Halfway through her game, Ester came on the intercom and told her boss she was leaving and to have a fun time shopping, and then there was a knock at her door. She closed the application, pulled up a random file, and acted as if she were knee deep in reading. “Come in.”
She hadn’t bothered to look to see who walked in, figuring it was Donna or someone who needed something from her. Out of her peripheral, she saw something move and turned her head slightly to catch a glimpse. What she saw had her moving her chair around so she could face forward. Someone stood at the front of her desk with a large bouquet of roses.
“You can set those down,” she said as she stood up to reach for the small white card that contrasted with evergreen and lush red of the partially opened rosebuds.
The person holding the vase lowered it, and as he did, Renee’s eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open. “Theo,” she said breathlessly. He barely had time to set the flowers down before she was in his arms. His hand rested softly on her lower back, and his other went around her shoulders. Theo brought Renee into his embrace and tilted his head as her hands encased his neck. They looked at each other, both smiling before closing the gap. The kiss started off soft. A small brush of the lips until Theo pulled her forcefully against him and let out a slight growl. Her breath left her body in a quick gasp, and then his tongue plunged into her mouth. Once their lips parted from each other’s, she cupped his face with her hands and tried to slow her breathing. “I thought you couldn’t make it to Thanksgiving.”
“I can’t,” he said, and her exuberant demeanor changed instantly. He touched her chin lightly and said, “I changed my flight plans so I could have a brief layover. I only have a few minutes before I have to be back to the airport.”
“You didn’t have to do that, but I really appreciate it.”
“I wanted to see you before I flew to Japan. I wish I didn’t have to go.”
“Me too,” she said as she took him by his hand and led him to the couch in her office. She fixed him a drink and then took the spot next to him. She kicked off her heels and brought her legs up onto the sofa.
“Do you want me to massage your feet?” he asked her.
“No, I want to lean my head on your shoulder and absorb as much of you as I can.”
“Me too, sweetheart.” Theo patted her knee three times and then rested his hand there. He had quirks, much like anyone, and a few bothered her, such as the knee pat. It was always three. And he never wore jeans, shorts, or sweatpants. He always ordered for her, and it was often a meal for them to share. At first it really irritated her, and she figured if she gave him a list of foods she didn’t like, he would be mindful. Most of the time he was but was also insistent she try new things. She hated seafood, and he would often order it for them until she reminded him she wouldn’t eat, and no amount of persuasion would change her mind. But in the grand scheme of things, these were all minor annoyances when it came time for them to be together. His job kept him busy, and the distance between them often seemed greater than it was.
Thinking about his love for seafood made her laugh.
“What’s so funny, sweetheart?”
“You’re going to the land of sushi. You’ll be in heaven.”
Theo grinned. He had a great smile, and it was one attribute that attracted her. “But I will miss turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings.”
“Not to worry, my love,” she said as she brushed her fingers through his hair. “I’ll make you your own dinner when you come back.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
They stayed in this bubble until Theo had to catch a taxi back to the airport. He insisted Renee not come with him, telling her it was more reasonable since she had to travel north, and the airport was south. After he left, she went to her window and, once again, looked down at the miniature-size people bustling along the sidewalks. She could never pick him out but liked to think she could. She saw someone in the same cream-colored trench coat Theo wore and set her hand on the windowpane. “I’ll miss you,” she said aloud.
FOUR
The repeated sound of a foghorn finally woke Graham from a restless sleep. He lay in his bed, nestled under the weighted blanket his mother had given him for his birthday. When he unwrapped the heavy present, he was confused until she told him she thought it would help him sleep better at night. He wasn’t aware he was having trouble sleeping until he started using the genius invention, and now, most nights, Graham slept well, always waking up refreshed. Unless Grady was on his mind. Graham missed his brother. Their parents missed their son.
There were times when Graham thought everyone would be better off if Grady had died the night of the accident. Grady felt the same. The life he had known, the one he wanted, no longer existed, and no matter how hard he tried, he would never be the same.
Every year downtown Cape Harbor closed Third Street for the annual Austin Woods Memorial Celebration. The town would come together to memorialize not only Austin, but also other fishermen lost at sea, but it was Austin’s tragic death that spurred a couple members of the town to create the event in his honor. Vendors would line the street, selling their goods, and the stores would keep their doors open and their storefronts looking fresh, hoping to entice a tourist or two. The football field at the high school would become a carnival. There would be Jet Ski races in the bay, and a 5K race. Everyone in town loved the event, except those who suffered the most. Those people stayed away from downtown and only met on the beach for one night of drinking and reminiscing by the bonfire.
It had been five years since Austin and Grady had their fateful accident, and nothing had been the same since. Graham, Jason, Monroe, Bowie, and Mila sat quietly around the fire, a few feet from the Driftwood Inn. Every so often, Graham would look toward the massive windows and wonder what Carly Woods did while all her son’s friends were outside, near her home, but never had the courage to go knock on her door. His brother had survived, when her son had died. He often thought of what he would say to her or her to him. The last time they had spoken was at Austin’s funeral.
When Grady finally joined the group, he stood on the cusp and watched while everyone stared at him. They, too, had no idea what to say, especially on the anniversary of the accident. This particular year had been a milestone. Graham heard people around town saying, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s been five years.” He could. He lived with the aftermath every day. He saw the pain and anguish in his brother, as if those words were written on his face.
“Grady.” Monroe finally broke the silence among the friends. Graham watched as his brother looked everyone over and made the decision to head toward the shoreline. Monroe stood to follow, but Graham held his hand up.
“I’ll go.”
Graham left the bonfire and trudged through the sand until he caught up with Grady. They walked quietly, side by side, until they reached the surf. The brothers stood there, absorbing the peace and quiet.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“You can tell me anything, Grady.”
“Most of the time, I wish I had died on the boat that night.”
Graham let the words sink in. He couldn’t imagine his life without his twin. On the other hand, he hated what Grady’s drinking had done. Not only to himself, but to their family as well. Graham put his arm around his brother’s shoulder and pulled him closer. “Someday, I hope the demons go away, Grady. I miss my brother and my best friend.”