Page 74 of The Surfer

“I’m sorry too. For everything.”

Sandy reaches over and grabs my hand tenderly. “Don’t be sorry, Ripley,” she says, squeezing my fingers.

“You’re not angry?”

She shakes her head. “What would be the point?” she asks.

“You have every right to be. I kept this secret from you.”

“Well, of course, it wasn’t good that you kept it hidden from me, but you could’ve always have spoken to me about it. I’m your best friend, Ripley. I could never be truly angry at you. I’ve always been there for you and I wish you’d spoken to me sooner about all this but I’m glad you’re opening up now. I’m just sorry about my prick of a brother.”

“I am so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she replies. “I’ve been there myself.”

“You have?”

“Yeah. I thought I loved a guy in high school, but he turned out to be a shit as well. I hope I never see him again, so I know how you feel. Men are real dicks.”

“Yeah, they are.”

She smiles. “Oh, yes. They are.”

“I love you, Sandy.”

“I love you too, Ripley,” she says. “So, what do you really want to do now?”

“I just want to go home.”

“Of course,” she replies. “I understand. Come, I’ll drive you to the airport now, there’s a flight that leaves for Sydney in a few hours and there you can transfer onto one to New York.”

“Thank you, Sandy. For everything.”

I truly mean it.

“Okay, let’s pack your things and get out of here.”