Page 78 of The Summer Swap

And it occurred to her that the very best part of coming back to this part of the Cape was meeting him again. She hadn’t expected that, which just proved that life could always surprise you.

“I can already understand why you bought this place.”

“There’s more. I’ve saved the best until last.”

Enjoying herself, she stepped through the door he’d opened and straight onto a wide, spacious deck.

The breeze cooled her skin and she walked to the edge of the terrace. She stared across the rooftops to the shoreline, her attention caught by the yachts clustered in the bay. The breeze lifted a few strands of her hair, and she tasted salt and sea.

“It’s paradise.”

“I think so. It’s not Dune Cottage but it has its own special charm.” He still had his arm on her waist. “This is the best reading spot. The best spot to drink the first coffee of the day. The best place to linger with an evening drink. Sunrise and sunset. You see it all from here.”

They stood for a moment in companionable silence and then he drew away.

“Do you remember our trip to Florence?”

She hadn’t thought of it for years. “You’re thinking of the roof terrace on top of the building where we stayed. The room we rented overheated so badly we spent most of our time outdoors.” Her mind slid back in time. “Italian coffee. The orange tree growing in the corner.”

“Sounds of the piano coming from the ballet school next door.”

“I remember all of it.” She watched as a boat headed out to sea, the bow cutting through the water. “That was a memorable week.”

“I went back last year, and the year before, for much longer than a week.”

She turned to look at him. “To Florence?”

“Summers here are busy, but in the winter months I like to travel. I’ve been spending time in Europe, mostly Italy.”

“Alone?”

“Yes. It took time to get used to my own company, but after a while you realize how freeing it is to travel by yourself. You can do exactly as you please.” He paused. “You must have traveled a great deal with Cameron.”

“Yes, but it was always very busy. There was a tight schedule. We were rarely just relaxing.” She thought about Seth in Italy and felt a stab of envy. “Where do you stay when you travel?”

“I find an apartment. It suits me better than a hotel. I like to pretend I’m local.”

“Are you going again this year?”

“Yes. I’ve booked a month in Rome and a month in Florence. Those winter months are so much quieter. It’s a different place without the tourists. Same as here, I suppose.” He glanced at the water, and then gestured to the corner sofa and the table. “Are you happy to eat outside?”

“I can’t think of anything I’d like more.” She was still thinking about Rome, and Florence and the fact that Seth would be there this winter. Maybe she should travel. She’d traveled with Cameron of course. The life they’d led had taken them all over the world, and she was grateful for all the experiences they’d enjoyed. But almost all their time had been scheduled, with her playing the supporting role. When Cameron had needed time to paint, he often went alone or closeted himself in his studio and Cecilia had transferred all her attention to her garden. She’d never traveled alone.

The idea was appealing. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? She’d been adrift, not sure what to do with her life, not sure how to shape her life now that Cameron wasn’t part of it.

But Seth had done it. He could have stayed in the house he’d lived in with his wife, and carried on the life he’d always lived, but without her. Instead, he’d made major changes. Lily had made major changes, too, even though doing so had been difficult.

Was she brave enough to do the same?

Seth was watching her, and she had a feeling he could read her thoughts.

“I’ll fetch the wine,” he said. “Wait there.”

He was back moments later with a tray loaded with wine, glasses and small plates of food.

“I’m a competent cook, but I didn’t want to waste time that could be spent with you, so I raided the deli. The one near the beach.” He put the tray down on the table and sat next to her on the sofa.

“I’ve heard about it. Lily has picked up a few things from there.”

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