“Maybe I should go,” Ezra says, after a few seconds of silence. “I’ve dropped a lot in your lap here. You probably need time to think things over.”

June gives her head a shake as though to clear it. “My god. I feel horrible. All we’ve done is talk about my dad’s disappearance. I haven’t learned anything new about you.” She takes a quick sip of wine and forces a smile. “Are you married? Common law? Divorced? Kids?” she asks.

He shakes his head. “None of the above.”

June puts on a fake grimace. “So, you’re a single, forty-one-year-old virgin still living at home?”

I’m appalled at June’s rudeness, but I know she’s just attempting to use humor to lighten the mood. To get herself back on solid footing.

He’s a good sport, though, and laughs it off. “Everything but the virgin part is unfortunately true.”

“Well, I’m a forty-year-old divorcée who just found out that her mother had an affair and lied to her most of her life who’s staying all alone on an island and is almost drunk and it’s not even nine thirty.”

Ezra holds up his glass. “Here’s to our forties.” June clinks him, and they both drink. “What about May? Was she married with kids?” he asks, after putting his glass down on the table.

June takes a deep breath. “No, neither.” I’m grateful she doesn’t expound. I’m not ready to hear her version of my life with all its failures. A natural silence inserts itself between them. They both seem lost in thought.

I can feel June’s emotions flatlining as she works to disconnect herself from everything she’s just learned. It’s something she’s always been good at, which meant I had to cry for both of us.

Ezra pushes away from the table. “Well, I think I’ve done enough damage here for the time being. Maybe we can have a less intense catch-up the next time.” He stands, and June doesn’t try to stop him. “Thanks for the wine,” he says. “I promise to reciprocate, now that I know you like to get drunk.”

June laughs her real laugh and nods. “Sounds like a plan, my friend.” I can feel the warmth she has for him. She doesn’t give it away very easily, and even after all this time, he still has it.

“So I can come by and see you again?” he asks.

“Of course,” June answers without any hesitation. “I’d really like that.”

He’s on his way to the door when June calls out, “Hey, Ezra.” He turns back. “I was curious. Do you know who’s been checking on the place all this time? The grass has obviously been cut over the years. And I mean, someone must have been taking care of it to some degree.”