Page 164 of Summer After Summer

“We don’t mind the rain in London,” Fred says. “When’s the wedding?”

“End of August,” Wes says. “In the Hamptons.”

“At Taylor House?”

“That’s right. You’ve been there, haven’t you, Fred?” Wes says.

He’s being a bit cruel, though I’m not sure if it’s to me or Fred. I’ve told him enough about Fred that he knows Fred’s been to the house.

“Yes, yes I have.”

“Remember, Wes, I told you how Fred and I met,” I say, my voice a squeak. “That summer you were dating Charlotte, actually. Fred worked at the beach.”

“Ah, that’s right. A teen romance.”

Fred grimaces. “As you say. Those things never work out.”

“Almost never.”

“Well, I must be off,” Fred says. “It was nice to see you, Olivia. And meet you again, Wes.”

“You don’t want to stay for coffee?”

“No, no. I’ve disturbed you too early. I’m an early riser, and I forget sometimes that not everyone has my habits.”

“Maybe we can have coffee tomorrow?” I say. “To catch up?”

“I’ll have to check my schedule.”

“Where can she reach you?” Wes asks.

“Oh, at my office. De Keurig Shipping. Have a nice day. And congratulations again.”

“Thanks, mate.”

Fred cringes again, and I’m sinking into my heels.

Fred is never going to talk to me again.

This is the last time I’m ever going to see him, and it’s awful—I’m awful.

“I do hope we have coffee, Fred,” I say, because I have to.

Fred nods almost imperceptibly and starts to walk away.

Wes interjects. “How did you know where Olivia was staying, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Oh, I … I still had Matt’s number … He gave me the address.”

“That was nice of him.”

“Yes.”

“And he didn’t tell you, Olivia?”

“No.”

“I’ll have to have a talk with him. He shouldn’t give out your address to just anyone.”

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