The world looked so different from the water. She found herself thinking about Grandy’s old stories of Julius Harper, shoved out to sea on a barge to escape the burning city. When he’d looked back, what had he seen? The whole world lit by fire, his mother lost in a surge of people. Now the city bristled with skyscrapers, dominated by the bullet-shaped Salesforce Tower.

Trevor switched directions, and they went under the Golden Gate Bridge. She took more phone pictures, capturing the massive towers and web of cables against the twilight.

“It’s really beautiful,” she said. “Thanks for bringing me.”

“Glad you like it.”

She nodded, savoring the last of her champagne. For the first time since the day of the reception at Pinnacle Fine Wines, Natalie had a moment of uncomplicated pleasure. Is this what you wanted for me, Mom? How about you send me a sign?

They glided back across the smooth water to the marina, where he moored the boat and cut the engines. “Make yourself at home,” he said, stepping down into the galley. “I’ve got a snack for us.”

She poked around the main salon, drawn to the bookshelf. “I’ve always believed you can tell a lot about a person based on the books they keep.”

“Yeah? What can you tell about me?”

“Judging by this collection, you’re very practical—all these books on piloting and navigation and boating guides.”

“Shoot, I don’t want to be seen as practical. I want you to think I’m exciting. Romantic. Irresistible.”

She pulled out a thick copy of Chapman Piloting. “I once dated a guy who hid porn behind his collection of classic novels. We didn’t work out so well.” Diesel from college. Recently she’d seen him on an online alumni group. He was paunchy now, with a wife and two kids.

“Not a fan of porn?” He emerged from the galley with a tray and set it on a table. “What about food porn?”

She surveyed the array of small bites—artisan cheese and fruit. And something that looked like caviar and crème fraîche. “That’s incredible. Did you do this?”

“Please,” he said. “I’m awesome, but not that awesome.”

She laughed and sampled a ripe raspberry. Trevor poured two glasses of sauvignon blanc, and they had a seat on the sofa.

“Cheers.” He tapped the rim of his glass against hers.

“Cheers,” she said. “I recognize this bottle.”

“From your former job up in Sonoma? Do you miss it?”