Page 51 of The Summer Swap

“In Provincetown, but it doesn’t start until next week.” He mopped the pool of coffee. “I was planning on checking into a hotel.”

Cecilia shook her head. “You won’t get a hotel room now. Everywhere will be booked solid.”

“You’re probably right. I’ve been working today. Didn’t think it through. I don’t suppose—” he gave her his lost puppy look “—given that I’m technically homeless, could I crash on the sofa for one night?”

“Those sad eyes don’t work on me, Todd Buckingham. That look didn’t work when you were three and wanted chocolate cake instead of lunch. And it doesn’t work now. Neither does the pretense that you’re incompetent and somehow ‘forgot’ to book.”

He looked sheepish. “All right, I was hoping to spend some time with you. Satisfy myself you really are okay. If you’ll let me stay tonight, then I’ll find somewhere more long-term tomorrow.”

Cecilia eyed his long, rangy body. “You haven’t been able to fit on my sofa since you were ten years old.”

“It will be fine. If it’s inconvenient I can always sleep in my car or on the beach. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Cecilia looked at Lily. “Do you mind if Todd stays?”

What was she supposed to say? Yes, she minded. Having Todd here erased the sense of peace that the cottage gave her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him here. It was that she really did want him here, desperately. And wanting him and not showing it required an effort and energy she wasn’t sure she had.

But she was going to have to find the energy.

She was touched that Cecilia had even asked for her opinion, but there was only one answer she could give.

“Of course I don’t mind.”

Cecilia studied her grandson. “You can stay, but you don’t think your family will want to know where you are?”

“No,” Todd said. “Mom and Dad have been preoccupied since Michael died, so they’re not likely to ask. You’re not top of mind. I think Mom has decided that, providing you’re telling her you’re okay, she’s going to believe you and leave you alone.”

“Michael died? When?” Cecilia pressed her hand to her chest, visibly shocked by the news.

Lily had no idea who Michael was, but he was clearly someone who had been important to the family.

“The day of the party,” Todd said. “Car accident. You didn’t know?”

“No. I must have left before it happened, and I haven’t been looking at the news. That’s dreadful. I had no idea.” Cecilia took a breath. “How is your mother?”

“Sad, obviously. Busy trying to make Dad feel better. He hasn’t been to work since.”

Cecilia gave him a long look. “She and your father have been spending time together?”

Lily thought it was a strange question, but Todd didn’t seem to think so.

“Yes. A rare occurrence in our house. I don’t suppose it will last,” Todd said. “You know Dad. He’ll soon be back working his usual hours.”

“I must contact her. I should have done it before.” Cecilia looked agitated. “And what about Amelie? Won’t she be wanting to join you?”

“Ah. Amelie.” Todd sat down. “She won’t be joining me, now or in the future. We broke up.”

Cecilia’s brows lifted. “After a week of being engaged?”

“Yes. Shortest engagement on record, I know.” He pulled a face. “It’s complicated.”

Todd was no longer with Amelie?

Lily’s heart soared upward and her mood with it. Why? She had a hundred questions. Who was the instigator? Why had Todd fallen for her in the first place? Did it make her a bad person that she felt euphoria and not pity for Amelie?

Todd was no longer engaged.

Todd was no longer marrying Amelie.

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