The deck is the perfect place for you to think and get some fresh air. "How’s your room?" Mark asks from behind you.

You turn. "Great," you answer. "Thanks for letting me stay."

"I had to," Mark said. "You’re the star witness. And there was no way Steve was going to let you walk away."
"Plus I can go out the back door and stick my toes in the sand whenever I feel like it," you say. "Steve didn’t tell me it was a beach house when he offered though."

"I didn’t want to influence your decision," Steve says as he climbs the stairs to join you and Mark on the patio.

"Then I’m glad I chose Malibu," you reply.