Page 179 of Summer After Summer

His mouth turns down. “I saw Ann in the clubhouse early one morning.”

“Too early?”

“I knew she must’ve stayed in someone’s room, and I didn’t think it was Mr. Pinkman, all eighty-two years of him.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn’t my place. And I didn’t want to be in the middle of you and Wes again.”

“That was my fault.” I take a step toward him. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For London. I should’ve come clean to you before … well, before anything.”

“Yes. Though you did owe me that one.”

I almost laugh. “Is that what you thought at the time? That I was getting back at you for Catherine?”

“Weren’t you?”

“Not deliberately.”

“And if Wes hadn’t shown up?”

I hesitate. How many times can I put myself out there for this man? “I would’ve chosen you.”

“But you married Wes.”

“You didn’t seem like an option. And I did love him. I thought I could … start again, have a relationship with less drama.”

“Boy, were you wrong.”

“Right?” I laugh, then stop. “It’s not funny, though.”

Fred doesn’t take his eyes off me. “I know,” he says softly. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, I deserve it. Keep it coming.”

“I don’t want to do that.” His tone is different now. His voice deeper.

“I found something,” I say.

“What?”

I reach into my pocket and grasp the charm. I pull it out and open my palm slowly. “I only found this today. And your note. Wes hid them from me.”

Fred sucks in his breath. “My God.”

“He did it because he knew. He knew what I’d do if I got it.”

“Would you have?”

I nod slowly as his eyes search my face. “But Fred, that was three years ago … I understand if …”

“Hmm.” He clears his throat. “You had something wrong today.”

“Oh? What?”

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