Ashley shook her head. “Matthew and I aren’t seeing each other anymore.”
Bonnie’s mouth dropped open. “I thought you were planning to visit him in Bozeman.”
“It wouldn’t make any difference. I’d still need to come back to New York and Matthew can’t leave Montana.” Her voice broke. “I miss him already.”
Bonnie rushed across the room and gave her a hug. “It will be okay.”
She took a deep, shuddering breath. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you.”
Ashley wasn’t so sure. She’d been close to tears ever since Matthew had left. “I forgot to give him some presents for Catherine and her brother Toby.”
“Mail them. They’ll have them in a few days.” Bonnie handed her a box of tissues. “Once you’re back at work you’ll feel better.”
“I hope so.” Ashley pulled out a tissue and blew her nose. “I called dad this morning. He saw the newspaper articles.”
“What did he think?”
“He said they were well written. He showed all his friends.”
“That must make you feel happy.”
“It does. He wants me to visit him.”
Bonnie walked back to the kitchen. “Will you go?”
“I’d like to, but I’d need to ask for time off work. With everything that’s happened over the last few weeks, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to leave New York.” Someone knocked on her door. She glanced at Bonnie before looking through the peephole.
Relief surged through her when she saw who it was. “It’s Harry.” She opened the door and smiled. “I thought you were working this afternoon?”
He held out a bunch of daisies. “All finished. I wanted to give you a welcome home present. How does it feel to be in your own apartment again?”
“It feels great. Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely.”
Bonnie stuck her hands on her hips. “You nearly gave us a heart attack. How did you get into the building without pushing the intercom downstairs?”
“Mrs. Moretti came back from the supermarket. She let me in.” Harry looked closely at Ashley. “Have you been crying?”
She waved away his concern. “Allergies.”
Bonnie filled the coffeepot with water. “I’ll make everyone a drink. It’s time we had a break.”
“What have you been doing?” Harry asked.
Ashley unplugged the vacuum cleaner. “Cleaning the apartment.”
Harry handed her one of the vacuum attachments she’d left on the sofa. “Mrs. Moretti said to go and see her. She made a ginger cake this morning.” He looked around the apartment. “Have you moved the furniture?”
Ashley nodded. “It feels better this way.”
“Here you are.” Bonnie handed Ashley and Harry a cup of coffee each.
“Have you told her?” Harry asked.
Bonnie shook her head. “No. It’s not the right time.”
Harry frowned. “I thought—”
