Chapter 108

The valet brings his Porsche, and by the time we pull onto Pacific Coast Highway, I think I know our destination. My suspicions are confirmed when he turns right and climbs the gorge to the Palisades. A few minutes later, he parks in front of an impressive double lot with sea views. The lot is his. He bought it years ago, and it’s still unbuilt. But I know he’s been thinking about the house he wants to build here almost since he bought the land.

He hasn’t said why he wants to come tonight, but I can imagine. He had plans to build a house here. For him. For his daughter.

And now he’s come to say goodbye.

Even if I fear that’s the harsh truth, it tears me apart to hear him say it.

I grab his hand before he can get out of the car.

“Don’t,” I say.

“What?”

“Don’t start thinking you’re never going to build it.”

His smile is so tender it almost hurts.

“Come on.”

He gets out and I follow. He grabs a baggie from the trunk and starts