Page 31 of Reel Love

“I do.” I grab a soda and bring it up to Ben. “Sorry. I … nah. I’m not sorry.” I laugh again.

“You’ve got a dark side, bro. I never knew. You actually enjoyed making me squirm like that.”

“I did. I’ll admit it.”

Ben chuckles and opens his can. “Look, I know I teased you about Alana, but I don’t want you to miss out on meeting her just because I was being … well, me. Summer’s serious. If you want to meet Alana, we’ll invite her over to a barbecue or something. Just say the word.” He pauses. “But you can’t talk about that stink eel with Alana—at all.”

“Slime eel.”

“Whatever. That gigantic sea worm is not up for discussion. Talk about … normal things. Her movies. Your … nah. Just her movies, I think we’re safe there.”

“I appreciate the offer, and you coming out here. I really do. I think I’m good, though.”

“She’s really not that intimidating. Just keep it in mind.”

She is one hundred percent that intimidating. At least, she was at first. On the boat ride home I managed to keep things quiet and chill so she could unwind. She looked like whatever happenedin LA took the wind out of her sails, so I just put the boat in motion and did the job I was hired to do.

“I will keep it in mind. Thanks. Want to take the boat out for a bit?”

“Nope. I’ve got to go. Summer gets really tired these days, so I’m cooking her dinner tonight. I’ve got to stop by the store to pick a few things up and then I’m going back for a few lessons before I cut out for the day.”

“You’re a good man, Ben.”

“I’d say the same about you … but, then there’s the whole showing your friends inappropriate underwater pics …” He laughs.

Ben hangs around a little longer. I don’t taunt him with photos of creatures who live on the ocean floor. Instead, I ask how he feels about becoming a dad and he gushes. I know I’m smiling the whole time. He’s going to be a fun father, for sure. His heart’s all in for his family, as it should be.

My phone pings with a text.

“Just a second.” I hold my finger up to Ben while I check my cell.

Brigitte:Layna needs a last-minute ride over to LA this afternoon.

This afternoon? It’s already mid-morning.

Stevens:When does she need to leave?

Brigitte:As soon as you can be ready.

Stevens:Give me an hour to clean up and meet her at the dock.

Brigitte:Done. And, thanks! (and, just a reminder to delete this conversation now).

Stevens:Gotcha. Doing that.

I hit send and then erase the message thread.

“Who was that?” Ben asks.

“Uh … Oh. Work.”

“You leaving us again for a few days?”

“No. Nah. Just gotta run over to Ventura for a thing. And then I’ll be back tonight.”

“A thing, huh? Don’t you sound all mysterious.”

“Uh. Yeah. I guess. Well, I better run. Thanks for coming by.”

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