Chapter 687

April in Los Angeles was almost as close to perfection as the city got. Temperatures rarely strayed from the mid-70s. The hours of daylight started to stretch out, with sunset close to 7:30 p.m. You really started to feel the life of the city again. When Jess and I got to our house in the Hollywood Hills, shortly after landing around noon, we found Juliet and Melanie there.

"Surprise!" they said in unison when we walked in.

They warmly greeted us with hugs and tall glasses of Champagne. They had laid out a sumptuous charcuterie and cheese board. I held Juliet in my arms a little longer than necessary, and she felt comfortable and warm. Jess and Melanie dove into the board, talking and laughing. It was good to see them together. Melanie always provided a touch of grounding to Jess.

"You look fantastic," I told Juliet.

"I’ve been having a good time," she said. "Melanie is good for me."

"I can see that," I