Page 162 of Summer After Summer

“Yes, of course.”

“There’s coffee in the kitchen. And the rest of my breakfast if you’re hungry.”

“What I’d really like is a shower.”

“Of course. Follow me.”

I lead him into the bedroom and through to the bathroom, taking a minute to explain the idiosyncrasies of the shower that took me two days to figure out, while trying to keep my voice as normal as possible.

I can tell that Wes wants me to join him, but my brain feels like it’s on fire, so I hand him a big fluffy towel and point to where the second robe is, then shut the door.

I speed to my phone.

I text Ash first. What the fuck?

It’s still nighttime at home, four in the morning, but Ash is up anyway. It must be the baby.

It’s for your own good, I told you.

What gives you the right?

Hate me if you want, but Wes is good for you. All Fred does is break your heart. Make a good choice, Olivia.

We’re done.

What?

Never speak to me again.

Olivia, please, I’m sorry.

But she isn’t. She knew what she was doing, and this isn’t the first time she’s gone too far in my life. I want to throw my phone across the room, but I can’t.

Fred is on his way here. I need to head him off.

I’m sorry but I can’t see you right now.

I wait for his reply, but there’s nothing. Maybe he’s driving or in a dead spot.

I send another text.

Please don’t come here, Fred. I’ll explain when I can.

I wait again, but there’s no answer. Nothing.

I pull clothes from the dresser quickly, hearing Wes in the shower. He’s not a shower lingerer, and I don’t have much time.

I take off the bracelet and put it in the jewelry box, tucking it away. Then I take out my engagement ring and slip it back on. I throw on a pair of jeans and a shirt, then pick up my phone again. I call Fred this time, but it goes to voicemail.

Goddammit.

“What’s that?” Wes says as he comes into the room, a towel around his waist.

“Nothing. I was texting Matt, telling him not to come.”

“Save the lecture for later.”

“What?”

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