Grant’s jaw tightened with tension. “Haven’t for a long, long time.” He uttered a sharp laugh. “First time I’ve said that out loud.” Shaking his head, he said, “I’ve spent the last three years spinning my wheels. I kept thinking if I gave it one more year, I could turn things around, but it went from bad to worse. Now my career has gone to shit, and I’ve managed to lose Abby, too.”

“Wow, sorry, man. I had no idea about the career. I figured you were flying high after the Oscar win.”

“That’s what I wanted everyone to think. It’s a heck of a thing to win the big award and feel like such a loser afterward.”

“I certainly know nothing about writing screenplays or writing anything, for that matter, but I can’t help but think a break from it all might be just what you need. Put it aside for a while, help out at the marina, chill with us, enjoy your sister’s wedding. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, and maybe things will begin to click again.”

“That’s not bad advice,” Grant said with the wry grin the high school girls had gone wild over.

“Glad to be of service. You know how it is out here—slow, quiet, peaceful. A few weeks of that and you’ll be a new man.”

“Or I’ll be going out of my freaking mind.”

“Mac thought the same thing, and look at him now.”

Grant laughed. “As domesticated as it gets.”

“Exactly.”

“Thanks for listening to me bitch. It’s good to be back with my real friends again.”

“It’s good to have you.” Luke heard the front door open, and damned if his heart didn’t do a happy dance in his chest.

Sydney came into the kitchen carrying Thomas. Her cheeks were red from the warm summer day, and her eyes were bright and animated. She was so beautiful she took his breath away.

“Oh, hi, Grant,” she said. “I wondered whose truck that was.”

“Hi, Syd.” Grant reached for his nephew, and Sydney handed him over. “Hey, pal. What’ve you been up to?”

Thomas hugged his uncle. “I saw Buddy, and he has a funny hat on.”

“My dog,” Sydney said for Grant’s benefit. “Cone of shame so he won’t pull out his stitches.”

“Ouch,” Luke said, wincing. “He must love that.”

“He’s still kind of out of it, but in a day or two, he’ll be furious about it.”

Thomas squiggled out of Grant’s embrace and scooted over to check out Luke’s crutches.

“I’m going to split so you guys can eat,” Grant said.

“You’re welcome to stay,” Luke said. “I made plenty.”