September, 2045

„I can’t believe you let him win.“ 

„Me, too.“ 

„You’ve been so determined at the beginning.“

„Ya, but then he hit my weak spot.“

„Weak spot? His argumentation was ridiculous, M.“ 

„But he can’t cook. I don’t want my son living from pizza and burgers.“ 

Justin gave Eve a stern look. They just moved into their beach house, unpacking view boxes and talking about Jake. He was outraged, as he learned about the beach house and tried everything to convince his mother to let him move in, as well. Finally Eve gave in.

„He tricked you. That’s what happened,“ Justin teased. 

„I know he did. But he’s my flesh and blood. I want him to be happy. And having healthy food at least once a day.“ 

„The only thing which is comforting me is the fact, that he’ll be on tour with Phin soon.“ 

Eve smiled at him. 

„With Jake staying with us, Lizzy and Silas can live in our old house. They’ve been so happy when we told them. And we don’t need to think about a wedding present anymore.“ 

„When will they come back from Germany?“ Justin wanted to know. 

„Lizzy just finished her collection. I’m sure they will return shortly.“ 

Justin came closer and embraced Eve’s body from behind. 

„At least we have this night to ourselves, as Jake is staying at Violet’s.“ 

Eve turned in his direction and put her arms around his neck.

„What will we do with that freedom, hm?“ 

„I’ll make dinner for you and fill you up with some good wine.“ 

„Sounds promising. And then?“ 

„I’m gonna seduce you.“ 

Eve smiled all over her face. 

„Can’t wait for that part.“ 

Justin gave her a sassy look.

„I could give you a sneak peek…“ 

„Nice try, Timberlake. First you unpack your stuff.“ 

Justin sighed frustrated. 

„I can’t remember when I unpacked my stuff by myself the last time.“

„We agreed not having a housekeeper. Now stop complaining.“

„Worst decision ever.“ 

„You’re out of work. I think you’ll manage taking some responsibilities in the house.“ 

„I’m not out of work. I’m retired. That’s a difference.“

„Call it whatever you want. Still there will be no housekeeper.“ 

Justin kissed her forehead. 

„Fine. You win. As you always do."

Justin kept his promise and told Eve to relax at the terrace, while he was preparing dinner for them. She was sipping rosé wine during sunset and enjoying the smoothing sound of the breaking waves. Living at the beach with Justin was awesome. But she also felt closer to Josh. When he passed, the family organized a burial at sea for him. Every time Eve was missing him, she used to go to the beach and talk to him. 

Justin appeared with two plates and brought her back to reality. 

„Steaks with baked potatoes and grilled vegetables for my love,“ he said and took a seat opposite of her at the table. 

„It’s smells delicious, honey. Thank you.“ 

„I also made dessert,“ Justin boasted. 

„Liar,“ Eve teased. „I saw the bag from the cheesecake factory.“ 

„I made the effort driving downtown to buy your favorite cake. That’s my way taking care for dessert.“ 

Eve smiled at him and raised her glass. He did as well. 

„To a new chapter of life,“ she said. 

„To a new chapter of life,“ he repeated. 

Justin’s dinner tasted great and so did the cake from the cheesecake factory. 

„Another glass of wine?“ Justin offered, after bringing the empty plates back into the kitchen. 

„You really planned to fill me up, hm?“ 

„Yes, I did.“ 

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Eve and Justin exchanged irritated glances. 

„Who is this?“ she asked.

„Maybe some neighbors, who wants to say hi?“ 

„That late?“ 

„Come on, let’s check.“ 

Eve opened the front door.

„SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!!“ she suddenly heard Lisa yelling. 

„Oh my god! You’re back!“ Eve cheered, pulling her daughter into a deep hug. 

She missed Lisa a a lot and couldn’t be more happy holding her in her arms. As they released each other, Lisa hugged Justin next. Eve and Silas exchanged sheepish glances. Then she smiled at him and made the first step. 

„It’s good to see you,“ she said and offered a hug. 

Silas smiled back and embraced her tightly. 

„Same here. Thank you, M.“

„For what?“ 

„For letting me have her,“ he whispered in her ear. 

Both released each other. Silas hugged his father next. 

„You made it!“ Justin cheered, being happy for his son, that he made things right with Lisa. 

„Come in, you need to see the house,“ Eve said. 

Before showing them around, she grabbed Lisa’s hand, taking a closer look at her engagement ring. 

„This is remarkable. You really made it yourself?“ she asked Silas. 

„Yes, I did.“ 

„It’s beautiful, isn’t it?“ Lisa said proudly. 

„It really is. And it’s one of a kind.“ 

In the next moment the doorbell rang again. Eve couldn’t be more confused, exchanging irritated looks with Justin again.