Next came ice and sparkling water. Then she topped each glass with a sprig of mint and slid in a straw.

She passed both glasses to Nir, who held them as she stood, brushed sand off her knees, and took her seat. He passed one glass to her and said, “L’Chaim.”

They clinked their glasses, and he drank deeply of the classic Israeli soda. It was perfect for a hot day. A breeze came up off the water and passed over his face. Life couldn’t get much better than this, he thought. He reached out and took Nicole’s hand, then closing his eyes, he soaked in the moment.

He woke as the glass slipped from his hand. It landed softly, its contents pouring into the sand.

“Oh, Nicole, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what happened.”

She smiled, but he saw concern in her eyes. She passed her glass to him. “It’s okay. It’s a little sweet for me anyway. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. Just dozed. Between the sun and the breeze, it was just too nice.”

“Good. Now, how are you really doing?”

Nir looked at that half-smile he loved. There was wisdom, affection, and strength behind it. It was also her Be honest with me look.

“Physically, I’m getting better. I still can’t believe it was two days before I woke up in Ichilov. Once I did, I had to get out of there—away from being hooked to all those wires and hoses. I hated that. Well, you saw me. Then they had me so drugged up. I was hearing voices and seeing shadows. I didn’t like what those pain pills were doing to my mind.”

“You were really out of it.”

“I remember bits and pieces of the next couple of days, though. Like the ramsad coming by. One look at me, and I think his whole plan to rip me a new one for disobeying his order went out the window.”

“No, he knew you weren’t going to listen right from the beginning. I was sitting next to him when he told you not to go.”

Nir laughed. “I didn’t know that. Anyway, as soon as I could think clearly, I told them to get me off the drugs. Two days later I was released. I’m still pretty sore, but it’s survivable. And now I’m here with you enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Red Sea. And speaking of beautiful scenery, how is Alicia?”