Page 85 of Find Me in California

Matt stops in front of Julia’s house and claps a hand on a tree trunk. He bumps his shoe against an exposed root. “I have some things I need to take care of.”

“But you worked so hard for this.Weworked hard to get this assignment. You’re giving that up?”

His inner photographer shouts for him to rally and get on a plane. But he thinks of Adam. Hisgrandfather. The only man who showed him any kindness after his parents’ deaths.

“No, I’m not giving it up for us. You’re going on our behalf, and you’re going to kill it and get us invited back next year.”

Dave hesitates. “I—I don’t know.”

“I can’t get back yet. There’s someone here I need to see. You got this, just like you did with my photos from the shoot. I have total confidence in you.”

“All right. I’ll do it. But only because I don’t want to lose Ford as a client. Don’t blame me if I screw it up.”

“You won’t.”

“Ugh, whatever. Promise you’ll deal with what’s going on with you. I’m worried about you.”

“Promise.” Matt thinks of Elizabeth’s letter in his pocket. He might as well read it before he goes to bed tonight.

“You need anything, I’m here for you. Say the word, and I’ll ditch the race and fly home.”

“Will do.” Matt hasn’t had a family for decades, but he won the lottery when it came to best friends. “Thanks, Dave.”

Matt returns to the house as Julia comes out of the kitchen carrying two plates. She sets them across from each other at a small dining table with two place settings. “Dinner’s ready.”

He doesn’t have much of an appetite anymore but takes a seat.

“Everything okay with your friend?” Julia asks as they dig into their meals.

“He’s going to cover for me at Le Mans.”

Julia’s fork pauses midway to her mouth. “You aren’t going? I thought working that race was your dream.”

“It was. It is,” he corrects. His mouth quirks. “Next year.”

“What’s keeping you from going?”

Family. You.

Those are his immediate thoughts. Then:I don’t want to be alone.He thinks of his house in New Mexico. He always considered his domain the perfect bachelor pad. Now when he thinks of home, he feels empty and lonely.

He’ll never open himself to love. He’s too damaged for that. But he’s been alone for longer than he cares to admit. He’s been without a family. Solitude has served him well over the years, but now the thought of going home to an empty house makes him miserable.

“Since Elizabeth had no one else, I should see about finalizing her affairs before I go. I’m also going to visit Adam. Try to, anyway.”

“Really?” Her eyebrows rise in surprise. “Aren’t you nervous?”

“Very.” But not necessarily about Adam. It’s his family he’s worried about. Will his daughter let Matt see him?

“You’re lucky you still have family.”

“Well, they aren’t family yet. I don’t know how they’ll feel about me, knowing who I am.”

“Either way, I’m happy for you.” Julia fidgets with her fork, looking down at her plate.

Matt frowns. She doesn’t seem happy for him. “Did I say something wrong?”

Her head snaps up. “No, not at all.”

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