“I appreciate that. No. Lucy’s awesome. We went out a few times, but on our last date it was clear to both of us that the romantic connection isn’t there. We don’t really have much in common. She’s a great girl, though.”

Andrea smiled. “I would agree with that. You’re not her usual type. And yes, I’d love to go to The Gaslight with you this weekend.”

Chapter 26

David went to his parents’ house for dinner Sunday night. They ordered his mother’s favorite pizza as she wasn’t cooking much these days and she’d never allowed her father in the kitchen, so his skills were minimal. But he had their favorite pizza place on speed dial. After they ate, David’s mother wanted to watch TV and he and his father went out to the front porch to sit for a bit. They each had a can of beer and sat in the two rockers that faced the street. In the far distance, there was a sliver of an ocean view.

It was nice to just sit outside and enjoy the cooler night air. His mother was having a good day, but she grew tired after she ate, and her eyes were probably already heavy as she watched TV. She didn’t have the energy to make conversation, so she’d suggested they go off and talk.

His father took a sip of beer and they were both quiet for a bit. Finally, his father spoke. “It’s been good having you home. I know you have to head back soon, though. When does your assignment end?”

“It’s been great being back. They actually just extended me a few more weeks. Alvin Whitley asked if I could stay on through the Taste of the Town event. So, I’ll be here until mid-July.”

His father nodded. “And then back to New York City?”

“Briefly, and then I’m on to a new engagement in Kansas City.”

“Kansas City. Do you still enjoy all this traveling?”

Did he? “Most of the time I don’t mind it so much. I wouldn’t mind doing less. Sometimes there are assignments where I can do a lot of the work remotely and then I’m able to work out of the New York office.”

His father smiled sadly. “Too bad they don’t have a Nantucket office.”

David laughed. “That would be awesome. It might be a hard sell for my boss, though.”

“Oh, well. Too bad.”

David was glad his time was extended as he wasn’t ready to leave Nantucket yet. It had been a long time since he’d spent more than a few days there and now that he had, he knew it was going to be hard to leave. He thought about what his father said and wished there was a way he could spend more time there.