“We did pretty well not talking last night,” said Ben. “Maybe we could continue that conversation?”

Hudson pretended to consider the question, taking several sips of coffee before replying. “I think I can do that,” he said.

Ben reached out and took his hand. “Thank you,” he said.

Hudson laced his fingers between Ben’s. “You know,” he said, “if it wasn’t for Caddie, this probably never would have happened.”

Ben sighed. “I hope I’m doing the right thing with her,” he said. “I just don’t know.”

“What’s this Monastery she’s talking about?” Hudson asked him.

“A dive site,” Ben explained. “You pass it when you drive to Pt. Lobos. There’s a Carmelite monastery on the other side of the road.”

“And is it really dangerous?”

“It’s hard to get in and out of the water there,” Ben explained. “Also, the waves are deceptive. Every year one or two people die there because they don’t take it seriously enough.”

“Then why dive there?” Hudson asked.

“Ah,” Ben said. “Because it’s one of the most beautiful dives anywhere in the world.” A note of excitement entered his voice as he talked. “Monastery is where the Monterey Canyon comes closest to shore,” he said. “You can dive right to the edge of it. You could dive into it if you were foolish enough. You see things there you don’t see anywhere else in Monterey. Anywhere else anywhere, really. It’s spectacular.”

“I’d love to see it,” Hudson told him.

“Come with us,” Ben suggested.

Hudson shook his head. “Remember the part about it not being a good idea for new divers?” he said. “Besides, things will be tense enough as it is.”

“Good point,” Ben said. “Well, we’ll go one of these days.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Hudson said as he stood up. “And now I’m going to go home, take a shower, and ...” He stopped. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” he concluded.

“Dinner tonight?” Ben asked.

“You’re on,” said Hudson. He rinsed his coffee mug in the sink, then came over and gave Ben a kiss. “Have fun with your future son-in-law.”

Ben glared at him and Hudson hurried out. As Ben heard the door close he suddenly felt very much alone. Some of the old fears began creeping out from under doorways and scuttling out of corners where they’d been hiding, as if Hudson had been a talisman keeping them at bay. Now, without him, Ben was vulnerable.

He got up and started to wash the dishes, hoping it would help distract him. When it didn’t, he turned his thoughts to the upcoming dive with Caddie and Brian. He hadn’t dived Monastery in a while. He tried to recall what he’d seen on his last visit to the site, and what they might see today.