Page 103 of Last Night Was Fun

“Come on,” her mom said, and waved her arm. “Why don’t you help me in the garden; it always helps clear my mind.”

Emmy decided to take her up on the offer. The morning was already ripening into a warm day. She borrowed one of her mom’s giant hats, slathered herself in sunscreen, and put on a pair of gloves. By the time they broke for a late lunch, Emmy was damp with sweat and covered in dirt. But her mind was much clearer. The simplicity of digging and pruning and working the soil under her mother’s instruction helped untangle the thoughts in her head. She could see clearly, and she knew what she wanted.

She wandered over to the patio table to stand in the shade of the umbrella and gulp a bottle of water. Her phone had a new message from Axe Murderer waiting for her.

Ready to talk?

He’d sent it a while ago, but she immediately wrote him back.

Yes, and we should do it in person. I need to head home and shower first. I’m covered in dirt.

I am intrigued.

Don’t be. I was gardening with my mom.

Ah. Tell Frank and Vera hi for me.

I will. What have you been doing?

Believe it or not, I’ve been with my parents too.

Oh?

Yes. Turns out they are in fact proud of me and don’t blame me for blowing my shot all those years ago.

Of course they are, and of course they don’t.

It was nice to hear them say it. I came over to talk to them about our situation, and a lot of things that needed to be said came up.

Her heart swelled with warmth.

I’m happy to hear that.

So, where are we meeting?

Emmy mulled her response. She was eager too, but also nervous. She knew enough about texting now to know things said through screens weren’t always the same as in person. Even if it seemed like they were on the same page, she needed to see him to know where they stood.

Beach?

Perfect. Which one?

Sunset?

Are you asking me to meet you at sunset or at Sunset beach?

How about both?

This is very dramatic, Bird Girl.

You’re the Axe Murderer. I thought you’d love a dramatic moment.

Fair. Okay. I’ll see you there.

See you.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park stretched across the western bend of Point Loma. On a weekend in summer, it was a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. It was also less beach and more rugged coastline with rocky cliffs dropping straight into the water, but, as the name implied, offered a killer view of the sunset.

Emmy parked and walked out along the dirt path, looking for Gabe. The sun had started its final descent, melting the horizon into a hazy orange bar between blue sky and even bluer water. Waves rolled to shore and crashed off the rocks, sending a dramatic spray up every so often. The wind cut through her thin hoodie and whipped her hair around. The raw nature of it all was at once refreshing and humbling.