“We had an amazing time. I absolutely loved the cottage, the town, the beach… everything. I was so sad we had to cut it short.”
“Jade and Brian were there earlier this summer and Jade loved it, too. It’s where they fell in love.” She cocked her head and looked at me pointedly. “Did it have that effect on you, too?”
I confessed, “I think I fell in love with him the day we met.”
She grinned. “If it’s any consolation, I think he felt the same way.”
“I don’t know… we haven’t said it out loud. I mean, he did once—on accident—when he was saying goodbye on a video call. He said, ‘Love you,’ then looked horrified when he realized what he’d said.”
“Guys are dumb. I have no doubt that he cares about you.”
“I don’t doubt that either.”
Lainey’s grin grew wider. “I’m glad. To be honest, I’m surprised you came back without him. I thought you’d just stay in Lancastle while he worked.”
“I would have, but he’s not working in Lancastle.”
“He’s not? Where is he working?”
“Vermont.”
“Vermont?” She pulled her neck back and furrowed her brows. “What’s in Vermont?”
“I guess he has a housing development there that’s run into some problems.”
“Wait—I thought he was working on getting his license there? How can he already have a housing development?”
“I asked the same thing. He said he’s using a local contractor’s license until his comes through.”
“Oh. I guess that makes sense.”
“Yeah… but what doesn’t make sense is he said he’s going to be working sixteen hours day and probably won’t be able to talk because there’s no cell service there.”
Her expression changed, like she’d realized something, and she quickly turned her attention to Ruthie, who was awake in her car seat.
“And look at you, peanut! I think you doubled in size this week!”
****
Alan
Adam: Fucking Vermont?? That’s what you went with?
Me: I panicked! I wasn’t expecting her to ask where I was going!
Adam: Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of spy? That’s the best you could come up with under pressure?
Me: My guard was down. My guard isn’t normally down.
Adam: You know, if you would’ve just been honest with her, you wouldn’t have had to come up with some bullshit story.
Me: I’ve been kicking myself all week; you don’t have to pile on.
Adam: We’ll keep your wife company until you get back. Which will be…?
Me: Your guess is as good as mine.
Adam: That should be interesting. Can’t wait to hear your explanation for when you’re gone longer than two weeks.
