31. 2009
Contains spoilersOverview
Jet meets Davis Condie, the half brother she recently discovered, at the San Antonio River Walk. Over dinner and a walk, they share life stories, swap details about Lillian, and begin forming a cautious but warm connection. Davis reveals a loving adoptive family and his own children, while Jet provides photos and memories of Lillian. They part with mutual openness to future visits, and Jet considers but still avoids opening Lillian’s letter.
Summary
Jet arrives at a River Walk restaurant to meet Davis Condie, Lillian’s son who was placed for adoption and Jet’s half brother. Seeing Davis in person, Jet is struck by their physical resemblance. They exchange an awkward but friendly greeting and sit down, both nervous yet polite.
Prompted by Jet, Davis shares his life story first. He explains he always knew he was adopted and that his adoptive parents were open and supportive. He grew up with an older adopted brother, Howie; their parents could not have biological children but provided a stable, loving home and large extended family. Davis studied business, discovered he liked construction work, and became a construction foreman. He has been with his wife, Bekah, for nearly ten years, and they have two young children, Liam and Marigold, whom he adores.
Jet shows Davis photos of Lillian, including one from Shauna and Michael’s wedding, and Davis immediately identifies Lillian in the group. Jet recounts stories and details about Lillian—holiday traditions, tastes, and quirks—answering his questions about medical history and preferences. She tells him Lillian could roll her tongue and disliked cilantro, details that match Davis and give him a sense of connection. Jet also admits she never knew Davis existed and apologizes without being able to explain why Lillian placed him for adoption; Davis says he would not trade his adoptive family but wants to know his story.
They discover their birthdays are only weeks apart and share a slice of triple chocolate cake. Davis asks about Jet’s father; after hearing Jet’s brief account, he responds that orphanhood can take many forms, a comment that makes Jet feel seen. They do not dwell on Jet’s grief for Lillian, but they recognize a kinship through loss.
When Jet asks about Davis’s father, Davis says he recently reached out. After initial silence, the man replied that his life has no space for Davis, and Davis leaves it at that. Davis pays the bill and leaves a generous tip, and they stroll by the river discussing childhood dreams; Jet once wanted to be a doctor, and Davis once wrote a song and can carry a tune.
At their cars, both express that they are glad they met. Jet suggests that if Davis visits Fort Worth with his family, they can come by and then visit Lillian’s grave; Davis agrees but says there is no hurry. They exchange a brief side hug and part ways warmly.
Driving home, Jet thinks about Lillian’s unopened envelope in her glove box. For the first time, she does not fantasize about destroying it and considers opening it for Davis’s sake, but she still cannot bring herself to read it. On the drive, she flips through radio stations and settles, unexpectedly, on Kenny G.
Who Appears
- Georgette “Jet”
narrator and Lillian’s daughter; meets Davis, shares photos and memories of Lillian, considers opening Lillian’s letter but refrains.
- Davis Condie
new; Lillian’s son placed for adoption and Jet’s half brother; construction foreman, married to Bekah, father to Liam and Marigold; shares his adoptive family background, attempts to contact his biological father who rejects him, pays for dinner.
- Lillian
mother of Jet and Davis; present through photographs and stories, providing points of connection (cilantro dislike, tongue rolling).
- Bekah
new; Davis’s wife, mentioned as part of his family.
- Liam
new; Davis’s son, mentioned as a second grader who likes outer space and Pokémon.
- Marigold
new; Davis’s daughter, mentioned as starting pre-K with curly hair.
- Howie
new; Davis’s older adopted brother, works in investment, divorced with two teenage sons.
- Ryan
Jet’s father; referenced when Davis asks about him, prompting Jet’s summary of his issues.
- Shauna and Michael
referenced via their wedding photo that includes Lillian.