I should have been there.” He gives me a quick sideways glance and pats my knee. “We’re broke right now, Naomi, there’s no denying it. Lots of disadvantages. But I believe we can overcome most of our problems by using our imagination.” He taps a finger against his head. Another sideways glance at me and a big smile. “The fact that you even thought of chasing after that driver proves you know how to overcome problems.”

“Yeah, Dad, but that was Morgan’s idea. And I would have told you what was happening if you lived at home.” I trust him about Diesel. I know he loves him as much as I do.

“Your mom doesn’t want me there anymore. She thought I kept Diesel skunky on purpose. Hated The Shape of Water. Didn’t like the way I packed the good dishes …”

“Do you really believe that? She was singing when you came over to help us pack the other day.”

Dad frowns for a moment. “You’ve always been a smart girl. Do you still think I have a chance with your mother? Honestly?” He turns again to look at me for a second.

“I know you do.”

“Huh.” He turns back to watch the road, but the corners of his eyes crinkle. If Mom could only see the effect she has him, it would help win her over. She can’t resist that smile, can she?

“Like you told me, you have to use your imagination. What does Mom like that doesn’t cost anything? I know it makes her happy when I tell her I love her.”

“Okay, Naomi. I have to think about this to come up with something, something romantic.”

“Turn in over there, Dad. That’s the entrance to the hospital.”

He parks and we walk in together. “Pew, lots of cats must come through,” Dad says.

“Let me get Diesel for you,” the receptionist says when she sees me. “It will just be a few minutes. Have a seat.”

We sit down beside each other.

“What about a picnic?” Dad says. “Tomorrow is July first. Your mother and I both have the day off.”

Thursday! They didn’t have the holiday off last time through. Things are moving differently. Hopefully that’s a good sign.

“You would have to make the picnic. You can’t just buy us fish and chips. Um, where would we go?”

“Hamilton Beach. Where we met. I’ll make egg-salad sandwiches. She likes the way I make those. We can all have ice cream for dessert.”

Hamilton Beach. Last time, it was Morgan who convinced me to go. For free ice cream. My heart drums hard against my chest. Where I drowned. “If you want romance, you don’t need me around. Besides, I’ll have to stay home and keep Diesel company.”

“No. I want everybody there. I have things I want to tell you all.”

“What about the bikini …” My voice trails off as Diesel limps out with Dr. Fielding. Around his neck he wears a large white satellite collar.