“Me, either, but we both have proof. Even better, tomorrow not only is Cooper having lunch with his dad, but I’m wearing a bathing suit at the beach. A total score. Two more items checked off my list.” Ellen sighed happily. “I think I’m going to get a massage and a facial when you take me to Salish Lodge.”

Unity stood up, then sat down. “I’m so impressed,” she admitted. “Ellen, you’re doing it.”

“I am. It’s really not that hard. I’ll admit your skydiving totally inspired me. I can’t believe you did that.”

“It was fun. I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved it. I’m thinking of trying the real thing one day.”

“You know that makes me question your sanity.”

Unity laughed. “Go ahead. You won’t be the first person.” She shifted the phone to the other ear. “Is Coop noticing?”

“I think so. He was incredibly shocked about the tattoo, so that was kind of fun. He’s also having second thoughts about spending time with his dad. I know it makes me small, but I’m glad about that. Still, I told him to go, even though I know Jeremy’s going to be totally cool and chances are good my feelings will be crushed by the whole thing.”

“But you’re doing what’s right.”

“Yes, and it sucks. So what about you? There’s a guy? How did that happen?”

“Not a guy, exactly.”

“A hermaphrodite?”

Unity laughed. “No. He’s the one I met when it went so badly. He asked me out and I suggested skydiving.”

“That must have made him think twice about calling.”

“Maybe, but he was up for it.”

“Did you like him?”

“I don’t know what that means. I was more comfortable around him this time. We talked and I managed full sentences.” Unity swiveled on the chair in her home office. “He said he wants to go out again. Like a date.”

“And?”

“And I don’t want to date. Why would I want a man in my life?”

“For the sex? And don’t tell me you don’t want to have sex. You and Stuart were like rabbits. I was always jealous of that.”

“But that was with Stuart. I don’t know how to be with anyone else.”

“I don’t know how to be with anyone at all. Sell it somewhere else, sister.”

Unity smiled. “You’ll figure it out.”

“So will you. Unity, the guy sounds nice. He comes with references and he’s interested. Maybe you should just go with it for a little while. Deal with emotions as they come up, because at some point you really do have to move on. Believe me, I’m living the lesson right now. Ever since you moved back we’ve been enabling each other to stick with what was safe. I like that we’re pushing each other to stretch a little.”

“That sounds really mature,” Unity said, hoping her voice sounded teasing instead of scared.

“Good. I was going for mature. Try the dating thing. It will be good for you.”