July 23 - Brunswick, Maine
Ah, salt air. Avery stepped out into the sunny street, tasted her gelato, and walked toward their parked car. She’d departed LaGuardia with Anna Catherine at nine. After the flight up and a little over an hour on the road, they’d stopped for food in Brunswick, thankful for a break from the rental car, which reminded Avery of a roller coaster cart that had no Bluetooth. Lily and her high school friends planned to drive from Montressa to Boothbay this afternoon.
Over lunch, Avery spotted the gelato store across the street and after reading the rave reviews online, announced she couldn’t leave town without trying some. Cold, creamy desserts were the perfect way to pass a fraction of the three hours of free time they had until they could check into their charming rental cottage and start the bachelorette festivities.
This trip marked the first time Avery had been alone in public withAnna Catherine Page, television star. On the flight, Avery gave Anna Catherine her window seat, partly to stop the gawkers. Most of them were nice, but nearly everyone stole a glance as they boarded. The whole flight, it felt like anyone could be eavesdropping. Avery had been careful not to have a conversation that might be juicy enough to resurface on Deuxmoi an hour later. They discussed the weather, growled at the day’sNew York TimesConnections, and ranked their favorite Nancy Meyers movies.
Avery stopped to window shop, savoring a spoonful of gelato. In her peripheral vision, a group of women raised their phones. Anna Catherine, oblivious to someone snapping a photo of them, looked up from her maps app.
“It looks like there’s a pretty college a few blocks up this street. Let’s check it out.” Anna Catherine popped her spoon in her mouth and her face melted in delight. “Oh. My. Gelato. Blueberry crumble is divine. What flavor did you get?”
“Blueberry cheesecake.”
“Miles would be so proud of us.” Anna pointed her tiny spoon at Avery. “He told me not to come back unless I ordered blueberry everything. I read the reviews for tonight’s restaurant. We all need to order a blueberry Lemon Drop martini. I hope Lily’s ready for a blueberrypalooza.”
A nostalgic ripple pierced Avery’s heart. During that summer and this one, Miles’s blueberry enthusiasm was contagious. She couldn’t wait to try them in her favorite cocktail.
“Miles loves his blueberries almost as much as he loves chocolate milk,” Avery said. “Maine should make him their blueberry ambassador.”
“Mr. Blueberry.” Anna giggled. “That’s our Miles.”
Avery frowned.Our Milesturned ashen and grabbed his chest when she said she loved him. She wanted her dream version of Miles, the one who didn’t exist. He would have said he loved her back. Knowing what she knew now, before the party had been the absolute worsttime to proclaim her love for him for the second time. She should have waited. It had been selfish to expect an overwhelmed Miles to attend to her throughout the night. Healthy couples took turns holding one another up. Last night was her chance to support him.
Avery stirred her gelato as they walked along the tree-lined street. It had been less than three hours since she’d exited his elevator and waved goodbye, and she already missed him. After getting some distance, she appreciated him suggesting a pause would help them figure out what they needed to say. Mimi used to say everyone loved with their heart first and their head second. Avery wanted to know what was going through both every time he lifted his hand and rubbed his chest. If this pause helped him verbalize it, the wait would be worth it.
No day moved slower than a summer Sunday, and the college campus was almost empty. Avery and Anna Catherine were free to talk normally again. It must have been challenging for Anna Catherine, being under so much scrutiny. Once they joined Lily and the rest of the party, they’d be in a private cottage, where they’d be able to let loose and be themselves.
“I didn’t realize how intense it is for you when you’re in public,” Avery said.
“Comes with the job, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it.” Anna smiled. “Not as many people recognize me if I wear a baseball cap and sunglasses. But on an airplane, sunglasses single me out. Most of my fans are nice. Miles is always giving me disguise ideas like Princess Leia or Hermione Granger. He tries to make me stand out when I need to blend in.”
Avery finished her gelato and thought about how Miles loved to tease people. Ahead on the path, two squirrels jumped out of a trash can, darted across the green grass, and chased one another in a spiral up a tree.
“Did you and Miles have fun last night?”
Avery finished her last spoonful of gelato.
“Eh.” Avery wiped her mouth with her napkin. “We got separated by the crowd and ended up mad at each other. I didn’t know many people there, so I felt iced out, and he felt unsupported.”
“Ugh, I hate when that happens,” Anna Catherine said. “It’s easy to lose each other in a huge crowd. I couldn’t believe how many people came back for that party. Usually people stay in their homes in the Hamptons or wherever until September.”
“I tried to get to him, but when I couldn’t, I danced with Paulson. Miles considers Paulson his nemesis, and Paulson thinks Miles is his friend. It’s a weird dynamic.” Avery pitched her napkin and empty gelato cup in the trash can, half expecting another squirrel to pop out.
“What beef could Miles possibly have with Paulson Carter?” Anna asked. “He donated the rooftop rental for that party, which is so generous and kind.”
“They went to college together, and I guess old habits die hard.” Avery shook her head. “I don’t think Miles ever tried to get to know Paulson. He assumed Paulson was a nepo baby, which he is. But he’s not mean. He’s actually sweet.”
“He left with Victoria Evans.” Anna Catherine wiped her mouth with her napkin and threw it into the can. “They were in front of us outside the hotel. Both of them were so gooey-eyed, I don’t think they noticed us.”
“No way!” Avery pumped a fist in victory. “I introduced them. He’s had a crush on her.”
“For real?” Anna waited for Avery’s nod. “We could all hang out together when you’re visiting Miles in the City. And maybe Miles’ll warm up to him.”
Avery didn’t respond and kept walking. She’d said enough, maybe too much, about the disagreement and didn’t want to tell Anna Catherine about her feelings toward Victoria. This was supposed to be a fun weekend. Lily’s weekend.
Anna stopped at a Gothic-style granite building, complete with a pointed archway, and glanced at the sign in front.
“Ooh, it’s their theater,” she said. “Can we go in?”
