Chapter 4

Kris forgot to ask about the night before, and then remembered, five minutes from the brunch café, and couldn’t figure out how to fit in the question. Justin, already more alert and awake, was chattering about cake flavors and tastings, and Kris looked at all that giddy excitement and couldn’t divert it.

He’d ask later. He’d remember. He promised himself.2

Back at the hotel that evening, full of cake—Justin had, no surprise, liked the coffee-and-chocolate one the most, though they’d ended up with at least three flavors and were having a debate over adding a fourth tier to include the carrot version—and fabulous Mexican food and good wine, Kris kicked off shoes and caught Justin’s hand, tugging him close. Beyond them the open window framed a deep blue California night, dusted with a watchful audience of stars.