“Were you tempted?”
“To say yes?”
Gia bobs her head, thanking the waiter who’s refilling her glass.
I glance away, toward the ocean. Today’s a perfect day, clear and sunny, the sea and the sky contrasting shades of blue. So tame. So different from my last trip here. “No. I was … shocked. I mean, we weren’t that serious.”
“He was serious about you.”
I adjust my sunglasses, then glance at Gia. “Well, I know thatnow.”
“He saw his one shot, and he took it. Honestly, I respect it.”
“He saw dollar—pound—signs.”
Pierre didn’t really need my money. He asked me out without knowing my last name. But his dad had died when he was young, and he’s taken care of his mother—and her expensive tastes—ever since. He was part of a crowd at Cambridge, made up of descendants of nobility and royalty and prime ministers. Families like the Marlboroughs, who Lili is marrying into. Pierre wouldn’t have married me for my money, and I’m sure he would have been a model husband in every way, but he certainly viewed my wealth as an asset.
“Would you tell him?”
It takes me a few seconds—and a meaningful look at my stomach—for me to comprehend what Gia is asking.
“There wouldn’t be anything to tell Pierre.”
Gia winks. “Ooh! I love a summer fling.”
She doesn’t judge me for moving on so quickly, which is one of the reasons we’re such good friends. We’re entertained by each other’s questionable decisions, not scolding.
Besides, I didn’t move on. Pierre was an attempt at moving on. But in the end, all it did was show me I’m still stuck in the same place I’ve been since I was seventeen.
Gia gets up to use the restroom a few minutes later. I relax into the wicker chair, scanning the patio of the hotel restaurant. I’ve only been here a handful of times before, and I’ve never spent the night at the hotel. I’ve always stayed at my aunt and uncle’s place or my parents’ house now. Gia’s family has a place on the Cape, so they stay here when they’re in the Hamptons.
I finish my mimosa, waving the waiter off when he moves to refill it. Unlike Gia, I have to drive home.
After Sawyer left, I snuck back to my parents’ early,showering and making a production of getting ready for brunch while Mom answered work emails in her office down the hall. I’m ninety percent sure she has no idea I was out all night.
I sort of wish Mom had caught me. Wish I had to tell someone what happened between me and Sawyer because I have no idea what the next move is with Mr. Get Out or Get Naked. I don’t know how he got injured or if he’s finished with baseball for good. Don’t know if he’s back here for good or only for the summer. Don’t know anything really about his past two years or his plans for the remainder of his life.
Last night, he just wanted to get laid. But this morning? This morning felt different. Felt like before, and I’m simultaneously relieved and scared that sensation can still exist between us.
A woman walks out onto the patio and over to the small building that serves as the outdoor bar, saying something to one of the men working there.
I stand and walk that way. The woman turns, pausing when she sees me, surprise blanching across her face.
“Hi, Cammie.” I smile, shoving my sunglasses up to the top of my head. Bonus: they keep my unruly hair from sticking to my lips. “How are you?”
“Wren.” She sort of sighs my name as she steps closer. “I’m fine. You?”
“I’m great!” I reply, keeping my tone cheerful. I know Cammie didn’t like me before, but I never had a real issue with her. And I figured she’d be thrilled I’d removed myself from Sawyer’s life. “I came for my cousin’s engagement party.”
“Oh. Yeah.” Cammie crosses her arms. “I heard about that. Are you staying here?”
I shake my head. “Just grabbing brunch with a friend.”
“How long are you staying for?”
I raise an eyebrow. “I haven’t decided yet. Want to hang out before I leave?”
I’m teasing mostly because Cammie doesn’t seem to like me any more than she used to. I’m not opposed to the idea though. I missed Gus and Sawyer’s entire group of friends. With the exception of Gia, I’ve hardly kept in touch with anyone from high school. Everyone scattered to different schools. Plus, I’ve been in a different time zone. On a separate continent.
