“Perhaps I should ask you the same.”
Should I be surprised to see him? I was, but only mildly. Grant seemed to drift in and out of my circle of friends at the strangest times. Last fall, he’d been Lacey’s boyfriend before disappearing suddenly and quietly. In the final weeks of my brother’s illness, Grant had hung out with us and our friend Kimberley before disappearing again, suddenly and quietly. “I’m fine. Really.”
“Yes, I can see that. May I offer my assistance anyway?”
What a relief not to handle this alone. “Yes, please.”
“It’s my understanding that you and a few friends have been celebrating high school graduation by vacationing in Washington.”
I nodded. “How did you know?”
“Kimberley stays in touch.” His whole face brightened as he said her name.
I studied him, glad for something to focus on. Grant was movie-star hot. His dark hair was perfectly cut, and so was his body. He had perfect teeth in a perfect smile. And his eyes were the truest shade of green. I’d only met one other person with eyes that green.
“Sara?”
“Sorry, I got distracted. Yes, I was on the trip. Kimberley was too, except she didn’t return on the train.”
“Apparently, you didn’t either. Was this choice intentional?”
“Purely accidental.” Yielding to the sense of rightness he always carried with him, I gave Grant a tentative smile. “Would you be willing to rescue me?”
“Of course.” He sat on the bench, a careful distance away. “Which solutions have you considered?”
“None yet.”
“I have a suggestion. Kimberley’s father lives with his fiancée in Alexandria, only a few minutes away by the Metro. Shall I escort you to his home? Kimberley is there.”
I could afford a hotel room, but Mr. Rey’s townhouse would be better. If they would have me. “Do you think they’d mind?”
“I’m confident they’ll be delighted to have you.”
“Thanks.” It was weirdly convenient that Grant had shown up when he did. Not that I was complaining. “Sounds like a good plan.”
He stood, helped me to my feet, and then reached for my suitcase. “Have you contacted your chaperones or your parents?”
“Lacey, yes. Parents, no.” I frowned at my phone. I probably should have called them, but I was in no mood for explanations. I texted Lacey instead.
I’m going to Mr. Rey’s house
Great solution
Tell the others I’m sorry. I lost track of time
Understood
Here’s a strange coincidence. Your ex showed up
Grant?
What other ex do you have?
If Grant’s with you, it’s not a coincidence
What does that mean?
Just that I’m relieved. Bye
