“That’s because you don’t go to gay bars,” said Alvie.

“If you think a random Thursday night is fun, come back on the Fourth. Now, that’s a party.”

The sun began to set, and the music shifted into a mellower, 1970s R&B vibe. Sanjay noticed the quickly changing light, and his eyes became very focused. “I want to get some shots from the beach.”

Gemma, breathless and with her tank top clinging to her sweat-soaked skin, said, “I need a break. I’ll walk you down to the water.”

The sky turned violet edged with gold. The breeze off the water gave her a chill in her damp shirt, and her slides filled with sand. She barely noticed.

“I guess what they say about the light here is true,” she said.

Sanjay adjusted his camera lens, focusing on the horizon. “One of the few places that lives up to its reputation,” he said, lowering the camera after getting his shot.

“I’m glad it was worth your while to make the trip then,” she said. He took a few more photos before the sun disappeared. Sanjay recapped his lens and put his camera back in his bag. “All done?”

“Almost. I want to head over to the Pilgrim Monument. I tried to get some good shots of it last night but it was cloudy. Now the sky’s clear. If I’m able to get the moon in the frame, it will be amazing.”

Gemma looked up at the three-quarter moon and shivered. Sanjay unzipped his bag and pulled out a thin cotton blanket, draping it over her shoulders.

“You carry this with you?”

“In case I ever need to lay on the street for a shot,” he said. She pulled it tighter, arranging it around her body like a wrap. The fabric smelled earthy and familiar—it smelled like Sanjay. Her longing for him broke through her alcohol fog, hitting her like a physical blow. She abruptly sat down on the sand, leaning forward to brush the shells out from underneath herself.

“You okay?” he said.

“Yeah. I just need a minute.”

Sanjay sat next to her, keeping his camera bag on his lap. “So . . . what really happened today with the interview?”

Had that just been earlier that day? She sighed. Her complicated feelings about the interview were hard to put into words. But if anyone would understand, it was him.

“The reporter started asking me about the Pavlins. She’d done her research. I was prepared for that, but it still felt weird to talk about it.”

“Well, you probably should get used to it. Your family background is something you can’t avoid if you’re going to become really big. And I believe you will, Gemma.”