You're getting reckless. Ruth from the neighboring slip appeared on the dock carrying groceries. She stopped when she saw them. Celebrating something. Clare lifted her carton.
His excellent judgment. Evan pointed at her with his fork. She outbid me. We've established her judgment is questionable. Ruth nodded as though that explained everything.
Good night, newlyweds. We're not. Ruth kept walking. Clare looked at Evan. He looked at Clare.
Neither corrected her twice. The following Tuesday, Clare was sitting in Blue Heron's cabin with her laptop open between them. They were comparing charts for a possible weekend trip when an email notification appeared across the top of the screen. Evan saw the first line. Pacific Coast Travel Project final offer.
Clare closed the notification too quickly. Evan looked at her. What was that? Nothing. That was a very official nothing.
Clare moved the cursor toward the chart. We should probably avoid this inlet if the wind Clare. She stopped. Evan waited. Finally, she leaned back.
It's a photography project on the Pacific coast. Yes. How long? Clare hesitated. 4 months, maybe five.
Evan stared at her. When did you find out? They contacted me a few weeks ago. A few weeks? I didn't have the offer yet.
You have it now since Monday. Evan stood and stepped into the cockpit. Clare followed. He wasn't angry in the way she expected. That would have been easier.
He simply looked disappointed. You were going to tell me? Yes. When? I don't know.
That's convenient. Clare folded her arms. I didn't want to make this complicated before I knew what I was doing. Evan looked at her. You decided not telling me would make it less complicated.
I was trying to figure it out first by yourself. It's my job. I know. And my decision. I know that, too.
Then what exactly are you upset about? Evan looked toward the marina. A Howiard tapped softly against a mast nearby. I'm tired of people deciding what information I can handle. Clare's expression changed.
That's not what I was doing. It feels familiar. She understood immediately. The dinners, the setups, everyone deciding Evan's life needed improvement before asking whether he wanted it improved. Clare looked away.
That's not fair. No. His answer surprised her. It isn't exactly the same. He sat on the edge of the cockpit. But I wish you'd told me.
Clare stayed standing. I didn't know what you'd say. You could have asked. What if you asked me to stay? I wouldn't.
She looked at him. Evan continued before she could mistake the answer. Not because I don't care. I wouldn't ask you to give up something you wanted before you met me. That sounds very reasonable.
It is. I hate it. He almost smiled. She sat opposite him. For someone who bought a boat to avoid complications, you have strong opinions about facing them.