Page 154 of Summer After Summer

“The Duchess. Her name isn’t even Kate. It’s Catherine, but the whole world calls her Kate because the tabloids decided that’s what her name is.”

“What does that have to do with us?”

“I don’t know … just that other people’s perceptions can become reality sometimes.”

“Only if you listen to them.”

“Haven’t we been, though? Why do we avoid each other for these long stretches? If we really wanted to be together …”

Fred goes still. “Is that what you want? To be together?”

“I don’t know.”

“That’s honest, at least.”

I put my hands under the table and run my fingers around my missing engagement ring. “Don’t you think it would have happened by now? If it was meant to be?”

“I don’t think that life works like that. I think that circumstances and timing and stupid decisions can get in the way of what’s meant to be.”

“That’s us for sure.”

“Yes.”

I try to read his expression, but I can’t. “And you? You want us to be together?”

“I do.”

“No hesitation?”

“Of course there is. I’m terrified right now.”

“You look completely composed.”

“It’s an act.”

“And the Oscar goes to …”

He smiles. “So, what now?”

“I think I need to go.”

“Back to the States?”

“No, I’m here for a while, like I said.”

“Can I see you?”

I sigh. “I need to concentrate on my tennis.”

“I’m glad I’m a distraction at least.”

“You are.”

Fred runs his hands through his hair. “So where does that leave us?”

“Can I think about it? And maybe in a month …”

“You want me to wait a month?”

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