Page 53 of Memories of You

“Hardly. I’m not against relationships, though I know better than to get near a harpy like that.” Luke took a long pull from the can. “So, Captain Ahab, found a name for your white whale yet?”

“Still searching,” I admitted, lifting my can for a drink. The beer was crisp, washing away the lingering taste of frustration.

“All right, let’s hear the shortlist.” Luke leaned forward, elbows propped on the armrests, his gaze expectant.

“Odyssey’s End, Driftwood Heart,” I rattled off the names I’d been considering earlier, only to be met with a grimace from Luke.

“Too poetic, too… sad,” he decided, waving a dismissive hand. “This is a new beginning, right? Needs something with punch.”

“Yeah, I know.” A smile tugged at the edge of my lips despite myself. “I want something catchy.”

“Okay, so what about… Phoenix Feather?” Luke raised an eyebrow in challenge.

“Good God, that sounds like a hipster tattoo parlor,” I shot back, unable to suppress a laugh.

“Fine, fine, hotshot. How about… Horizon Chaser?” He leaned back, a proud grin lighting up his features.

“Better but still not quite right.” I shook my head, though I appreciated his efforts.

“Damn, you’re picky. I thought that one was pretty good.” Luke feigned being hurt, clutching his chest dramatically.

My eyes wandered over the boat’s gleaming deck. “Got to be. Naming a boat is a big deal, you know.”

Luke nodded solemnly before breaking into a wide grin. “Well, let’s keep brainstorming until we find the perfect fit or until we run out of beer. Whichever comes first.”

“Here’s hoping it’s the name,” I replied, raising my can in a mock toast.

“Sea’s Whisper?” Luke said with a half-hearted shrug as he opened another beer.

“Too… girly.” I scowled, staring at the canopy of stars beginning to wink into existence above.

“Everlasting Tide?” He slid a wooden crate over to rest his feet on.

“Sounds like laundry detergent,” I grumbled. My mind again drifted to the bed below us, and the memory of Stella and I in it three nights ago. The scent of her skin still haunted the threads, and I couldn’t bring myself to wash them.

“Hey, you just went miles away, man. What’s up?” Luke’s voice pulled me back to the dim light around us.

I sighed, raking a hand through my hair. “Stella. It’s been three days, Luke. Three days without a word.”

He watched me, his expression softening. “You want more than she’s willing to give?” He took a swig, eyes thoughtful.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Wanting is one thing.” Luke’s words were slow and deliberate. “But pushing for it? That’s another. You might just push her away if you’re not careful.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Give her time,” he said gently. “Let things happen naturally. Like the perfect name for this boat—it’ll appear when it’s ready. And so will Stella.”

“Easy for you to say.” I tried to muster a smile. “You fend off admirers like you’re swatting flies at a barbecue.”

“True.” He laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “It’s hard work, fighting them off. But I’m not looking for what you are. Not everyone’s after the forever horizon.”

“Forever Horizon,” I repeated, mulling over the words.

“Hey, that’s not bad!” Luke’s eyes grew round, but I shook my head.

“Close, but still not it.” I was hesitant to dim his optimism. It was a constant, Luke’s ability to brighten a room—or in this case, a boat. I opened a second can and took a long swig.

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