Page 24 of Summer After Summer

“You know his parents decide what to give us each year.”

“I didn’t know that.”

Sophie clutches her car keys. “Yeah, well, they’re kind of judgy, to be honest. I’ve been telling him for years that he should ask them to settle an amount on us so we can stop having to wonder every year what it’s going to be. He’s never wanted to do it. But now, we’ll have our own money.”

“It’s your money.”

She shakes her head. “No, it’s ours. That’s how marriage works.”

Wes and I had never combined our finances. I’d always thought it was a sign of our independence, but maybe it was just another sign of our failure.

“At least you have some choices now,” I say lightly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just … you don’t have to be so involved with his family if you don’t want to.”

“We live in their house every summer.”

“Get your own house.”

“Colin says we should put it in trust for the kids.”

“Sure, some of it. But Soph, come on. Use it to buy some independence. A little happiness.”

“I thought money didn’t buy happiness?”

“That’s what people without money say to make themselves feel better.”

“When did you become such a cynic?”

That stops me. I don’t believe half the things I said, and talking so much about money makes me feel icky. But that’s a prejudice born out of privilege. My family’s had money troubles for as long as I can remember, but we were also sitting on an asset that was worth millions. I’ve never experienced real hardship, and I don’t want to pretend that I have. “I’m sorry.”

She puts a hand on my shoulder. Her princess-cut engagement ring twinkles in the sun. “You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I am.”

“Okay, well … Have fun tonight.”

“Thanks.” I wait for her to mention Fred, but she doesn’t. Maybe she hasn’t heard about that yet. Or maybe she’s forgotten all about him and me. Just because he’s taken up so much space in my life, doesn’t mean he’s anything other than a blip in hers.

“Come by tomorrow and see the kids?”

“I will.”

“Teddy could use a tennis lesson.”

“Sure.”

Sophie hugs me quickly. “I’m sorry you had to do Mom’s stuff without me.”

“There’s still her day room.”

“Let me know when you’re doing that one.” She climbs into her car and turns it on. I step to the glass and rap on the window. She lowers it. “Don’t worry—I’ll clean out my room. Though I doubt I want anything in there.”

“Sooner rather than later, please.”

“I thought we had all summer.”

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