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day , my beauty?” he asked, letting go of her.
    Kate nodded slowly. “It was good. How about yours?”
    “I had meetings with clients all day. It was good, just too long.”
    “I spoke to my aunt earlier. My dad’s funeral is a week from Friday. I’m going to fly out next Wednesday and return home on Sunday.”
    Neil pulled her back into his arms. He held her for several minutes, saying nothing. She nestled her head into his chest, loving his strong, powerful arms around her. She felt safe, cherished.
    “I’m so sorry that you have to go through all of this. I know that even though your dad wasn’t in your life you still loved him.”
    With those words, she began to softly weep. Her shoulders gently shook and she sniffled out some sobs. Life just seemed so unfair in this moment.
    “Let’s sit down,” he said, guiding her toward the couch. They sat facing each other. Neil wiped the tears away from her eyes.
    “You’re right, of course I still loved him. He was my dad. The problem was that he really didn’t love me or my brother.” Neil stroked her hair as she continued.
    “He disowned my brother and me ten years ago. My mom worked hard to help us realize that he had problems and to just accept things as they are. I guess I have no choice now. He’s dead and I can’t change that.”
    Kate pulled her legs up on the sofa and wrapped her arms around them. Being so open made her feel vulnerable. But Neil had been so loving toward her that she was comfortable confiding in him.
    “ Kate, your mom is right,” he said, stroking her face with the back of his hand. “It sounds like your dad had issues that no one could fix. He lost out on knowing an incredible woman. I feel sorry for him that he didn’t get to know you. It’s his loss, not yours.” He took her hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry that you are feeling so helpless. I know what that’s like.”
    Kate knew that he was referring to Elizabeth. Neil had been completely powerless when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. All he could do was watch her die and be there for her when she did. Actually, he did way more than that. He made her dreams come true before she left this earth. He knew the pain of helplessness. It was so comforting for her to be able to share her feelings with him, knowing that he understood.
    “I have an idea. Let’s get out of the house and have dinner. Why don’t you call Charlie and Mitch and see if they want to go out ? It will cheer you up to see them. I’m sure you miss seeing her every day.”
    “ How do you always know just what I need? I’ll call her right now. Where do you want to go?”
    “How about Mexican? We can go to Chevy’s.”
    “I could go for Mexican. A margarita sounds like the perfect remedy for what’s ailing me.” Kate called Charlie and they decided to meet at Chevy’s at 7 p.m.
    ***
    Charlie and Mitch were waiting in the lobby when Kate and Neil walked into the restaurant. Charlie immediately got up to hug Kate. Mitch and Neil shook hands.
    “You sure are a sight for sore eyes,” Charlie said, letting go of Kate. “I miss you so much.”
    “Me too , Charlie.”
    “I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Ha ve the funeral arrangements been made?”
    The hostess approached to tell them that their table was ready, so they all followed her. Kate answered Charlie as they walked in front of Neil and Mitch , who were engaged in their own small talk, something about the Chargers.
    “The funeral is a week from Friday. I’m going to fly out next Wednesday afternoon and return home on Sunday.”
    They arrived at the booth. Kate and Charlie scooted into the booth and the guys sat on the ends. The hostess handed them their menus and said that their waitress would be right with them. After she walked away, one of the bus boys brought a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa to the table.
    “Neil, are you going with Kate to her dad’s funeral?” Charlie asked over the top of her menu.
    “I wish that I