The computer screen shone brightly in the dark room. It displayed Monday flights to Australia. Under that window were others: client-related files, Ro-Bo Shop spreadsheets, bank accounts, and unfinished e-mails. The clock in the low corner read 2:21.
Danny had always been able to juggle countless thoughts and tasks simultaneously. A spur-of-the-moment checking out of life, however, was proving to be freaking impossible.
It was the emotions. An avalanche of feeling buried any clear-cut order.
All he had to do was click the “Buy now” icon, pack a pair of jeans, wetsuit, and board, hand off work details. He had enough money. He had a passport.
Laue, the young guy he mentored, had been chomping at the bit to take on more. He even had a rapport with clients. As far as the shop went, Hawk ran it by himself with a few hired college kids. Tuyen no longer needed his computer lessons; she had a job in Santa Reina.
So why did he hesitate?
He needed to talk to someone.
His roommate, Hawk, would laugh and say, “Welcome to the club, dude.” The guy was head-over-heels with Tuyen, a match Danny still couldn’t fathom.
Erik? Ditto. There was a sense of permanency about him and Rosie.
His dad? His hero, the guy he wanted to be a clone of? He’d sold his business last year to make hot chocolate with his wife for retreat guests.
His pastor? He’d point him to God.
Danny knew only one person who could hear him, give him new eyes, and make him laugh at himself.
But she was going to prison.
He clicked the icon.