Page 84 of See You at the Sunset

“I agreed to help Mimi because I had something worth fighting for. Something I cared enough to risk it all for. That’s you. And her. And Dennis. And the people at The Sunset. All of it.”

“That’s amazing, Henry. But I don’t want you to give up your whole life for this. I don’t even know if I’m staying here, to be honest. I still have to find a job and—”

“You have a job. If you want it, that is. When Mimi came and asked me for help at first, it wasn’t about your parents and Matthew. It was about working with the board at Sunset Hills to secure a new community manager position. One that will oversee the property and the residents. One that they want to offer to you,” he explained.

“What? Are you serious?” Jia couldn’t believe it. It had become her dream job, something she’d secretly hoped could form in reality. One she was going to suggest to them once she got up the nerve to do so. She wanted to stay at The Sunset and continue to help the residents, and she hoped that there could be a way to make it her life’s career, her calling.

“Yup. I have the offer letter with me in the car. It’s a small but livable salary. And there’s housing included. So you still get to be the youngest resident of Sunset Hills. A badge of honor you relish, I know.” He laughed. And she laughed with him.

She couldn’t believe it. She could stay.

She’d have to deal with her parents and the aftermath of theday. And she’d have to tie up all the loose ends back in New York. But she could stay.

“Henry,” she squealed, “I can stay!” She jumped at him and wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing him into a hug. His arms embraced her back and held her tight. Jia pulled back, brimming with energy. “I have so many ideas about how to better everyone’s quality of life here. Not just fun events. But I was thinking about how we could incorporate things like health screenings and palliative care when it becomes necessary. And after today, I’m certain that some of the residents could use legal advice and counsel to know their rights as elders. And maybe even, I don’t know, have a small vintage clothing and wares shop on the grounds that could be open to the public and help make some extra cash for the residents.” She still couldn’t believe she was being offered a job and could get paid to do it all.

She let out a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I’m so happy.”

“I’m happy for you,” Henry said. Jia opened her eyes to find him looking at her, a wide smile on his face.

“And you? What’s next for you?”

He placed his hands on her hips and touched his forehead to hers. “Well, I’m going to stick around here for a while. I figured, if you can find yourself at Sunset Hills, maybe I can get a little of that magic and find myself too.”

“There are so many people that could use your guidance and expertise,” Jia added. “Lots of chances to pull that hero shit you’ve been doing so well lately,” she teased. “Trading in your bespoke suit for a cape.”

“I draw the line at wearing tights, though,” he said.

“We’ll see,” she said. “Bet I could convince you to wear some superhero tights.”

“You are so very convincing,” he said.

He leaned down and whispered against her lips, “Secret is I’d do anything for you.” And he kissed her.

It was warm and tasted slightly salty, and she wanted to crawl into his mouth and just let his tongue do its magic. God, she loved this man. “I love you.” She decided to be brave and say it aloud.

“Love you too, sweet Jia.” He kissed her again. “Gorgeous Jia” and again. “Vibrant Jia” and again.

This man was very good with words.

Jia noticed the sky had started its show, pink when they arrived, darkening into the hues of orange now.

“It’s sunset,” she said, turning in Henry’s arms to face the horizon.

He wrapped himself around her from behind, bending to rest his chin on her shoulder. “Best time of the day. Living in New York, I never even thought about sunset. It was just day and then suddenly night. How had I missed the magic of the transition, the in-between time?”

“It’s different out here in the desert. I never noticed it in New York either. But here? I try to never miss it.”

“Let’s try to catch it as often as we can together,” Henry said.

It was the most romantic proposition she’d ever received.

“Absolutely,” Jia said back.

“Whenever we can, I’ll see you at the sunset.”

It was a promise. Between two people in love.

And it was everything Jia had ever dreamed of and more.