourexitbehindmyback.”

Reachingthebedroom,heglancedbackoverhisshouldertofindherlookingstricken.Andhisstomachbottomedout,hisheart
protestinganythingandeverythingbutmakingherhappy.Soothingher.Keepingherinhisarmsatalltimes.

Whatthehellwaswrongwithhim?Hehatedhimselfforthetearsinhereyes,fortheinsecurityinherposture.God,heloathedhimself.Butthefearoflosingherwaswinningoutovercommonsense.OverhisinstincttocomfortPiper,tellherheloved
herathousandtimes.Makinghimwanttorage,toprotecthimselffrombeingguttedlikeafish.

“Look,Piper,”hesaidunevenly,pullinghispackedgymbagoutfrombeneaththebed.“Youjustneedtothinkaboutwhatyou
actuallywant.Maybeyoucan’tdothatwhenI’mconstantlyinyourface.”

“Brendan.”Shesoundedpanicked.“Stop!You’rebeingridiculous.Iwasn’tgoingtoleave.Putthebagaway.Putitaway.”
Hishandsshookwiththeneedtodoasshepleaded.“Younevertoldmeyouwerestaying.Youwantedanout.Afail-safe.Whether
youthinksoornot.”

“It’sabigdecision,”shebreathed.“ButIwas—”
“You’reright.Itisabigdecision.”Heswallowedtheurgetoragesomemore.Torageagainstherpotentiallyleaving.To
rageattheawfulpossibilityofcominghomefromthetripandfindingherunhappy.Orgone.Orregretful.Butallhecould
dowasfaceithead-onandhopehe’ddoneenoughtomakeherstay.Allhecoulddowashopehislovewassufficient.“I’m
goingtospendthenightontheboat,”hemanaged,thoughhisthroatwasclosing.“Thinkaboutwhatyouwanttodo.Really
think.Ican’thandlethiswill-she-or-won’t-shebullshitanymore,Piper.Ican’thandleit.”

Shestayedfrozenashewentdownthestairs,pastawide-eyedHannah.
“I’llbeatthedockinthemorning,”Pipershouted,comingdownthestairs,herexpressionnowdetermined—andhelovedher
sogoddamnhardinthatmoment.Lovedeverylayer,everyfacet,everymood,everycomplication.“IalreadyknowwhatIwant,
Brendan.Iwantyou.AndI’llbeatthedocktokissyougood-byeinthemorning.Okay?Youwanttostormout?Fine.Go.I’ll
bethestrongonethistime.”

Hecouldn’tspeakforamoment.“Andifyou’renotthereinthemorning?”
Piperthrewoutabelligerenthand.“ThenI’mfallingbackonmysafetynets.Isthatwhatyouwantmetosay?Youhaveto
haveitinblackandwhite?”

“That’swhoIam.”
“IknowandIlovewhoyouare.”Tempercrackledinherbeautifuleyes.“Fine,ifI’mnottheretomorrowmorning,Iguess
you’llknowmydecision.ButIwillbethere.”Sheblinkedseveraltimesagainstthemoistureinhereyes.“Please…don’tdoubtme,Brendan.Notyou.Have
faithinme.Okay?”

Withhisheartinhismouth,heturnedtogo.BeforehereachedforPiperandforgottheargumentandlosthimselfinher.
Butthesameproblemswouldexistinthemorning,andheneededthemsolvedonceandforall.Heneededthemysterygone.
Neededtoknowifhe’dhavealifetimewithheroralifetimeofemptiness.Thesuspensewaseatinghimalive.

Hetookonelastlookatherthroughthewindshieldofhistruckbeforebackingoutofthedriveway—andhealmostshutoff
theignitionandclimbedout.Almost.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Piperwenttosleeppissedandwokeupevenpissier.
SherocketedoutofbedtowardthedresserdrawersBrendanhaddesignatedforher,snatchingoutablacksportsbraandred
(thecolorofanger)runningpants,alongwithsomeanklesocks.

AssoonasshecompletedaquickrunandwalkedAbeovertothemuseum,shewasgoingtostrutdownthatdocklikeitwas
afashionweekrunwayandkissthecaptain’sstupidmouth.She’dleavehimhardandpantingandfeelinglikeamassivejerk,
thenshe’dsashayhome.

Home.ToBrendan’shouse.

Shestompeddownthestairs,bringingasleepy-eyedHannahoutofherroom.“Areyoureadytotalkyet?”
PipershovedanAirPodintoherear.“No.”
Hannahproppedahipagainstthecouchandwaited.
“Iamlaser-focusedonburyinghiminregretsrightnow.”
“Soundslikethestarttoahealthyrelationship.”
“Heleft.”Piperfellontoherbuttandstartedtolaceupherrunningshoes.“He’snotsupposedtoleave!He’ssupposedto
bethepatientandreasonableone!”

“You’retheonlyonewhoisallowedtobeirrational?”
“Yes!”Somethinggotstuckinherthroat.“Andhe’sobviouslyalreadysickofmyshit.It’salldownhillfromhere.Idon’t
evenknowwhyI’mbotheringwithgoingtothedock.”

“Becauseyoulovehim.”
“Exactly.LookatwhatI’veopenedmyselfupto.”Sheyankedherlacestaut.“IwouldrelivebeingdumpedbyAdrianathousand
timestoavoidBrendanwalkingoutonce.Thewayhedidlastnight.Ithurts.”

Hannahsatdowncross-leggedinfrontofher.“Ithinkthatmeansthegoodtimesareworthalittlestruggling,don’tyou?”
SheduckedherheadtomeetPiper’seyes.“Comeon.Putyourselfinhisshoes.Whatifhewalkedoutlastnightwithoutthe
intentionofevercomingback?That’swhathe’safraidyou’regoingtodo.”

“Ifhe’djustlistened—”
“Yeah,Iknow.You’retellingusyou’regoingtostay.But,Pipes.He’sahard-proofguy.Andyoulefttheloopholes.”
Piperfellbackflatontothehardwoodfloor.“Iwouldhaveclosedthem.He’ssupposedtobeunderstandingwithme.”
“Yeah,butyouhavetobeunderstandingwithhim,too.”Hannahchuckled,laiddownbesidehersister.“Piper,themanlooks
atyoulike…he’sfullofcracksandyou’retheglue.Hejustwantedtogiveyousomespace,youknow?It’sabigdecision
you’remaking.”Sheturnedonherside.“Andalso,let’saccountforthefactthathe’samanandthereareballsandpride
andtestosteroneinthemix.It’sadeadlyconcoction.”

“Truth.”Pipertookinadeepbreathandletitout.“EvenifIforgivehim,canIstillmarchdowntherelikearighteousbitchandmakehimrue?”
“Iwouldbedisappointedifyoudidn’t.”
“Okay.”Pipersatupandclimbedtoherfeet,helpingHannahupafter.“Thanksforthetalk,Owiseone.PromiseIcancall
youonthephoneanytimeIwantforyoursageadvice?”

“Anytime.”
PiperleftforherrunwithmorethanenoughtimetosquireAbetothemuseumandmakeitdowntothedocktowishBrendan
bonvoyage.Still,shewasanxioustoseeBrendanandreassurebothofthemtheyweresolid,soshesetaquickpace.Abe
waswaitinginhisusualspotoutsidethehardwarestorewhenshearrived,newspaperrolledupunderhisarm.

Hewavedwarmlyassheapproached.“Morning,MissPiper.”
“Morning,Abe,”shesaid,slowingtoastopbesidehim.“Howareyoutoday?”
“Wellascanbeexpected.”
Theyfellintoaneasypace,andPiperliftedherfacetothesky,gratefulforthecalmweather,thelackofstormclouds.
“I’vebeenmeaningtotellyou,we’rethrowingagrandopeningpartyatCrossandDaughtersonLaborDay.”

Hequirkedawhitebrow.“CrossandDaughters?Isthatwhatyoudecidedtocallit?”
“Yeah.”Shecuthimalook.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ithinkit’sperfect.Anodtothenewandtheold.”
“That’swhatIthought—”Abe’stoecaughtonanunevencrackinthesidewalk,andhewentdown.Hard.Pipergrabbedforhim,butitwastoolate,andhistemplelandedonthepavementwithanominousthud.“OhmyGod!Abe!”ThesuddenrapidfireofPiper’spulsebuckledherknees,andshedroppedtothegroundbesidehim,handsflutteringoverhisproneform,noideawhattodo.“OhJesus.Jesus.Areyouokay?”Shewasalreadypullingoutherphonewithtremblinghands.“I’mgoingtocallanambulance,andthenI’ll
callyoursons.It’sgoingtobeallright.”

Hishandcameupandstoppedherfromdialing.“Noambulance,”hesaidweakly.“It’snotasbadasallthat.”
Sheleanedoverandsawthebloodtricklingfromhistemple.Wasitalot?Toomuch?“I—Areyousure?IreallythinkIshould.”
“Helpmesitup.”Shedid,carefully,swallowingaspikewhenthebloodtraveleddowntohisneck.“Justcallmysons.No
ambulance,kiddo.Please.Idon’twanttogiveeveryoneascarebybeingtakentothehospital.Myphoneisinmypocket.
CallTodd.”

“Okay,”shemanaged,scrollingthroughhisphone.“Okay.”
BythetimePiperpulledupthecontactandhitdial,awomanhadrushedoutofthedeliwithawadded-upfistfulofpaper
towelsforAbetopresstohiswound.Hewasstillspeakingincompletesentencesandhiseyeswereclear,whichhadtobe
agoodthing,right?OhGod,pleasedon’tletanythinghappentothissweetman.
Toddansweredonthefourthring,buthewasatschooldroppingoffhiskidsandcouldn’tbethereforfifteenminutes,and
that…thatwaswhenPiperrealizedshewasgoingtomisstheDellaRayleaving.Itwasscheduledtoleavetwominutesago.Herheartbeatslammedinhereardrums,andhermovementsturnedsluggish.Brendanwouldn’tleave,though.Hewouldwaitforher.Hewouldknowshewascoming.Andifshedidn’tshowup,shehadtobelievehewouldcomefindher.Butshecouldn’tleaveAbe.Shecouldn’t.Shehadtomakesurehewasgoingtobeallright.
ShecalledBrendan,butitwentstraighttovoicemail.Twice.Thethirdtimeshecalled,thelinedisconnected.Fingersunsteady,
shepoundedoutatextmessage,herpanicincreasingwhenhedidn’tanswerimmediately.God,thiscouldn’tbehappening.She’d
foundoutearlyonhowterriblecellreceptionwasincertainpartsofWestport,especiallytheharbor,buttechnologycouldn’t
befailinghersocompletelyrightnow.Notwhenitwasthiscrucial.

Todddidn’tmakeitthereinfifteenminutes.Ittookhimtwenty.
Bythattime,they’dgottenAbetohisfeetandmovedhimtoabench.Heseemedtiredandslightlyembarrassedaboutthefall,
soshetoldhimaboutthetimeshe’dtriedtoslidedownastripperpoleaftersixshotsoftequilaandendedupwithasprained
wrist.Thatmadehimlaughatleast.Toddarrivedinhistrucklookingconcerned,andPiperhelpedAbeintothepassenger
side,wadsofballed-uppapertowelspressedtoherchest.Shemadehimpromisetogiveheracalllater,andofftheywent,
disappearingaroundthecorneroftheblock.

Piperwasalmostscaredtolookatherphone,butshegatheredhercourageandcheckedthetime.OhGod.Halfanhour.Half
anhourlate.

Shestartedrunning.
Sheranasfastasherfeetwouldcarryhertowardtheharbor,tryingtoholdontothefaith.Tryingtoignorethevoice
whisperinginthebackofherheadthatBrendankeptatightschedule.Orthathe’dgivenuponher.Please,please,don’tletthatbethecase.
AtWesthavenDrive,shewhippedarightandalmostknockedoverarestaurant’sspecialsboardsetoutonthesidewalk.But
shekeptrunning.KeptgoinguntilshesawtheDellaRayinthedistance,travelingouttosea,leavingatrailofwhite,sloshingwake,andshestoppedlikeshe’dhitaninvisible
wall.

Adeafeningbuzzstartedinherears.
He’dleft.
Hewasgone.
She’dmissedhimandnow…
Brendanthoughtshe’dchosenLA.
Agreathiccuppingsobroseupinherchest.Herfeetcarriedhertowardthedocks,eventhoughgoingtherewasuselessnow.
Shejustwantedtomakeitthere.Makingitwasallshehad,evenifshewouldhavenothingtoshowforit.Nokiss.Noreassurance.
NoBrendan.

HereyeswereoverflowingwithtearsbythetimeshereachedtheslipoftheDellaRay,hersurroundingssoblurry,shealmostdidn’tnoticetheotherwomenstandingaround,obviouslyfreshfromwavingoffthe
boat.ShevaguelyrecognizedSanders’swifefromthefirstnightsheandHannahhadwalkedintoNoName.Anotherwoman’sage
hintedatherbeingthemotherofoneofthecrewmembers,ratherthanasignificantother.

Piperwantedtogreettheminsomeway,butherhandswereheavyathersides,hervocalcordsatrophied.
“It’sPiper,right?”Sanders’swifeapproachedbutrecoiledalittlewhenshespottedthetearscoursingdownPiper’snumb
face.“Oh.Honey,no.You’regoingtohavetobealottougherthanthat.”

Theolderwomanlaughed.“It’sagoodthingyoudidn’tshowupherewiththatface,makingyourmanfeelguilty.”Shesteppedoveraropeandheadedtowardthestreet.“Distractedmenmakemistakes.”
“She’sright,”Sanders’swifesaid,stilllookinguncomfortablearoundPiper’ssteadywaterfalloftears.Theboatwasjust
adotnow.“Especiallyifyou’regoingtobewiththecaptain.Youneedtobereliable.Hardy.Theydon’tliketoadmitit,
butalotoftheirconfidencecomesfromus.Sendingthemoffisn’taneasythingtodo,weekafterweek,butwedowhat’s
necessary,yeah?”

Piperdidn’tknowhowlongshestoodandstaredoutatthewater,watchingabuoybobontherollofwaves,thewinddrying
thetearsonherfaceandmakingitstiff.Fishermenwovetheirwayaroundher,guidingtouriststotheirboats,butshecouldn’t
bringherfeettomove.Therewasahollowacheinherstomachthatfeltlikealivingthing,thepainspreadinguntilshe
worrieditwouldswallowherwhole.

Butitwasn’ttheendoftheworld,right?
“It’snot,”shewhisperedtoherself.“He’llbeback.You’llexplain.”
Piperfilledherlungsslowlyandambledoffthedockonstifflegs,ignoringthequestioninglooksofthepeopleshepassed.
Okay,fine.She’dmissedtheboat.Thatsucked.Really,reallybad.Itmadehersicktothinkhe’dbeundertheassumption
thattheirrelationshipwasoverfortwodays.Itwasn’t,though.AndifshehadtoscreamandbegwhenBrendangothome,
shewould.He’dlisten.He’dunderstand,wouldn’the?

SheendedupoutsideofCrossandDaughtersbutdidn’trememberanypartofthewalk.Ithurttobetherewhensomuchof
Brendanfilledthespace.Hispergola.Thechandelierhe’dhung.Hisscent.Itwasstilltherefromthedaybefore.

Pressurecrowdedherthroatagain,butsheswalloweditdeterminedly.
ShehadtocalldistributorsandconfirmdeliveriesforMonday’sgrandopening.Shedidn’tevenhaveanoutfityet,andthen
therewasthemeetingthisafternoonwithPattyandVal.Tohelpplantheparty.Shewasupforexactlynoneofit,butshe’d
soldieron.Shecouldmakeitthroughthenexttwodays.Herheartwouldjusthavetodeal.

Thatafternoon,PiperandHannahmetPattyandValinBlowtheManDown,andtheydivviedupresponsibilities.Hannahwas,
ofcourse,theDJandalreadyhadanend-of-summersoundtrackreadytofireup.Pattyofferedtobringfireworkcupcakesand
Valsuggestedrafflingoffprizesfromlocalvendors.Mostlytheydaydrankandtalkedaboutmakeup,andthathelpednumb
someofPiper’sheaviestanxietiesthatBrendanwaslosttoher.Thathe’dalreadygivenup.

Havefaith.
Havefaith.
***
ItwasnoononLaborDaywhenDanielcalledtocancel.
Piperwasbusystockingthebinsbehindthebarwithice,soHannahansweredthephone—andonelookathersister’sfacetold
Pipereverythingsheneededtoknow.Hannahputthecallonspeaker,andPiperlistenedwithherhandsunmovingintheice.

“Girls,Ican’tmakeit.I’msosorry.We’rehavingsomelast-minutecastingissues,andIhavetoflytoNewYorkforaface-to-face
withatalentrepandhisclient.”

Pipershouldhavebeenusedtothis.Shouldhavebeenpreparedfortheirstepfathertoflakeatthelastpossiblesecond.Inhislineofwork,therewerealwaysflightstoNewYorkorMiamiorLondonattheeleventhhour.Untilthatmoment,shehadn’trealizedhowbadlyshewaslookingforwardtoshowingDanielwhatthey’daccomplishedwithCrossandDaughters.Forbetterorworse,Danielwasthemanwho’draisedher,givenhereverything.She’djustwantedtoshowhimithadn’tbeenfornothing.Thatshecouldcreatesomethingworthwhileifgiventheopportunity.Butshewouldn’tgetthatchancenow.
AfterBrendanleftwithoutagood-bye,herstepfather’scancellationwasanotherblowtothemidsection.Neitheroneofthem
believedinher.Orhadanyfaith.

Shehadfaithinherself,though.Didn’tshe?Evenifitwasbeginningtofrayaroundtheedgesandunravelthecloserit
cametogrand-openingtime.ButBrendanwouldbebacktonightandthecertaintyofthatcalmedher.Maybehe’dreturnangry
withherordisappointed,buthe’dbebackonsolidgroundandshe’dfighttomakehimlisten.She’dkeepfightinguntilhis
beliefinherreturned.

ThatplanhelpedcenterPiper,andsheworked,stockingbeerandsettingoutcoasters,napkins,straws,pintglasses,orange
wedgesforthewheatbeer.SheandHannahdidsomelast-minutecleaningandhungthegrandopeningbannerthey’dpaintedthepreviousnightoutside.Andthentheystoodinthecenterofthebarandsurveyedwhatthey’ddone,
bothofthemkindofdumbstruckatthetransformation.Whenthey’darrivedoveramonthago,theplacehadbeennothingbut
dustbunniesandbarrels.Itwasstillkindofadive,buthellifitwasn’tchicandalotmorewelcoming.

Atleasttothem.
Butbysixthirty,noonehaddarkenedthedoorofCrossandDaughters.
HannahsatintheDJboothshufflingthroughhersummermix,andPiperstoodbehindthebarwringingherhandsandobsessively
checkingthetimeonherphone.ShehadninenewmessagesfromKirby,allsincethismorning,demandingshegetherasson
aplanebacktoLosAngeles.Piperhadlettheinvitationhangforwaytoolong,andnowshedidn’tknowhowtoturndown
theparty.Andunderduress,shecouldadmit…she’dpeekedatsomeofKirby’semailsdetailingtheguestlistandthedesignerdressoptions.

Ifshewasgoing,she’dpicktheblackMoniqueLhuillierwiththeplungingneckline.

ShereallydidneedtoletKirbyknowshecouldn’tmakeittomorrownight,butforsomereason,Pipercouldn’tbringherself
tosendthetext.ToseverthatfinaltiewhenshewasstillsoshakenupfromBrendanwalkingout.Fromhavingthatsteady,
dependablepresencerippedawaywhensheneededitmost.AndthethingaboutLApartieswas,ifshedidn’tshowup,noone
wouldreallycare.Therewouldbefiveminutesofspeculationandsomefleetingdisappointmentbeforeeveryonewentbacktodoinglines
andguzzlingvodka.

Still,she’dsendthetextsoon.
PiperhadwornoneofthepairsofjeansBrendanboughther.Themoretimedraggedonwithoutasinglecustomer,themore
Piperfeltlikeanimposterinthesoftdenim,sounlikeherusualdressesorskirts.Seveno’clockcameandwent.Seventhirty.
PattyandValstillweren’tthere.NoAbeorOpal.

NoBrendan.
SheignoredtheworriedlooksHannahkeptsendingherfromtheDJbooth,herstomachstartingtosink.ThelocalshadlikedNoName.Theydidn’twantthisplaceprettiedupbytwooutsiders.Thiswastheirwayoflettingthesistersknowit.
Finally,justbeforeeighto’clock,thedoorcreakedopen.
Mickwalkedinwithahesitantsmileonhisface.
Piper’spalmsstartedtosweatattheappearanceofDesiree’sfather.Thelasttimeshe’dseenhimwasinthehospital,right
aftershe’dbeenwithBrendanforthefirsttime.Beforethat,she’dcrashedhisdaughter’smemorialdinner.Theymighthave
gottenoffontherightfoot,butthatfootingwasn’tsosolidanymore.Therewassomethingaboutthewayhelookedather,
evennow,thatmeasuredherupandfoundherlacking.Or,ifnotlacking,shewasnothisdaughter.WithMicksaunteringtoward
hertotakeaseatatthebar,Piper’sstomachstartedtochurn.BrendanhadobliteratedherinsecuritiesoverDesiree,but
rightnow,standinginthepainfullyemptybar,theycreptbackin,makingthebackofherneckfeelhot.Thelackofcustomers
wasajudgment.Mick’sgazewasajudgment.Andshewasn’tpassing.

“Hithere,”Mickmuttered,shiftingonhisstool.“GuessI’mearly.”
Itwasalieforherbenefit,andthegenerosityofitmadePiperrelaxalittlebit.
Momentarily,anyway.
“Wouldyoulikeabeer,Mick?”
“Surewould.Budshoulddoit.”
“Oh,wehavesomelocalIPAs.”Shenoddedatthechalkboardmountedoverhead.“There’sthelist.Ifyou’reaBuddrinker,
Irecommendthe—”

Helaughednervously,asifoverwhelmedbythelistoffivebeers,theirdescriptionspainstakinglyhand-letteredbyHannah.“Oh.I…I’lljustsitawhile,then.”Heturnedinhisstool,surveyedthebar.“Notalotofinterestinflashychangesaroundhere,lookslike.”
AweightsunkinPiper’sbelly.
Hewasn’tjusttalkingaboutCrossandDaughters,thatmuchwasclear.
Hisdaughterwastheold.Shewasthenew.Thesorelylackingreplacement.
Westportwassmall.Bynow,MickhadprobablyheardaboutPipercryinglikeababyonthedocks,watchingtheDellaRayblurintothehorizon.Andnowthis.Nownoonehadarrivedatthegrandopening,andshewasstandingtherelikeacertified
idiot.She’dbeenanidiot.Notonlytobelieveshecouldwinovereveryoneinthisclose-knitplacebymakingoverthebar,butbybelievingherstepfather
wouldgiveashit.She’dbeenanidiottokeepimportantthingsfromBrendan,whetherornottheomissionshadbeenintentional,
andhe’dlostfaithinher.Losttrust.

Idon’tbelonghere.
Ineverdid.
Brendanwasn’tcomingtonight.Nobodywas.CrossandDaughterswasemptyandhollow,andshefeltthesameway,standingthere
ontwoshakylegs,justwantingtodisappear.

Theuniversewassendingheraloud-and-clearmessage.
PiperjoltedwhenMicklaidahandontopofhers,pattingit.“Now,Piper…”Hesighed,seeminggenuinelysympathetic.
“Don’tyougofeelingbadoranything.It’satoughplacetocrack.Youhavetobestrongtostayafloat.”

WordsfromSanders’swifecamedriftingback.
Oh.Honey,no.You’regoingtohavetobealottougherthanthat.
ThenherfirstconversationwithMick
Wivesoffishermencomefromtoughstock.Theyhavenervesofsteel.Mywifehasthem,passedthemontomydaughter,Desiree.
ShethoughtofrunningintoBrendaninthemarketonherfirstmorninginWestport.
Youwouldn’tunderstandthecharacterittakestomakethisplacerun.Thepersistence.
Inherheart,sheknewhismindhadchangedsincethen,butmaybehe’dbeenright.
Maybeshedidn’tunderstandhowtomakeanythinglast.Notarelationship,notabar,nothing.HenryCross’slegacydidn’t
belongtoher,itbelongedtothistown.Howridiculousofhertoswoopinandtrytoclaimit.

Mickpattedherhandagain,seemingalittleworriedbywhateverhesawinherexpression.“Ibettergeton,”hesaidquickly.
“Bestofluck,Piper.”

Piperstareddownintotheluminouswoodofthebar,swipingtheragoveritagainandagaininapretenseofcleaning,but
shestoppedwhenHannahcircledahandaroundherwrist.

“Youokay,Pipes?Peopleprobablyjustgotthetimewrong.”
“Theydidn’tgetitwrong.”
Hersisterfrowned,leanedacrossthebartostudyPiper’sface.“Hey…you’renotokay.”

“I’mfine.”
“No,you’renot,”Hannahargued.“YourPipersparkleisgone.”
Shelaughedwithouthumor.“Mywhat?”
“YourPipersparkle,”hersisterrepeated,lookingincreasinglyworried.“Youalwayshaveit,nomatterwhat.Evenwhenyou’vebeenarrestedorDanielisbeingajerk,youalwayshavethis,like,optimismlightingyouup.Brightness.Butit’sgonenow,andIdon’tlikeit.WhatdidMicksaytoyou?”
Piperclosedhereyes.“Whocares?”
HannahhuffedasoundatPiper’suncharacteristicresponse.“Whatisgoingtomakeyoufeelbetterrightnow?Tellmewhat
itisandwe’lldoit.Idon’tlikeseeingyoulikethis.”

Brendanwalkingthroughthedoorandpullingherintotherechargingstationwouldcurealotofills,butthatwasn’tgoing
tohappen.Shecouldfeelit.Howbadlyshe’dmessedupbykeepingsafetynetsinplacewithouttellingBrendan.Howbadly
she’dhurthimbydoingso.Badlyenoughthateventhemoststeadfastmanonearthhadreachedtheendofhispatiencewith
her.“Idon’tknow.God,Ijustwanttoblinkandbeamillionmilesaway.”

Morethanthat,shewantedtofeellikeheroldselfagain.
TheoldPipermighthavebeenlackingindirection,butshe’dbeenhappy,right?WhenpeoplejudgedtheoldPiper,itwas
fromtheothersideofaniPhonescreen,nottoherface.Shedidn’thavetotryandfail,becauseshe’dnevertriedinthefirstplace,andGod,ithadbeeneasy.Justthen,shewantedtoslipback
intothatidentityanddropout,soshewouldn’thavetofeelthisuncomfortabledisappointmentinherself.Wouldn’thave
toacknowledgetheproofthatshewasn’ttough.Wasn’tcapable.Didn’tbelong.

Herphonebuzzedonthebar.AnothermessagefromKirby.
PiperopenedthetextandsighedovertheTomFordpeep-toepumpsonherscreen.Whitewithgoldchainstoserveastheanklestrap.Kirbywasplayinghardballnow.Puttingonthoseshoesandakillerdressandwalkingintoaseaofphoto-snappingstrangerswouldbeliketakingapainkillerrightnow.Shewouldn’thavetofeelathing.
“Gohome,Pipes.”
Shelookedupsharply.“What?”
Hannahseemedtobewrestlingwithsomething.“YouknowIthinkyourLAfriendsarephoniesandyou’rewaytoogoodforthem,
right?”Shesighed.“ButmaybeyouneedtogotoKirby’sparty.Icanseeyouwantto.”

Pipersetdownherphonefirmly.“No.Afterallthiswork?No.”
“Youcanalwayscomeback.”
Wouldshe,though?Onceshewalkedbackintothatfogofdancingandselfiesandsleepinguntilnoon,wasitrealisticthat
shewouldreturntoWestportandfacehershortcomings?Especiallyifshemadeenoughmoneyonendorsementstomorrownight
togetheroutofDaniel’spocket?“Ican’t.Ican’tjust…”

Butwhycouldn’tshe?
Lookaround.Whatwasstoppingher?

“Well…”Atrembleofexcitementcoursedupherfingertips.“You’llcomewithme,right,Hanns?IfI’mnothere,youdon’t
havetobeeither.”

Hersistershookherhead.“ShaunahasmeopeningtherecordshoptomorrowandWednesday.Icanaskhertofindareplacement,
butuntilthen,Ihavetostickaround.”HannahreachedoutandtookthesidesofPiper’sfaceinherhands.“I’llonlybe
acoupleofdaysbehindyou.Go.It’slikeyou’veflatlinedandIhateit.”

“Gorightnow?But…”Shegesturedweakly.“Thebar.WedidthisforHenry.”

Hannahshrugged.“HenryCrossbelongstothisplace.Maybeturningitbackovertothemiswhathewouldhavewanted.Itwasthespiritbehinditthatcounted,Piper.I’mproudofusnomatterwhat.”Shesurveyedthelineofemptystools.“AndIthinkIcanhandletherestofthisshiftalone.TextKirby.Tellheryou’recoming.”
“Hannah,areyousure?Ireallydon’tlikeleavingyouhere.”
Hersistersnorted.“Stopit.I’mfine.I’llgocrashatShauna’sifitmakesyoufeelbetter.”
Piper’sbreathstartedtocomefaster.“AmIreallydoingthis?”
“Go,”Hannahordered,pointingatthestaircase.“I’llgetyouanUber.”
Ohwow,thiswasreallyhappening.ShewasleavingWestport.
Returningtosomethingshecoulddoanddowell.
Easy.Justeasy.
Avoidthisdespairanddisappointment.Justsinkbackinandneverlookback.Forgetaboutthisplacethatdidn’twanther
andthemanwhodidn’ttrusther.

IgnoringBrendan’sclear,belovedimageinherhead,hisdeepvoicetellinghertostay,Piperranupthestairsandstarted
shovingherbelongingsintosuitcases.
ChapterThirty
BrendanstoodonthedeckoftheDellaRay,staringoffinthedirectionofWestport.Thedirectiontheywereheadednow.Hesawnoneoftheseeminglyendlesswater
infrontofhim.Sawnoneofthemenpullinglinesandfixingluresaroundhim,thelowblareofBlackSabbathcomingfrom
thewheelhousespeakers.He’dbeenlockedinasedatedstatesinceSaturdaymorningwhenthey’dlefttheharbor.

Shedidn’tshowup.
He’dgivenPipertimetothink,andshe’drealizedthatbeingwithhimrequiredtoomuchsacrifice,andshe’dmadeherdecision.
He’dknownitwastoogoodtobereal.Thatshewouldgiveupeverything,herwholelife,justforhim.Hisjugularached
fromsupportinghisheart.That’swhereitsatnow,everyminuteoftheday;havingPiperinhislifehadbeensopainfully
sweet.Somuchbetterthanheknewlifecouldbe.

Itjusthadn’tgonebothways.
Overadecadeasafishermanandhe’dneveroncebeenseasick,buthisstomachroilednowominously.He’dbeenabletodistracthimselffromthedevastatingblow,thememoryoftheemptydock,forthelasttwodays,pushingthemenandhimselfhard,poringoverdigitalmaps,andevenworkingintheengineroomwhileFoxmannedthewheelhouse.Ifhestoppedmovingorthinking,thereshewas,andJesus,he’dfuckinglosther.
No.He’dneverearnedtherighttoherinthefirstplace.
Thatwastheproblem.
ItwasMondayafternoon.LaborDay.Piperwouldbegettingreadytoopenthebar.Didshestillexpecthimthere?Orwould
sheassumehe’dstayawaynowthatshe’ddecidedtomoveon?Toleveragethenewbarintoatriphome.Ifheshowedupat
CrossandDaughters,hemightbeinherway.Shemaynotwanthimthere.

Brendandugtheknucklesofhisindexfingersintobotheyes,imagesofPiperslaughteringhim.Mussed-up,grumpymorning
Piper.ConfusedinthegrocerystorePiper.Holdingaflamingfryingpan,cryingoverhiminthehospital,moaningintohis
pillowPiper.Eachandeveryincarnationofherwasastabtothechest,untilhesworegoingoverboardandsinkingtothe
bottomoftheicyfuckingoceansoundedpreferabletolivingwiththememories…andnothavingtheactualwoman.

Butshe’ddonetherightthingforherself.Hadn’tshe?
Didn’thehavetorespectthat?
Respectthatthiswomanhewantedforhiswifewasleaving?
JesusChrist.Hemightneverholdheragain.
Adrizzlestarted,buthemadenomovetogoinsidetograbhisslicker.Gettingsoakedanddyingfrompneumoniasoundedlike
aprettygoodplanatpresent.Amomentlater,though,SanderspassedbyandhandedtherainjackettoBrendan.Simplyto
havesomethingtodowithhishands,heputitonandslidbothhandsintothepockets.

Somethingglossyslippedbetweenhisfingers.
Hedrewitout—andtherewasPipersmilingbackathim.
Apictureofthem.Onehehadn’tbeenawareofhertaking.
She’dtakenaselfiebehindhisbackwhileheheldherintherechargingstation.Andhereyesweresex-drowsedandblissful.
Happy.Inlove.

Withanaxsplittinghisjugularinhalf,Brendanturnedoverthepictureandsawshe’dwrittenaloopy,femininemessage.
Foryourbunk,Captain.
Comebacktomesafely.
Iloveyousomuch,Piper.
Thewindhadbeenknockedoutofhim.
Awaverockedtheboat,andhecouldbarelymakehislegscompensate.Allfunctioningpowerhaddesertedhisbody,because
hisheartrequiredallofittopoundsofuriously.Heclosedhiseyesandclutchedthepicturetohischest,hismindpicking
throughamillionmemoriesofPipertofindtheoneofherstandinginhisdoorway.Thelasttimehe’dseenher.

Please…don’tdoubtme,Brendan.Notyou.Havefaithinme.Okay?
Buthadn’thedoneexactlythatbyleaving?
He’dlefther.Afterdemandingoverandoveragainshetakealeapoffaith,he’dwalkedoutandruinedhertenuoustrust.
ForGod’ssake,she’donlybeenintownforwhat?Fiveweeks?Whatdidhewantfromher?

Everything,that’swhat.He’daskedforeverything—andthathadn’tbeenfair.
Soshe’dkeptafewsafetynets.Good.Asthemanwholovedher,that’sexactlywhatheshouldhavebeenencouraging.Piper’ssafety.Whatthehellhadhedone
instead?

Punishedherforit.
Nowondershehadn’tshownupatthedock.Hehadn’tdeservedtoseeherthere,muchlessstandthereprayingforhertoshow
up,beggingGodtomakeherappear,whenhenowrealizedfullwell…thatsheshouldn’thavecome.

Andnow,whenitwastoolate,theobvioussolutiontokeepingher,todeservingher,boredownonhimlikeameteor.She
didn’thavetogiveupeverything.Helovedherenoughtofindsolutions.That’swhathedid.Therewasnoinconvenienceor
obstaclehewouldn’tfaceifitmeanthavingherinhislife,sohe’dfuckingfacethem.He’dadapt,likePiperhad
“Imadeamistake,”herasped,razorwirewrappingaroundhisheartandpullingtaut.“Jesus,Imadeafuckingmistake.”
Butiftherewasachancehecouldfixit,he’dclingtothathope.
Otherwisehe’dgoinsane.
Brendanwhippedaroundonaheelandranforthewheelhouse,onlytofindFoxlookingconcernedwhilehespoketothecoast
guardovertheradio.

“Whatisit?”
Foxendedthetransmissionandputtheradiobackinplace.“Nothingtoobad.They’rejustadvisingustoadjustourroute
south.Drillingrigcaughtfireaboutsixmilesaheadandthere’ssomebadvisibility,butitshouldonlysetusbackabout
twohours.”

Twohours.
Brendancheckedthetime.Itwasfouro’clock.Originally,theywerescheduledtomakeitbackatsixthirty.Bythetimetheboatwasunloadedandthey’dtakenthefishtomarket,hewaslookingatgoddamntenoreleveno’clockbeforehe’dmakeittoCrossandDaughters.
Now,ontopofhisinexcusablefuckup,hewasgoingtobreakhispromisetobeatthegrandopening.
HelplessnessclawedattheinsideofBrendan’sthroat.HelookeddownatthepictureofPiperhestillheld,asiftrying
tocommunicatewithher.

I’msorryIfailedyou,baby.
Justgivemeonemorechance.
***
Thetextmessagepoppeduponhisphonethesecondtheypulledintotheharbor.
I’mcoming.Ihadanemergency.Waitforme.Iloveyou.
ThosewordsalmostdroppedBrendantohisknees.
She’dtriedtocome?She’dwantedtoseehimoff?
OhGod.Whatemergency?Hadshehurtherselforneededhim?
Ifso,ifhe’dleftwhenshewasintrouble,hewouldneverrecover.
Afterthat,hisearsroaredandhesawnothingbuthisfeetpoundingthepavement.
WhenBrendanandFoxstormedintoCrossandDaughtersateleveno’clock,itwaspackedtothegills.“SummerintheCity”wasplayingatanearsplittingdecibel,atrayofcupcakescrowd-surfedtowardBrendan,andeveryonehadadrinkintheirhands.Momentarily,prideinPiperandHannah,atwhatthey’daccomplished,eclipsedeverythingelse.Butanintenseurgencytoseehisgirlfriendswarmedbackinquickly.
Shewasn’tbehindthebar.
ItwasjustHannah,uncappingbeersasfastasshecould,clearlyflustered.Shewasshovingcashintoherpocketsandtrying
tomakechange,tossingbillsacrossthebarandrunningtohelpthenextcustomer.

“Christ.I’llgohelpherout,”Foxsaid,alreadypushinghiswaythroughthecrowd.
WherewasPiper?
Withafrown,Brendanmovedinhisfriend’swake,noddingabsentlyatthelocalswhocalled—orslurred,rather—hisname.He
wenttothedancefloorfirst,knowingitwasalikelyplacetofindPiper,although…thatdidn’ttrack.Shewouldn’t
leavehersisterinthelurchbehindthebar.Andanyway,shewassupposedtobebartending.HannahwastheDJ.

Aholestartedtoopeninhisgut,acidgurglingout,buthetriedtostaycalm.
Maybeshewasjustinthebathroom.
No.Notthere.Aladyonthewayoutconfirmedthestallswereempty.
PanicclimbedBrendan’sspineashepushedhiswaytothebar.Fox’sexpressionstoppedhimdeadinhistracksbeforehecould
evengetthere
“Whereisshe?”Brendanshoutedoverthenoise.
Hannah’sgazedancedovertohim,thenawayjustasfast.
Sheservedanothercustomer,andhecouldseeherhandswereunsteady,andthatterrifiedhim.Hewasgoingtoexplode.He
wasgoingtoripthisplacedownwithhisbarehandsifsomeonedidn’tproducehisgirlfriendrightthehellnow.

“Hannah.Whereisyoursister?”

TheyoungerBellingerstilled,tookabreath.“ShewentbacktoLA.ForKirby’sparty.Andmaybe…tostay.”Sheshook
herhead.“She’snotcomingback.”

Theworldblurredaroundhim,themusicwarping,slowingdown.Hischestcavedinonitself,takinghisheartdowninthe
collapse.No.No,shecouldn’tbegone.Shecouldn’thaveleft.Butevenasdenialpoundedtheinsidesofhisskull,heknew
itwastrue.Hecouldn’tfeelher.

Shewasgone.
“I’msorry,”Hannahsaid,pullingoutherphoneandloweringthemusicwithafewthumbstrokes.Peoplebehindhimprotested,
butshutupandquietedimmediately,distractedbythemanatthebarkeepinghimselfuprightwithastoolanddyingaslow,
torturousdeath.“Look.Therewasnoonehere.Noone.Untilmaybehalfanhourago.Wethoughtitwasahugefail.Andbeforethat,ourstepdadcanceled,andyou—well,youknow
whatyoudid.”MoistureleapttoHannah’seyes.SheswipedathertearswhileFoxhesitantlybeganrubbingcirclesonher
back.“She’dlostherPipersparkle.Itscaredme.Ithoughtifshewenthome,she’dgetitback.Butnowshe’llneverknow
thateveryonelovesthisplace.”

She’dlostherPipersparkle.
Itwasgirllanguage,andyet,hesothoroughlyunderstoodwhatHannahmeant,becausePiperdidhaveasingularsparkle.Whethertheywerearguingorlaughingorfucking,itwasalwaysthere,pullinghimintoheruniverse,makingeverythingperfect.Thatsparklewaspositivityandlifeandpromiseofbetterthings,andshealways,alwayshadit,glowingwithintheblueofheririses,lightinguptheroom.Thefactthatithadgoneout,andthathe’dhadsomethingtodowithit,guttedhimwherehestood.
“Ishouldhavegoneandfoundher,”Brendansaid,moretohimselfthananyoneelse.“Whenshedidn’tshowupatthedock.
Ishouldhavegonetofindher.WhatthehelldidIleavefor?”

“Shedidshowup,”awoman’svoicesaidbehindhim.Sanders’swifeapproached,ahalf-drunkbeerinherhand.“Shewasthere,
justlate.Blubberingallovertheplace.”

Brendanhadtorelyonthestooltoholdhisweight.
“Toldhertotoughenup,”hiscrewmember’swifesaid,buthertonechangedwhenpeoplearoundherstartedtomutter.“In
aniceway,”sheaddeddefensively.“Ithink.”

Jesus.Hecouldbarelybreatheforthinkingofhercryingwhilehesailedaway.
Hecouldn’tfuckingstandit.
BrendanwasstillreelingfromthenewsthatPiperhadcometoseehimoff,thatshe’dshedtearsovermissinghim,whenan
oldermanambledtowardthefrontofthecrowdwithawhitebandagetapedtohishead.

Abe?Themanwhoownedthehardwarestoreintownwithhissons?
“ItwasmyfaultPiperwaslatetothedock,Captain.She’sbeenwalkingmetothemuseumeverymorningsoIcouldreadmy
paper.Can’tgetupthestairsalonethesedays.”Hefussedwithhisbandage.“Fellandsmackedmynogginoffthesidewalk.
PiperhadtostaywithmeuntilToddcame.Ittookawhilebecausehewasdroppingmygrandbabyoffatschool.”

“She’sbeenwalkingyoutothemuseumeveryday?”Brendanasked,voiceunnaturalonaccountofthewrenchtwistingapermanentboltintohisthroat.Shehadn’tsaidanythingaboutAbe.She’djustpickedupanotherbestfriendandmadehimimportant.Itwaswhatshedid.
“Yes,sir.She’sthesweetestgirlyoueverwanttomeet.”Hiseyesfloodedwithhumor.“Ifmysonsweren’tmarriedandshe
hadn’tgoneandfalleninlovewiththecaptainhere,I’dbeplayingmatchmaker.”

Stop,healmostshouted.Mighthave,ifhisvocalcordshadbeenworking.

Hewasgoingtodie.
Hewasdying.
“Sweetdoesn’tevencoverit,”pipedupOpal,whereshestoodnearthebackofthecrowd.“Ihadn’tleftmyapartmentinan
age,sincemysonpassed.Notformorethangroceryshoppingoraquickwalk.NotuntilPiperfixedmerightup,andHannah
showedmehowtouseiTunes.Mygranddaughtersbroughtmebacktotheliving.”Afewmurmuringswentupattheimpassioned
speech.“WhatisthisnonsenseaboutPipergoingbacktoLA?”

“Yeah!”AgirlPiper’sageappearedatOpal’sside.“We’resupposedtohaveamakeuptutorial.Shegavemeasmokyeyelast
week,andtwocustomersatworkaskedformynumber.”Sheslumped.“IlovePiper.She’snotreallygone,isshe?”

“Uh,yeah,”Hannahshouted.“Sheis.Maybetryshowingupontime,Westport.”
“Sorryaboutthat,”Abesaid,lookingguiltyalongwitheveryonearoundhim.“Therewasanoilrigfireoffthecoast.Ayoung
manfromtownworksthere,drilling.Ireckoneveryonewaswaitingfornews,tomakesureoneofourownwasallright,before
headingtotheparty.”

“Wereallyneedtogetatelevision,”Hannahmuttered.
BrendansattherebereftasmoreandmoreproofmountedthatPiperhadbeenputtingdownroots.Quietly,carefully,probably
justtoseeifshecould.Probablyscaredshewouldn’tsucceed.Ithadbeenhisjobtocomforther—andhe’dblownit.

He’dlostthebestthingthateverhappenedtohim.
Hecouldstillhearherthatnightwhenthey’dsatonabenchoverlookingtheharbor,momentsaftershe’dwaltzedintothe
memorialdinnerwithatrayoftequilashots.

Sincewegothere,ithasneverbeenmoreobviousthatIdon’tknowwhatI’mdoing.I’mreallygoodatgoingtopartiesand
takingpictures,andthere’snothingwrongwiththat.Butwhatifthat’sit?Whatifthat’sjustit?
Andwiththoseinsecuritiesintow,she’dproceededtotoucheveryoneinthisroom,inonewayoranother.Carvingherway
intoeveryone’shearts.Makingherselfindispensable.Didsheevenknowhowthoroughlyshe’dsucceeded?Piperhadoncesaid
BrendanwasWestport,butnowitwastheotherwayaround.Thisplacewasher
Please…don’tdoubtme,Brendan.Notyou.Havefaithinme.Okay?
Therewasnoway,nowayinhell,hecouldletthatbethelastthingshesaidtohim.Mightaswellliedownanddierightthere,becausehewouldn’tbe
abletolivewithit.Andnowayherlastmemoryofhimwouldbeleavinghishouse,leavinghercrying,forGodsakes.

Brendansteadiedhimself,distributinghisweightinawaythatwouldallowhimtomove,towalk,withoutfurtherrupturingtheshreddedheartinhischest.“It’smyfaultshe’sgone.Theresponsibilityismine.Sheismine.”Heswallowedglass.“AndI’mgoingtogether.”

Wellawarehecouldfail,Brendanignoredtheloudcheerthatwentup.
Hestartedtoturnfromthebar,butHannahwavedahandtocatchhisattention.Shedugherphoneoutofherpocket,punched
thescreen,andslidittowardhimacrossthewoodPiperhadspentaweeksandingtoperfection,applyingthelacquerwith
carefulconcentration.

Brendanlookeddownatthescreenandswallowed.TherewasPiper.Blowingakissbeneaththewords“ThePartyPrincess’sTriumphant
Return,”followedbyanaddressforaclubinLosAngeles.Tomorrownightatninep.m
Five-hundred-dollarcover.
Peopleweregoingtopayfivehundreddollarsjusttobeinthesameroomwithhisgirlfriend,andhecouldn’tfaultthem.
He’dhavegivenhislifesavingstobestandinginfrontofheratthatmoment.Jesus,hemissedhersomuch.

“Technically,she’snotsupposedtobebackinLAyetorI’dtellyoutotryourhousefirst.She’sprobablystayingwith
Kirby,butIdon’thavehercontactinfo.”Hannahnoddedatthephone.“You’llhavetocatchherattheclub.”

“Thanks,”hemanaged,gratefulshewasn’tpunishinghimlikehedeserved.“I’dgoanywhere.”
“Iknow.”Hannahsqueezedhishandonthebar.“Gomakeitright.”
Brendanpacedtowardthedoor,pulsetickinginhisears,butMicksteppedintohispathbeforehecouldwalkbackoutintothecold.“Brendan,I…”Hebowedhishead.“Whenyoutrackherdown,willyouapologizeforme?Iwasn’ttookindtoherearliertonight.”
AdaggertwistedbetweenBrendan’seyes.Christ,howmuchheartachehadhisPiperbeenforcedtodealwithsinceheboarded
theboatonSaturday?Firsthe’dleft,thenherstepfatherhadcanceled.Nooneshoweduptohergrandopening—orsoshethought.
AndnowhewasfindingoutMickhadpotentiallyhurtherfeelings?

Hishandsformedfistsathissides,battlingthefierceurgetobreaksomething.“I’mafraidtoaskwhatyousaid,Mick,”
hewhispered,closinghiseyes.

“Imighthaveimpliedthatshecouldn’treplacemydaughter,”Micksaidinalowvoice,regretlacingeveryword
Brendanexhaledroughly,hismiserycomplete.Ravaginghimwherehestood.“Mick,”herespondedwithforcedcalm.“Yourdaughter
willalwayshaveaplaceinmyheart.ButPiperownsthatheart.Shecamehereandrobbedmeblindofit.”

“Iseethatnow.”
“Good.Getrightwithit.”
Unabletosayanotherword,unabletodoanythingbutgettoher,gettoherbyanymeansnecessary,BrendanstrodetohistruckandburnedrubberoutofWestport.
ChapterThirty-One
Oh,she’dmadeahugemistake.
Huge.
Pipersatastrideamechanicalunicorn,preparingtobeelevatedthroughatrapdoorontoastage.Kirbyshovedapuffyprincess
wandintoherhand,andPiperstaredattheobject,lamentingthefactthatshecouldn’tmagicallywishherselfoutofthis
situation.

Hernamewasbeingchantedbyhundredsofpeopleoverhead.
Theirfeetstompedontheflooroftheclub,shakingtheceiling.Behindthescenes,peoplekeptcomingovertoher,snapping
selfieswithoutpermission,andPiperimaginedshelookedshell-shockedineverysingleoneofthem.

Thiswasexactlywhatshe’dalwayswanted.Fame,recognition,partiesthrowninherhonor.
Andallshewantednowwastogohome
NottoBel-Air.No,shewantedtobeintherechargingstation.Thatwashome.
Brendanwashome.
Thechantinggrewlouderalongwiththestomping,andKirbydancedinacirclearoundPiper,squealing.“Savortheanticipation,bitch!Assoonastheystartplayingyoursong,thehydraulicsaregoingtobringyouupslowly.Whenyouwavethewand,thelightingguyisgoingtomakeitlooklikeyou’resprinklingfairydust.Itlookssoreal.Peoplearegoingtoshit.”
Okay,fine,thatpartwasprettycool
“Whatsongisit?”
“‘GirlsJustWanttoHaveFun’remixedwith‘SexyandIKnowIt.’Obviously.”
“Ohyeah.Obviously.”
Kirbyfannedherarmpits.“Tryandtimeyourfairyflickswiththebeat,youknow?”
Piperswallowed,lookingdownatherLhuillierdress,herblackgarterspeekingoutbeneaththehemoneithersideofthe
unicorn.Gettingdressedhadbeenafundistraction,ashadprimpingandgettingherhairprofessionallystyled,but…
nowthatthetimehadcometomakeher“triumphant”return,shefeltkindof
Herheartwasinsmithereens.
Shedidn’twanttoenteraclubonahydraulicunicorn.

Shedidn’twanttohaveherpicturetakenandplasteredalloversocialmedia.Therewouldneverbeanythingwrongwithhaving
agoodtime.Ordancinganddressinghowshechosetodress.Butwhenshe’dgonetoWestportandnotoneofthesepeoplehad
calledortextedorbeeninterestedintheaftermathofthepartythey’denjoyed,she’dgottenaglimpseathowphonyitall
was.Howquicklythefanfarewentaway.

Whenthetimecameforhertoriseupthroughthestage,noneoftheapplausewouldbeforPiper.FortherealPiper.Itwouldbeacelebrationofherbuildingasuccessfulimage.Andthatimagedidn’tmeananything.Itdidn’tcount.Shethoughtslippingbackintothisscenewouldbeeasy,thatshe’djustsinkintoitandrevel,benumbforalittlewhile.Butallshecouldthinkaboutwas…whowouldhavecoffeewithOpaltomorrow?WhowouldwalkAbetothemuseum?
Thosevisitsmadeherfeelamilliontimesbetterthanthemomentaryburstsofinternetstardom.Becauseitwasjusther,
livinginrealmoments,notfabricatingthemfortheentertainmentofothers.

Makingoverthebarwithhersister,standingonthedeckofaboatwiththeloveofherlife’sarmsaroundher,runningthrough
theharbormist,makingfriendswhoseemedinterestedinherandnotwhatshecoulddoforthem.Thosethingscounted.

Thiswasallforshow,andparticipatinginitmadePiperfeellesstruetoherself.Likeshewassellingherselfshort.
Thisfameshe’dalwaysreachedforwasfinallyreachingback,andshewasn’tinterested.
Piper,Piper,Piper.
Thechantsweredeafeningnow,butsheonlywantedtohearonevoicesayinghername.Whydidn’tshestayandfightforhim?
Whatwashedoingnow?

“Brendan,”shewhispered,theyearningforhimsointenseshealmostdoubledover.“I’msorry,Imissyou.I’msorry.”
“What?”Kirbyshoutedoverthenoise.“Okay,you’regoingup.Holdon,bitch!”
“No,wait.”Piperswipedatherdampeyes.“Iwanttogetoff.Letmeoff.”
Kirbylookedatherlikeshewasinsane.“It’stoolate.You’realreadymoving.”
Andshewas.Somuchfasterthanshe’dexpected.
Thisunicornreallyhadsomeget-up-and-go.
Piperclungtothesyntheticmaneandheldherbreath,lookinguptowatchthestagedoorsslideopenaboveher.Dammit.Dammit.Therewasnoturningback.Shecouldjump,butshe’dalmostcertainlybreakanankleintheseshoes.She’dbreakthesebeautiful
TomFordheels,too,andthatwentagainstherveryreligion.

Herheadwasabouttoclearthestage
Withadeepbreath,Pipersatupstraighterandsmiled,wavingatthecrowdofpeoplewhoweregoingwild.Forher.Itwas
anout-of-bodyexperience,beingsuspendedabovetheirheads,andshedidn’tlikeit.Didn’twanttobethere,sittinglike
ajackassonthisunicornwhilehundredsofpeoplecapturedherimageontheir
Iwanttogohome.Ijustwanttogohome.
Theunicornfinallysettledinonthestage.Great.Shewasalreadysearchingfortheclosestexit.Butwhensheclimbedoff,
she’dflashtheentireclub.Therewasnootherwaytostaymodestthantoblockhercrotchwiththeunicornhairandawkwardly
slideoff,whichshedidnow,peoplepressinginagainstthestage.Shedidn’tjustfeellikeatrappedanimal.Shewasone.
Therewasnowayout.

Piperturned,searchingforanavenueofescape—andtherehewas.
Brendan?No,itcouldn’tbe.Herseacaptaindidn’tbelonginLA.Theyweretwoentitiesthatdidn’tmakesenseinthesame
space.

Sheheldupahandtoblocktheflashingstrobelight,andGod.MyGod.Hereallywasthere,standingafoottallerthaneveryoneinthecrowd,beardedandbeautifulandsteadyandsaltofthe
earth.Theylockedeyes,andheslowlypulledthebeanieoffhishead,holdingittothecenterofhischest,almostadeferential
move—andhisexpressionwasaterriblemixtureofsadnessandwonder.No.Shehadtogettohim.Beingthiscloseandnot
beinginhisarmswaspositivelytorture.Hewasthere.Hewasthere.

“Brendan!”Piperscreamed,hervoiceswallowedupbythenoise.
Butshesawhislipsmove.Knewhecalledhernameback.
Unabletobepartedfromhimanylonger,shedroppedtoherbuttandscootedoffthestage,pushingthroughthetightlypacked
crowd,prayingshewasmovingintherightdirection,becauseshecouldn’tseehimanymore.Notwiththeflashinglightsand
thephonesinherface.

“Brendan!”
Handsgrabbedather,makingitimpossibleforhertomove.Thearmsofstrangersslungaroundherneck,pullingherinto
selfies,hotbreathglancedacrossherneck,hershoulders.No,no,no.Sheonlywantedonetouch.Oneperfectman’stouch.

“Piper!”
Sheheardhisdeep,panickedvoiceandspunaroundinthekaleidoscopeofcolor,flashesgoingoff,disorientingher.Tears
wererollingdownherface,butsheleftthemthereinfavoroftryingtopushthroughthecrowd.“Brendan!”

Adrianappearedinfrontofher,momentarilydistractingPiperfromhermazerun,becauseitwasallsoabsurd.Shewastryingtogettothemostwonderfullyrealhumanonearth,andthisfake,hurtfulman-childwasblockingherpath.Whodidhethinkhewas?
“Hey,Piper.IwashopingI’drunintoyou!”Adrianshoutedoverthemusic.“Youlookfuckingamazing.Weshouldgetadrink—”
Brendanloomedbehindherex-boyfriendand,withouthesitation,flickedhimasidelikeapeskyant,sendinghimflying,and
Piperwastednotimeinlaunchingherselfintotherechargingstation.Asenseofrightnesstookholdinasplitsecond,bringing
herbacktoherself.Backtoearth.Brendanliftedherup,lockinghisarmsaroundherastightastheywouldgo,andshe
meltedintotheembracelikebutter.Herlegswrappedaroundhiships,sheburiedherfaceinhisneckandsobbedlikeababy.
“Brendan.Brendan.”

“I’vegotyou.I’mrighthere.”Fiercely,hekissedthesideofherface,herhair,hertemple.“Stayorgo,baby?Whatdo
youneed?”

“Go,please.Please.Getmeoutofhere.”
PiperfeltBrendan’ssurpriseregister—surprisethatshewantedtoleave?—followedbyatighteningofhismuscles.Onehand
cuppedthebackofherheadprotectively,andthenhewasmovingthroughthecrowd,orderingpeopleoutofhisway,andshe
waspositiveshe’dnever,everbeensaferinherentirelife.Shebreathedinthescentofhiscologneandclungtohisshoulders,
secureinherabsolutetrustofthisman.He’dcome.Aftereverything,he’dcome.

Amomentlater,theywereoutonthestreet,butBrendandidn’tstopmoving.HecarriedPiperpastthelineofgapingonlookers,keptgoinguntilthepumpingbassfadedandrelativequietfellaroundthem.Andonlythendidhestopwalking,buthedidn’tlethergo.Hewalkedherintothedoorwayofabankandrockedhersidetoside,hisarmslikeavise.
“I’msorry,baby,”hegratedagainstherforehead.“I’msofuckingsorry.Ishouldn’thaveleft.Ishouldneverhaveleftormadeyoucry.Pleaseforgiveme.”

Piperhiccuppedintohisneckandnodded;shewouldforgivehimforanythinginthatmomentifhejuststayed.Butbefore
shecouldsayanything,hecontinued.

“Idohavefaithinyou,Piper.Iwillneverdoubtyouagain.YoudeservesomuchbetterthanwhatIgave,anditwaswrongof
me,sowrong,togetangryatyouforprotectingyourself.Youweregivingsomuchalready.Yougivesomuchtoeveryoneand
everythingyoutouch,youincrediblefuckinggirl,andIloveyou.Morethananygoddamnocean,doyouhearme?Iloveyou,
andI’mfallingdeeperbytheminute,so,baby,pleasestopcrying.Youlookedsobeautifulupthere.God,youlookedsobeautiful
andIcouldn’treachyou.”

Hiswordsmadeherfeellikeshewasfloating.TheywerepureBrendanintheirhonestyanddepthandgruffnessandhumility.
Andtheywereforher.

Howwhollyhegavehimself,thisman.
Howwhollyshewantedtogiveherselfinreturn.
“Iloveyou,too,”shewhisperedtremulously,kissinghisneck,hismouth,pullingdeeplyonhisfirm,welcominglips.“I
loveyou,too.Iloveyou.Ididn’twanttobetheretonight.Ionlywantedtobewithyou,Brendan.Ijustwantedtohear
yourvoicesobadly.”

“ThenI’lltalkuntilmyvoicegivesout,”herasped,slantinghislipsoverthetopofhers,breathingintohermouth.Acceptingherbreathinreturn.“I’llloveyouuntilmyheartgivesout.I’llbeyourmanforathousandyears.LongerifI’mallowed.”Withamiserablesound,hekissedthetearsoffhercheeks.“Imessedupsobad,Piper.Iletmyfearoflosingyougetbetweenus.Itblindedme.”Hedrewback,waiteduntilshelookedathim.Upintoallthatintensity.“IfyouneedLosAngelestobehappy,thenwe’llmakeitwork.IcangoupnorthforcrabseasonanddockthenewboatclosertoLAtherestoftheyear.Ifyou’llhavemeback,we’llmakeithappen.Iwon’tletusfail.Justletmeloveyouforever.”
“IfI’llhaveyouback…”Sheexhaledherdisbelief,hiswordstakingamomenttoactuallysinkin.Ohwow.Wow.Herknees
startedtotremblearoundhiships,lovesurgingupinsideofherandfillingeverypartofherthathadcrackedoverthe
lastthreedays.“Youwoulddothat,wouldn’tyou?Youwouldchangeyourwholelifeforme.”

“I’dbehonoredto.Justsaytheword.”
“B-Brendan.”Herchestachedalmosttoomuchtospeak.“WhenIwasfallinginlovewithyou,IwasfallinginlovewithWestport
atthesametime.Thatismyhome.Ourhome.AndIdon’twanttobeanywhereelse.IknewitassoonasIgotheretonight.
Nothingwasright.Nothingwasrightwithoutyou.”

“Piper,”herasped,theirmouthsheating,seeking.“Sayyou’remineagain.Beclear.Ineedyoutobeclear.I’vebeenfucking
miserablethinkingIlostyouforever.”

“I’myours.OfcourseI’myours.I’msorryIran.I’msorryIdoubted—”
Hehushedherwithahardpressoflips,hisframeheavingwithrelief.“ThankChrist,”hesaidhoarsely.“Andno.Youdidnothingwrong.Nothing.”Histhumbbrushedagainstthebaseofherspine,hisbodystillrockinghersidetoside.“Everythingisgoingtobeokaynow.Wefoundourwayback.I’vegotyoubackandI’mnotlettingyougoeveragain.”
Sheclungtohim.“Promise?”
“I’llmakethepromiseeverysingleday.”
Ablissfulsmilebloomedacrossherface.“I’lltryagainwithCrossandDaughters.I’llbestrongernexttimeatthedocks.
Icanbe—”

“OhGod,no.Piper.”Heduckedhisheadtomakeeyecontact,hisdarkbrowspulledtogether.“Firstofall,youdon’thave
tobetough.Notallthetime.Idon’tknowwhodecidedmyperfect,kind,sweet,incrediblegirlfriendneededtofitsome
goddamnmold,butyoudon’t.YoujustbePiper,okay?She’swhoI’minlovewith.She’stheonlywomanwhowasmadeforme.
Cryifyouwanttocry.Danceifyouwanttodance.Hell,screamatme,ifyouneedto.Noonegetstotellyouhowtoact
orfeelwhenIleave.Noone.And,baby…”Hepuffedalaugh.“WhenIgottothebar,itwaspacked.Everyonelovesit.PeoplejustmoveatadifferentpaceinWestport.They’renotallonastrictschedulelikeme.”

“Wait.Really?Itwaspacked?”Shegasped.“Ohno.Hannah—”
“Isfine.Foxjumpedintohelp.Andshehelpedmefindyoutonight.”
“Oh!Oh.I’msoglad.”Happinessbubbledupinsideofherchest,andshegaveawaterylaugh.“Webettergethome,then.I
guessIhaveabartorun.”

Brendanbroughttheirmouthstogetherandkissedherwithpainstakingaffectionthatquicklystartedtoburn.Herthroatymoanmethisurgentgrowl,theirtongueswindingdeep,hishandscrapingdowntopalmherbackside.“Wecouldgohometonight,”herumbled,tiltinghishipssoshecouldfeelthefirmriseofhisneed.“Orwecouldwalkacrossthestreettomyhotelroomandworryaboutgettinghomeinthemorning.”
Asighshudderedout.“Whyaren’twealreadythere?”
“Givemeaminute.”Hejoltedintoastrideacrossthequietavenuethatturnedintoajog,jostlingherallovertheplace,
sendingherlaughterringingdownthenight-drapedstreet,thenaeuphoricsquealwhenhethrewheroverhiswidefisherman’s
shoulder.“So…”hesaidwhentheywerehalfwaythroughthehotellobby,scandalizingeveryoneintheirwake.“Arewe
justnotgoingtotalkaboutthemechanicalunicorn?”

“Iloveyou,”shegaspedthroughmirthfultears.“Somuch.”
“Ah,Piper.”Hisvoiceshookwithemotion.“Iloveyou,too.”Epilogue
Oneweeklater
Itwasasadday.
Itwasahappyday.
Brendanwascominghomefromafishingtrip,butHannahwasgoingbacktoLA
Pipersatupinbedandpushedoffhereyemask,marveling—notforthefirsttime—overhowmuchtheroomhadchanged.Before
leavingLA,BrendanhaddrivenhertoBel-AirforaquickvisitwithMaureenandDaniel.Halfwaythroughthestopover,Brendan
haddisappeared.

She’dfoundhimupstairsinherroom,packingherthings.
Notjustherclothes,althoughitwasnicetohaveherfullwardrobeback.Butherknickknacks.Herperfumes,herbedspreads,
hershoedisplaycaseandfashionscarves.Andassoonasthey’dgottenhometoWestport—okay,fine,afterarough,sweaty
quickieonthelivingroomcouch—he’dtakentheitemsupstairsandmadetheroom…theirs.

Hersuper-masculineseacaptainnowsleptunderapinkcomforter.Hisaftershavewassandwichedinbetweennailpolishbottlesandlipsticks,andhecouldn’tseemhappieraboutthefeminineclutter.
They’donlyhadafewdaysofofficiallylivingtogetherbeforehistrip,butthey’dbeenthebestdaysofherlife.Watching
Brendanbrushhisteethwithnothingbutatowelwrappedaroundhiswaist,feelinghiseyesonherasshebartended,pancakes
inbed,showersex,gardeningtogetherintheirbackyard,showersex.And
Piperfloppedbackagainstthepillowsandsigheddreamily.
He’dbepullingintoGraysHarborinjustafewhours,andshecouldn’twaittotellhimeveryshenaniganthathadhappened
inCrossandDaughterssincehe’dbeengone.Couldn’twaittosmellthesaltwateronhisskinandevencontinuetheirconversation
aboutsomeday…somedayhavingchildren.

Hehadn’tforgottenPiper’sattempttobringupthesubjectonthenightoftheirargument.They’dtriedtodiscussiton
fourseparateoccasionssincegettinghome,butassoonastheword“pregnant”wasuttered,Piperalwaysendeduponherback,
Brendanbearingdownonherlikeafreighttrain.

So.Nocomplaints.
Fanningherface,PiperclimbedoutofbedandwentthroughhermorningroutineofjoggingandwalkingAbetothemuseum.
Whenshegothomeanhourlater,Hannahwasjustzippingherpackedsuitcase,andPiper’sstomachperformedanuncomfortable
somersault.

“I’mgoingtomissyou,”Piperwhispered,leaningashoulderagainstthedoorjamb.
Hannahturnedanddroppeddownontotheedgeofthebed.“I’llmissyoumore.”
Pipershookherhead.“Youknow…you’remybestfriend.”
Hersisterseemedcaughtoffguardbythat,givingajerkynodofherhead.“You’remine.You’vealwaysbeenmine,too,Pipes.”
“Ifyouhadn’tcome…”Pipergesturedtotheirsurroundings.“Noneofthiswouldhavehappened.Iwouldn’thavefigured
italloutonmyown.”

“Yes,youwouldhave.”
Piperblinkedrapidlytokeepthetearsatbay.“Youreadytoheadtotheairport?”
Hannahnodded,and—afterkissingthePioneerrecordplayergood-bye—shewheeledhersuitcasetothefrontofthehouse.Piper
openedthedoortolethersisterthrough,frowningwhenHannahpulledupshort.“What’sthat?”

“What’swhat?”
Piperfollowedhersister’slineofvisionandfoundabrownparcel,intheshapeofasquare,leaningupagainsttheporch.
Itdefinitelyhadn’tbeentherewhenshereturnedfromherrun.Shestoopeddownandpickeditup,inspectingthedelivery
labelandhandingtheboxtohersister.“It’sforyou.”

Lettinggoofthehandleofhersuitcase,Hannahpriedopenthecardboard,revealingacellophane-wrappedrecord.“It’s…
oh.”Herthroatworked.“It’sthatFleetwoodMacalbum.Theonethatspoketomeattheexpo.”Shetriedtolaugh,butit
cameoutchoked.“Foxmusthavetrackeditdown.”

Pipergavealowwhistle.
Hannahcontinuedtostaredownatthealbum.“Thatwasso…friendlyofhim.”
Itwasdefinitelysomething.ButPiperwasn’tsure“friendly”wastherightword.
Severalbeatspassed,andPiperreachedovertotucksomehairbehindhersister’sear.“Readytogo?”sheaskedsoftly.
“Um…”Hannahvisiblyshookherself.“Yeah.Yeah,ofcourse.Let’sgo.”
Acoupleofhourslater,PiperstoodonthedockandwatchedtheDellaRayapproach,herpulsegoingfasterandfasterthecloseritcame,whitewakespreadingoutaroundthevessellikerippling
wings.Thecrew’ssignificantothers,mothers,andfathersstoodaroundsippingcoffeeinthecoolfallweather,speculating
onthetrip’shaul.They’dbeenkindtoPiperthisafternoon,butmoreimportant,shewaslearningtobekindtoherself.

Learningtoloveherself,justasshewas.
Frivolousandsillyonoccasion,determinedandstubbornonothers.Whenshewasmad,sheraged.Whenshewassad,shecried.
Andwhenshewashappy,likeshewasinthatmoment,shethrewherarmsopenandranrighttowardthemainsource,letting
himsweepherawayAcknowledgments
ThisbookwasmymentalescapeduringtheGreatQuarantineof2020andwillalwayshaveaspecialplaceinmyheart.When
everythinggottoooverwhelming,IwasabletoclosemyofficedoorandtraveltoWestporttohelptwopeoplefallinlove—and
I’mverygratefulforit.Icouldn’thavewrittenthisbookwithoutmyhusband,Patrick,whokeptaconfusednine-year-old
occupiedwithoutthebenefitofschooloranysenseofnormalcyformonthsonend.

Thankyou,aswell,tomyfriends—Nisha,Bonnie,Patricia,Michelle,Jan,andJill—whobolsteredmyspiritsviatextorsocially
distancedvisits,fromthecurb,whileIshoutedfromtheporchinsketchypajamas.ThankyoutothecharacterAlexisRose
fromSchitt’sCreek,whomIfellsomadlyinlovewiththatIneededtogiveherahappilyeverafterviaPiper.Thankyoutotheessentialworkers
andmedicalpersonnelwhoworkedtirelesslyattheriskoftheirhealththroughout2020andbeyond.Youareheroes.Asalways,
thankyoutomyfantasticeditor,NicoleFischer;myagent,LauraBradford;and,ofcourse,thereaderswhocontinuetoread
mystories.Itreasureeachandeveryoneofyou.
AbouttheAuthor
PhotobyNishaVerHalen
NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorTESSABAILEYaspirestothreethings:writinghotandunforgettablecharacter-drivenromance,beinga
goodmother,andeventuallysneakingontothejudgingpanelofareality-showbakingcompetition.ShelivesonLongIsland,
NewYork,withherhusbandanddaughter,writingalldayandrewardingherselfwithacheeseplateandNetflixbingeinthe
evening.Ifyouwantsexy,heartfelt,humorousromancewithaguaranteedhappyending,you’vecometotherightplace.

Discovergreatauthors,exclusiveoffers,andmoreathc.com
Announcement
KeepaneyeoutforHannah’sstoryin…
Hook,Line,andSinker
Comingearly2022!
ReadonforabonusscenefeaturingHannahandFox!BonusScene
Damn.
Thispint-sizedgirlwithfreckleshadjustgonetoe-to-toewiththecaptain.Stilllookedspittingmad,too,underneaththe
brimofherredbaseballcap.

ItwasagoodthingFoxknewenoughaboutwomentowipetheamusementfromhisface.Hannah,thenewgirlintown,hadbriefly
turnedherwrathonhimoutsidetheRedBuoy,andhewasn’teagertorevisitthemoment.Neitherwashisdick,whichhadmomentarily
retreatedintoitselflikeahermitcrabattheraredisplayofdispleasureinhiscompany.

Justthen,ablusteryAugustwindcaughtHannah’shatandknockeditoffherhead.
Theywentforitatthesametime,hisfingerswrappingaroundthebrimbeforeitcouldhittheground.Stillbentover—and
withthemostwinninggrinhecouldmuster—Foxhandeditback,hismouthwideningfurtherwhensheonlypeeredathimsuspiciously.

Hannahsniffed.“Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
Withaskepticalhum,shepulledthehatbackdownoverhereyes,buthe’dalreadyseentheeveningsunlighttraveloverher
face.Acuteface,proclaimedthestubbynoselocatedbetweentwobighazeleyesandadimpleinherrightcheek.Hertoespeekedoutofher
flip-flops,showingoffamusicalnotethatranthelengthofhersecond-largesttoe.

Yup.Cuteashell.
Butnotsocutethatshecouldn’tturnhismanhoodintoacrustacean.
Whatareyou,hispretty-boysidekick?
Apparentlyinadditiontobeingadorableandfearless,shewasastute.
Theprettypartwasobvious.Andnow,herehewas,squiringthisspitfiretotherecordshopsohisbestfriendcouldget
sometimealonewiththefirstwomantorousehisinterestsincethepassingofhiswifesevenyearsearlier.ThusFoxticking
thesidekickbox.

Truthfully,though?Hedidn’tmindnotbeingtakenseriously.LetHannahputhiminaneatlittlecategory.Itsavedhimfrom
havingtotry.Tryingforanythingworthwhilealwaysledtodisappointment.

Foxrealizedhissmilehadslippedandfixeditbackinplace,gesturingforHannahtoprecedehimalongthesidewalk.“After
you,sweetheart.”

Shestudiedhimdowntheendofherstubnose,thenbreezedpast.“Youcanturndownthewattage,peacock.NothingIsayto
Piperaboutyouwillaffectherdecision.”

Peacock?Brutal.“Herdecisiontowhat?”
“Toembarkonordeclineanaffairwiththemeanone.”
Themeanone.Savage.“Youtwoseemclose.Shedoesn’tvalueyouropinion?”
Hannahstoppedshortandturned,herexpressionthatofapersonjoggingbacktheirpreviousstatement.“Ohno,shedoes.Shedoes.Butmysister,um…”Herfingerspluckedattheairfortherightwords.“Sheissodesperatetoseethegood
inpeople,shedoesn’talwaysheedawell-placedwarning.”

“Ah.Doyoulookforthebadinpeople?”

“Oh,myafflictioniswayworsethanPiper’s;Ilikethebadinpeople.”

Sheshowedhimthatdimpleandkeptsailing.
IttookFoxamomenttoregainhisstride.Suddenlyhewasinterestedinaconversation.Morethanhe’dbeeninadamnlong
time.Why?Apartfromthefactthatshe’dgainedhisrespectbyrefusingtobackdownfromamantwicehersize,therewas
noreasonheshouldbepickinguphispacetofindoutwhatHannahwasgoingtosaynext.

Theyweren’tevengoingtosleeptogether.
DoingsocouldseriouslymessthingsupforBrendan—andJesus,shewasn’thistype,anyway.Foronething,she’dbeliving
inWestportfortheforeseeablefuture.Waytoocloseforcomfort.Two,hischarmwasabsolutelywastedonthisout-of-towner.
Thewayshespeed-walkedtwoyardsaheadofhimmadethatcrystalclear.

Maybethat’swhyhewantedtocontinuetalkingtoher.
He’dgottenthesex-is-a-no-nospeechandshewasimmunetohim.Thepressurewasoff.

Itsurprisedhimhowmuchthatpressurewaspresentinhischestwhenitstartedtoabate,gradually,liketheaircoming
outofabeachball.“Wanttoslowdownalittle,Freckles?”hesaid,alittletestierthanhe’dintended,becauseofthe
weirdfeeling.“I’mtheonlyonewhoknowswherewe’regoing.”

Hannahgavehimaneyebrowraiseoverhershoulderbutdowngradedfromasprinttoajog.Maybeevenseemedalittlemore
curiousabouthim—butwhatsensedidthatmake?“Really?YouthinkI’ma‘Freckles’?”

“ItwasthatorCaptainKiller.”
Wasthatahintofasmile?
Outofhabit,hewasabouttocomplimentheronhersmilewhenthephoneinhispocketstartedtovibrate.Hemadetherookie
mistakeoftakingitout,insteadofignoringit,butquicklyputthedevicebackwhenthename“Carla”blinkedonthescreen.

NotbeforeHannahsawit,though.Hergazedancedawayquickly,herexpressionremainingneutral,butshedefinitelynoticed
awomanwascallinghim.Therewasnoreasonthatshouldbotherhim.Noreasonforthestupid,sinkingdisappointmentinhis
belly.Noneatall.

Foxcoughedintohisfistandtheycontinuedtowalk,sidebyside.“Whatexactlydoyoumeanby‘Ilikethebadinpeople’?”
Herdimpledeepenedwhileshethoughtaboutit.“It’slike…thebadinsomeoneisalsothemosthonestpart,right?When
youmeetsomeonenew,youdiganddiguntilyougettothegoodstuff.Imaginehowmuchtimewewouldsaveifourbiggest
flawwasouropeningline.”

“You’reprettyintenseforsomeonenicknamedFreckles.”
Alaughsnuckoutofher,andtheweirdnessthathadbeenbarrel-rollinginhischeststoppedabruptly,slowedbysatisfaction.
Warmth.“Hey,Iquestionedyourjudgment.YouwerefirmonFreckles.”Hersmilemeltedintoasigh.“AndIknow,Iamalittle
intense.It’sallthemusicIlistento.Everythingisrightonthesurfaceinasong.Calamity,heartbreak,tension,hope.
It’shardtodipbackintonormallifeafteraCourtneyBarnettsong.”Shesnuckaglanceathim.“Itendtooversharealmost
immediatelyaftermeetingsomeone.It’swhyIdon’thavealotoffriendsbackhome.Icomeonstrongerthancoldbrew.”

Thatmadehimchuckle.“Holdon,now.Ididn’tsaytheintensitywasaturnoff.”
Hergazecuttohis,mouthinaflatline.
Whoops.Steppedonalandmine.Betterbackpedal.“‘Turnoff’wasthewrongexpression.Thisisn’t”—Foxseesawedahandbetweenthem—“there’snothingtoturnofforon.”

Shenoddedheragreementandtheywentbacktowalking.
Shit,thiswaskindofnice.Havingamildlyantagonisticinteractionwithagirl.Thisgirl.Therewassomethinginvigoratingaboutpassingthetimewithherwithoutexpectationsattached.Notthatalotofeffort
wentintoseducingwomen.Thattalentwaskindofabuilt-inmechanism.TryingtoseduceHannahwouldhavebeenalotmore
complicated,andthefactthathedidn’thaveto…

Theonlyremainingoptionwasfriendship.
Wow.Whataturnthedayhadtaken.Whenhewokeupthismorning,ifsomeonehadtoldhimhe’dbechummingaroundwithagirl,
hewouldhavecalledthemadamnliar.Butherehewas.Noteventryingtohavesexwithher.Itwentagainsthisnaturenot
tocheckheroutalittle,justforposterity’ssake,andshehadthekindoftwitchybunsthatdrovehimcrazy.Buthewasfilingthatawayunder
irrelevant
“Whatkindsofthingsdoyounormallyovershareabout?”heaskedher.
Shelookedupatthesunset-streakedskybutquicklyduckedbackunderneaththebrimofherhatwhenagullcircledabove.
“Mygreatestfears,whatmoviesmakemecry,myrelationshipwithmymother.Thingslikethat.InLosAngeles,you’resupposed
toleadwithwhatyoudoforaliving.”

“I’vebeenmeaningtoask,whatdoyoudoforaliving?”
Anhonest-to-Godgiggletumbledoutofher.“I’malocationscoutforanindependentmoviehouse.”
Yeah,hecouldseeherdoingthat.Clipboard,earpiece,chewinggum,watchingsomedramaunfoldonamovieset.“Thatsounds
likeitnurturesyourintensity,sureenough.Isthatwhatyouwanttodopermanently?”

“No.”Sheseemedhesitanttosaymore.
“Comeon,oversharer.Don’tletmedown.”
“It’sjustthatIhaven’ttoldanyoneyet.”Shedippedhercheektowardhershoulder.Herversionofashrug?“Iwanttocraft
moviesoundtracks.Notscores.Just,selectingtheperfectsongsforascene.”

“Thatsoundsprettyfuckingcool.”
Shestuffedherhandsinthepocketsofherjeans.“Thanks.”Wasshebitingthatliptosubdueasmile?Damn.Hekindofwanted
toseeit.“Whataboutyou?Igatheryou’reafishermanlikethemeanone?”

“That’sright.”Hetappedhisinnerwrist.“Gotsaltwaterrunningintheseveins.”
“Doesitscareyou?Whentheoceangetsrough?”
“I’dbeanidiotifitdidn’tscareme.”
Forsomereason,thatseemedtobringthisinterestinggirlovertohisteam.Shenodded,examininghimalittlemoreclosely.
“Iheardhimcallyouthereliefskipper.Doyoueverwanttocaptainyourownvessel?”

“Hellno.”
“Whynot?”
“Toomuchresponsibility.”Hedraggedahandthroughhishair.“Ilikethingsexactlythewaytheyarenow.Workajob,don’t
makeanymistakes,comehomewithcashinmypocket,andendofthebargainfulfilled.Letsomeoneelsethinkaboutthebig
picture.”

Hannahpursedherlips.“Areyoulazyorafraidofmessingup?”
Defensivenessstuckinhismiddleunexpectedly,andusingtheonlyweaponhehad,Foxdroppedhisattentiontoherthighs.
“I’msureashellnotlazy,Freckles.”

Shegulped,handsballinginherpockets.“Soyou’re…afraid,then?”
“Can’thelpdigging,canyou?”Laughing,Foxshookhishead.“You’renotgoingtofindthebadinmethateasily.It’ssealed
uptight.”

“Famouslastwords,”shemurmured,andtheyregardedeachotherforadrawn-outbeat.“Istherereallyarecordshop,orare
youluringmetoawaterygrave?”

“Don’tbedark,Freckles.”HepulledhertoastopoutsideDiscNDatbeforeshecouldwalkpastit.“Thisisit.”
“Really?”Shestudiedthelowwhite-stuccobuilding.“There’snosign.”
“Don’tyouknowthat’swhatmakesitcool?IthoughtyouwerefromLA.”FoxopenedthedoorforHannahbeforeshecouldrespond,
grinningasshepassed.Andyeah,fine,hewasalittlegratifiedwhenhercheeksturnedpink.Hecouldbefriendswitha
girl,butitwouldn’thurtforhertoatleastrecognizehisattractiveness.Afterall,heworkedsohardtomakesureitwasthemainthingpeoplenoticedabouthim.

Hannahsetfootinsidetherecordshopandcametoadeadhalt.
Hewasn’tarecordenthusiastlikethisgirl,buthe’dbeeninDiscNDatenoughtimesgrowingupinWestportthatheknew
therewassomethingmagicalaboutit.Thefactthathe’dbeentheonetopresentittoHannahgavehimasurprisingsense
ofpride.Stillstandinginthedoorway,hetriedtoseetheshopthroughhereyes.Theshelveshadblueinsetlighting,casting
therowsofrecordsinadreamlikeglow.Vintagebulbshungdownfromtheceiling,amberandgoldandsilver,papermobiles
turningaroundthemtocastshapesandshadowsontothewallsandoriginalflooring.Theplacesmelledlikecoffeeanddust
andleather.

Hannahturnedtohimwithwideeyes.Shetookoffherhat,lettinglooseatumbleofdirty-blondhair,herfaceawashinjewel-toned
lighting,dryinguphismouth.

Cute.
Friend.
Foxrepeatedthosewordsthreetimeseach,buthestoppedthinkingaltogetherwhenshetooktwostepsandwrappedherarms
aroundhisneck.Hugginghim.Snugglingherdipsandpeaksrightupagainsthismusclesandsqueezingtight.

“Thankyouforbringingmehere.”
Herbreathwaswarm,herchinproppedinthatspotwherehisneckandshouldermet,andJesus,itfeltnice.Toonice.Way
toonice.Butthatdidn’tstophimfromleaningdownslightlytocompensatefortheirheightdifferenceandpullhercloser
tohischest.

Hannahshiftedslowly,turningherhead…andtheireyesmet.
“FadeIntoYou”playedlowandentrancingfromthespeakers.Nothingaboutthiswasexpectedorremotelyresembledreallife.
Notforhim.Hedidn’thavemomentslikethis.Notwithanyone.Butthis…girl.Thisoff-limitsgirl.

Shewasmakinghimneedtokissher.Howwasshedoingit?
Alreadymentallycallinghimselfamoron,Foxloweredhishead—andhisphonevibratedinthefrontpocketofhisjeans.This
time,hedidn’tpullitout,butHannahsteppedback,visiblyshakingherselffreeofthemoment,becauseitseemedtohover
unspokenbetweenthemthatawomanwascalling.Mostlikelyitwas.Nosugar-coatingit.Fox’shandsdidn’tseemcapableof
doinganythingbutdroppingheavilytohissides.

“I’mgoingtobrowse,”Hannahsaid,hiddenbeneathherhatoncemore,alreadyturningforthefirstaisle.“Ifyouwantto
takeyourcall.”

“Yeah,thanks.I’lljust…beoutside.”
ButwhenFoxleftthestore,heletthecallgotovoicemailandwatchedHannahmoonoverrecordsthroughthewindowinstead.
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