Page 22

Mackenzie

The next day, midmorning, we stand on the sidelines at Golden Gate Park, watching Levi play soccer. The grass is wet with dew, and the fog is thick. Dad flew in early this morning and is on one side of me, his hands deep in the pockets of his fancy coat, eyes fixed on the game. Theo is on the other. Levi runs across the field like lightning, full of energy that cuts through the cold air.

I look over at Dad again, and I still can hardly believe it. Just like he promised last night, he showed up. And when he arrived this morning, he shared big news. He’s planning to stay at the Four Seasons for a few months so he can be closer, and he and his wife Birdie are legally separated.

“ I’ll fly back and forth for work ,” he told us, like that was a normal thing to do.

“ Isn’t that a bit much ?” I asked.

But Levi lit up. He was so excited that Dad would be at his soccer game this morning, it made all the worries fade.

“Go, Levi!” Dad yells. Theo and I cheer too. Our voices rise together.

“Look at him go,” Dad says, his voice full of pride. “I had no idea my son was a soccer star.”

And when Levi kicks the ball into the goal, Dad cheers louder than anyone else.

“Way to go, Levi!” I shout, clapping so hard my hands sting.

“That’s it!” Theo yells.

For a moment, I forget all about Dad’s crazy life and the flying thirty-five minutes from San Francisco to Burbank he’s going to do each day. Right now, we’re just family, happy and cheering in a moment that feels simple and perfect.

A few minutes later, the referee blows the final whistle and the game is over. The crowd cheers loudly, and I spot Levi in the middle of a group of teammates, getting high-fives and pats on the back. His smile is so big, it stretches his whole face. I feel so proud I could burst.

“Look at that,” Dad says, giving me a gentle nudge with his elbow. He’s smiling too. “The kid’s got some real talent.”

I nod, about to say something when my phone buzzes.

Tabatha: Coffee after the game? We can meet at the farmers market?

Me: I think I can make that work. See you soon. Dad and Levi are spending the day together.

Eventually Levi breaks away from the group and looks around until he sees us. He runs over, out of breath and full of excitement.

“Did you see that?” Levi says, breathing hard. “I did what you said about footwork, and it worked!”

Theo grins and gives Levi a double high five. “Told you, kid. Keep your feet moving, and they won’t know what you’re gonna do.”

Dad puts a hand on Levi’s shoulder. “How about lunch to celebrate? My treat.”

“Burgers?” Levi asks.

“Anything you want, champ.” Dad wraps his arm around Levi’s shoulders.

While the boys talk about lunch, Theo leans close. “You okay if I go to that golf game with Austin, Mason, and Rhys?” he asks, a little crease between his eyebrows that shows he’s checking in on me.

“Of course,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Go have fun. I’m going to catch up with Tabatha”

“Hey, I just wanted to make sure.” Theo laughs, glancing at his watch.

“Go,” I say again, waving him off with a smile. It’s nice that he’s concerned.

One by one, everyone heads out—Theo to his golf game, Dad and Levi to get lunch. Soon, I’m standing alone in the park. The fog starts to lift, and everything feels calm and quiet. As I walk back toward the parking lot, Scott appears. He walks me the rest of the way to the car and drives me to the farmers market.

Once I’ve arrived, I put my hands in my pockets and take my time, browsing as I go. All the while, though I’m heading toward a warm drink and the comfort of my best friend.

I spot Tabatha sitting on a metal chair, holding two cups. Steam curls up from them, rising like tiny clouds.

“Hey!” she says with a big smile, standing up to hug me tight.

“Tabatha,” I sigh, my voice soft against her scarf. “I really needed this.”

She smiles and sits back down. “I got your favorite,” she says, sliding one cup toward me.

“You’re the best,” I say, wrapping my hands around the warm cup. The heat feels so nice on my cold fingers. It’s early June, but the weather is like winter with all the fog.

“So…” She leans in, eyes twinkling. “Guess what? There’s this guy…”

I grin. “Oh, this should be interesting.”

“He’s taking me to Napa next weekend,” Tabatha says, biting her lip. She’s trying to act cool, but I’m not fooled. She’s so excited she can hardly sit still. Good for her.

I raise an eyebrow. “Fancy.”

“Right?” she laughs, shaking her head. “But here’s the deal. If I need an escape plan, will you come get me?”

“Of course, but do you think you’ll need one? This guy sounds…different.”

Her face softens. “I think so too. It’s just…easy, you know? No drama, no guessing.”

“I’m sure that makes you nervous, but easy can be good, Tabatha.” I take a sip of my drink. “Maybe it’s time for something calm and steady.”

She nods, but I catch a flicker of doubt in her eyes. I can see how things being too smooth could feel strange after so many ups and downs.

Then she changes the subject, eyes narrowing. “Okay, enough about me. What about you? And Theo?”

I take a breath. “Actually…Theo and I have taken a step forward. We seem to be more than coworkers and friends at this point.”

Her eyes go wide, but not with shock. She looks excited, like she’s been waiting for this news. “So that kiss wasn’t a one-time thing, eh?”

I shake my head, a little nervous.

A big smile spreads across her face. “That’s amazing! I like him for you.”

Relief floods through me. “You do?”

“Of course!” she says. “Theo’s awesome. And let’s be honest. This has been coming for, what, years? Just because it didn’t work out before…” She waves her hand. “Circumstances are different now. I’m surprised it took you this long.”

I laugh and shake my head. “I was scared you’d think I was making a mistake.”

Tabatha tilts her head, pretending to be shocked. “Excuse me? Do I look like the kind of friend who judges your love life?”

“Well…” I say slowly, teasing.

She gasps and swats my arm. “Shut up. I’m your number one fan, and you know it.”

And she is. Tabatha always sees the best in people, even when I can’t see it in myself. Sitting across from her, with warm coffee and easy conversation, my worries feel a little lighter.

“Thank you,” I say.

We tap our cups together in a quiet toast—to new beginnings, to old friendships, and to the kind of support that makes hard days feel less scary.

Once we’ve finished, we wander through the farmers market, the cold air filled with the smells of fresh fruit, hot coffee, and warm pastries. I fill her in quickly about Ellie’s appearance last night and give her the latest news about my dad. She takes it all in, nodding as people laugh and chat around us.

“That’s a lot, Kenz, but if anyone can manage it, you can. Sounds like you already have a firm handle on things.”

I open my mouth to protest, but then I have to admit she’s right. I feel surprisingly on top of things.

I actually feel a little guilty when I spot Scott walking at a polite distance behind us. He’s a quiet shadow following me, even through something as simple as a morning walk. Do I really need protection? I’m a nobody. We still don’t have answers about Justin, but I can’t imagine I have any role to play in this. Or maybe I underestimate how complicated my life has become.

I glance back again and see that Scott has stopped to talk to two guys near the flower stand. Then I spot two familiar faces.

Caroline Sullivan and Emerson Healy are perusing the blossoms, laughing together. When Caroline sees me, she waves.

“Hey!” she says, walking over with a big smile.

“Caroline!” I hug her. “This is Tabatha, my best friend.”

Tabatha shakes her hand, smiling brightly. “Nice to meet you.”

“And I’m Emerson, her best friend,” Emerson says with a friendly nod toward Caroline.

“You should come watch the baseball game at our place tomorrow!” Caroline says after we chat for a moment. “Theo’s going to be there.”

A little shiver runs through me—part excitement, part nerves. “I’m not sure yet,” I say, thinking about Dad and his promise to be around. Will he actually keep it this time? Will I need to entertain him? And Theo hasn’t mentioned it. I don’t want to infringe.

“Oh, and bring Levi along!” Caroline adds. “We’re doing a taco bar. Even if your team loses, at least there’s good food!”

I laugh. “My dad’s in town. I’ll check with him and see if I have any responsibilities there,” I tell her. “But tacos are pretty tempting.”

“Great! You can bring him along too. Let me know,” Caroline says. “It was so nice to run into you.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze before she and Emerson walk off.

Tabatha watches them go, then leans closer. “Sounds like fun. And Theo’s going to be there too…”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t start.”

She just laughs as we walk past more market stalls.

But the idea sticks in my mind. A simple afternoon—baseball, food, and friends—feels just about perfect. And then there’s Dad. Would he be interested? Will he show up? Or will I have to get ready to be let down again?

For now, I try to let those thoughts go. Right now, the world is full of color, warmth, and the sweet smell of apples and fresh bread.

I pick up a bunch of bright orange carrots, and soon their leafy, green tops are spilling out of my bag. The farmers market is still busy all around us, but I think we’ve finally made it through the whole thing. It’s time to get on with my day. I give Tabatha one last hug. “We should get mani-pedis this week over lunch,” I suggest, giving her a wink.

She smiles. “Let’s plan on it. And I need a bikini wax before I go to Napa. I’ll see you on Monday at the office.” She squeezes my hand before disappearing into the crowd.

Scott drives me home, and back at the condo, it’s warm inside, way better than my chilly morning outside. I drop my bag on the kitchen counter and shake off the cold. Then my phone buzzes with an email—from Crystal.

Seeing her name makes my heart jump. Now? This is when she chooses to respond? I open the message.

Hi, Mackenzie,

Thank you for reaching out. I’ve read your message more times than I can count, and I want to believe you when you say it’s safe to come back. But I just can’t.

Justin was my whole world. He was my best friend, my partner—everything. Now he’s gone, and no one really knows why. All that’s left is a memory, a case file, and a funeral I won’t attend. I can’t.

I’m scared, Mackenzie. Truly scared. The police think I’m behind all of this. I’ve hired a private investigator because I see it in every question they ask, every look they give me. They’re not serious about anyone but me. And if I come back, I don’t know what will happen. I don’t know who I can trust anymore.

Please understand, this isn’t about you. I just don’t feel safe in San Francisco.

Not yet. Maybe not ever.

I wish things were different.

Thank you for your care and support,

Crystal

I press my fingers to my forehead. Her not being at the funeral will leave a hole nothing can fill. And nothing about this makes sense. The facts don’t fit. She seems terribly paranoid. Why wouldn’t she come back for the funeral? Why won’t she fight to clear her name? Staying away makes her seem more guilty.

I stare at the email. What do you say to someone who’s lost everything and might be blamed for something awful? I don’t know. But I start typing anyway.

Hi, Crystal,

My heart is breaking for you. I can’t imagine the pain you’re carrying, losing Justin like this, with so many questions and no peace. I wish I could take even a little of that weight off your shoulders.

I hate that you don’t feel like you can come back for the funeral. You loved him with everything you had. And now, you’re grieving in silence, far from the people who care about you.

I just want you to know—you’re not alone. Not now, not ever. Even if you’re miles away, I’m still here. I’m still on your side, and so are the guys.

You once told me that when the world falls apart, you find out who really stands with you. Well, I’m standing with you. I’ll always show up for you and for everyone who matters.

I hope you’ll feel ready to be back with us soon.

With love,

Mackenzie

I send the email and then pull it from my sent box to reread it. I stare for another long moment before a familiar instinct kicks in. When in doubt, share the weight. My cursor hovers over the forward button before I make the decision, typing in their names one by one. Austin. Rhys. Theo. Mason. A small pang of guilt prickles at me. Does forwarding this feel like a betrayal? But this isn’t just my burden to carry. Jim should see it too. I add his name as well.

Thought you should see this.

There’s nothing else to say. I hit send.

Then I switch over to my text messages. Theo’s last message—letting me know he made it to the golf course—still sits unread at the bottom of our thread.

Me: Sent you an email. Crystal won’t make it back for the funeral. I’m back at your place.

There. That’s all I can do for now.

I slip my phone into my pocket and take a deep breath.

Ellie’s spiral into rehab. Dad’s sudden, erratic attempts to play the role of father. Crystal’s self-imposed exile. It’s a miracle I’m even functioning, yet somehow, there’s a smile on my face.

I square my shoulders and contemplate what’s next for me today, forcing myself into the comfort of routine.