Page 126 of Summer After Summer

“Branda and Jack. The pajama people.”

“Hard to tell. On a scale of one to ten, how pissed do you think she’s going to be when she learns that her pajamas have gone missing?”

I laugh. “Maybe he’s the one into monogrammed clothes?”

“Maybe.”

“You don’t think so?”

“I can’t see Jack being into that.”

“Imaginary Jack, you mean. You don’t know real Jack.”

“Imaginary Jack,” he agrees. “Tall, handsome, he’s won the hand of Brenda, also tall, also handsome.”

“And rich, very rich.”

“Naturally.”

“Maybe she’s marrying him for his money.” I tap him on the shoulder. “You should watch out for that. All these houses you’re buying for other people … You’re going to be prey.”

“You think?”

“Definitely.”

He holds his wineglass in his hands. “Maybe I should do that.”

“What?”

“Let someone marry me for money.”

I almost choke on my wine. “Excuse me?”

“It would be easier. Everything would be clear and up front. Like a business transaction.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Maybe I am.”

“What about Lucy?”

He finishes his wine. “I should’ve brought another bottle.”

“You’re avoiding.”

“Am I?”

“Wow, you must really like her.” I say this with a catch in my throat that I hope he doesn’t hear.

“She’s a great girl.”

“Beautiful, impulsive, fun.”

“Yes.”

“Do I need to keep selling?”

“Are you trying to?” He looks at me now, his face brightened by the moonlight. He’s staring at me intensely, half amused, half something else.

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