Page 161 of Summer After Summer

See you soonest!

I smile as a text from Ash comes in.

Sorry, it reads. I had to.

Had to what?

It was for your own good.

Ash, what did you do?

The doorbell rings. I can’t believe Fred is here this quickly. I’m still in my robe, but that doesn’t matter. I put my phone down, a touch of annoyance at Ash bristling under my anticipation.

The doorbell rings again.

“Coming!” I yell. I get to the door and open it. “That was—”

“Surprise!” Wes says, his eyes tired but his smile infectious and genuine. “Not what you were expecting?”

I recover as quickly as I can, but my heart is hammering and my throat feels dry. “Oh, I … Matt said he was coming over.”

“For your lecture?”

“Excuse me?”

“Because you retired?”

“Oh yes. He’s pissed.”

Wes smiles again. “You going to let me in, or …?”

I step back. “Yes, of course. Come in, come in.”

He reaches for me. My hands go around his neck reflexively, the bracelet tinkling on my arm. I tuck it nervously down the sleeve of my robe.

“It’s so good to see you,” he says in my ear, holding me tighter.

“You too.”

“I missed you.” He pulls me to him even tighter. “Are you okay?”

“I am.”

“No, really? Because Ash thought …”

I pull back from him gently, trying to be composed, though alarms are ringing in my brain. “Ash?”

He looks guilty. “She told me I should come.”

“Why?”

“She thought you could use me here. After the retirement announcement. I know you say you’re okay alone, but you’re not, Olivia. You need someone. You need me.”

“I … I don’t know what to say.”

“Are you happy to see me?”

“I am. Of course. I’m just surprised, and still blown over from yesterday. Can I … do you mind if I get dressed? Then we can talk.”

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