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“Are you hungry? Thirsty? Can I get you anything?”

“I’m absolutely fine, Nora. I can see why you would never cook a meal yourself with a chef like that.”

At my feet, one of the dogs heaves a big sigh. All three of them look as exhausted as I feel—exhausted but strangely happy.

“I’d offer you a shoulder rub but I can still hardly move my arms.” For dramatic effect, I pretend I can no longer lift my arms.

“You’ve given plenty today. I really can’t thank you enough.”

“You have thanked me enough,” I say.

“I’ve probably overstayed my welcome. I’ll get a car and let you rest now.”

“You don’t have to go. Stay as long as you like. I enjoy sitting here with you. You’re excellent company, Mimi, and that’s not a compliment I give lightly.” There’s something so calming, so soothing about being around her.

“I won’t take it lightly, then.” She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. Then we’re both startled by the loud and disturbing ring of a phone. “Sorry. That’s me.” Mimi shuffles through her bag. Her brow furrows as she looks at the screen.

“Feel free to take that,” I quickly say.

“I don’t think I will.” She rejects the call. “It’s my ex. The one who taught me a few massage tricks.” Her eyebrows knit together. “It was probably a misdial. We haven’t spoken in a long time.”

A few seconds later, her phone chimes again with an incoming message.

“Do you mind if I quickly listen to this? Otherwise, I’ll keep on wondering whether it was a mistake or not.”

“Be my guest.”

I try not to watch Mimi as she listens to the message from her ex. I’m curious enough to try and find out this person’s full name so I can google her and see what type of woman Mimi spent eight years of her life with. It’s hard to look away from the intriguing expressions on Mimi’s face.

“It was a drunk dial instead of a misdial.” Mimi puts her phone away. “Apparently, she and her partner broke up and she had to let me know.” Mimi huffs out some air. “I’m glad I didn’t pick up.” Worry tightens her features. “I’m a little concerned, though. Wondering if someone’s looking out for her.” She shakes it off. “Even though that stopped being my concern years ago, when she told me she no longer felt that spark.”

The phone rings again.

“It’s her again. What the—” Mimi stares at her phone, clearly in two minds whether to pick up or not. She has too much goodness, too much sheer kindness, in her heart to ignore it, even though the person calling her broke that very heart years ago. “I’m sorry, Nora. I need to take this.”

She takes her phone to the other side of the patio. She whispers when she speaks, and I can only make out a few words.

“I’m so sorry,” Mimi says as she walks back to where I’m sitting. “She’s in a really bad way. I’m going to, um, go meet her.”

“Of course. Yeah.”

“Thank you so much for a lovely day. Sorry to cut it short so abruptly.” She opens her arms. “Can I give you a hug?”

Please do.I nod and walk into her embrace. Her arms around me are tight, her skin soft against mine. As she pulls away, I realize that the last thing I want Mimi to do right now is leave—especially, and this might be the most irrational feeling of all, to go and save her ex from something.

CHAPTER20

MIMI

I find Cathy in some dive bar off Sunset Boulevard. The bartender looks pleased to see me, but not as much as my ex-partner who greets me as though we haven’t been completely estranged the past two years. Cathy has plenty of friends. Why she had to call me of all people—and ruin my evening with Nora—is a total mystery to me.

“Mimi, you came. I can’t believe it.”

I can’t quite believe it either, but here I am. Loving someone for as long as I loved Cathy will always leave me with a sense of responsibility toward them.

“What’s going on?” I settle on the stool next to her.

The bartender shoves two glasses of water our way.