Page 108 of Smoke and Glitter

Chapter Twenty-Two

Autumn

Summer opens the door before I knock.

She stares at me, then presses one hand over her mouth.

"You're actually here."

I drop my bag beside my feet. "That's a weird greeting."

"Come here before I cry."

"You're already crying."

"Then move faster."

I barely get my coat open before she pulls me into her. The last few months have been phone calls, voice notes and Summer's face flattened into whatever screen I happened to be holding. Having her arms around me again is different enough that my throat closes before I'm prepared for it.

She squeezes harder. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

Her breath catches against my hair.

"Babe, if you get mascara on me, we're fighting."

"I'm not wearing mascara."

"Bitch."

Summer laughs and finally lets me go, wiping under one eye with the side of her finger. Her other hand settles automatically against her stomach, which is significantly more impressive in person.

She catches me looking. "Careful."

"I didn't say anything."

"You were considering it."

"I was admiring the engineering."

I hook my bag over my shoulder and follow her inside. Three large boxes are lined against the entry wall, each one labeled in Colt's handwriting with enough detail to suggest they've entered a federal evidence room.

Summer points before I can ask. "Don't encourage him."

One box says CHARLESTON: CAR / FIRST NIGHT / DO NOT PACK.

I look at her. "There are subcategories."

"There are subcategories inside the subcategories."

From deeper in the house, Colt calls, "Because we need things when we get there."

Summer closes her eyes.

I raise my voice. "I respect your process, Colt."

"Thank you."