“I like him,” I say, softer. “I miss him. And when I’m with him, I don’t feel … smaller.”
Harlee’s smile curves, gentle and knowing.
And now that I’ve finally said it out loud, something in my chest loosens.
This doesn’t feel like something I need to run from.
Bzz Bzz.
My thoughts are interrupted by my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out, expecting a work notification, a group chat, anything normal. But it’s a text fromAmy.
That’s … unexpected.
I open it up and a bright graphic fills my screen. It’s got red, white, and blue stars and too many exclamation points.
Fourth of July in the Hamptons!!!
A party. A house rental. Fireworks on the beach.
My pulse stutters.
Weston will most likely be there. Which means…
I’m going to see him.
The realization moves through me slowly, then all at once. My grip tightens on my phone. Something warm lifts in my chest, surprising me with its immediacy.
Excitement.
Not nerves. Not dread.
Excitement.
I don’t even realize I’m smiling until Harlee’s eyes flick up to my face.
“What is it?” she asks.
I shake my head once, like I’m clearing it. “It’s … Amy. She just sent me an invite for a Fourth of July party in the Hamptons.”
“And?” Harlee presses, already knowing.
I look back down at the screen—at the date. At the little fireworks emojis. The implication sitting quietly between every line.
“Weston will probably be there,” I say.
I hope he is.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Weston
I stare down at the Shakespeare letter Brittany sent me weeks ago, the corner soft from the number of times I’ve unfolded it. Buddy pants excitedly from the passenger seat of my rental car, bouncing around because he’s ready to get out and enjoy the Fourth of July weekend. Well, that and he’s probably anxious to go find something smelly on the beach … and then roll in it.
“I guess I have to avoid her?” I ask Buddy for advice, which has become a norm for us. I mean, I tell my dog everything, and I’m pretty sure that himneversaying anything back has been one of the best forms of therapy.
Buddy’s tail slaps the leather seat, and his head tilts.
“I just don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.” I lean back against my own seat, eyeing the massive rental property thatParker and Amy have secured for the weekend. I didn’t even know Brittany was coming until this morning, and now that I do…
