Page 147 of Summertime Friends

Some? More like a lot.

“Thanks, Mom.” I smile at her.

“Of course, honey. I love you.”

We smile at each other, and for the first time since I was thirteen, I don’t just hear her. I believe her and feel it deeply like it’s always been there.

“I love you too.”

60

LIAM

Present Summer

Once upon a time, at the beginning of this summer, I ran into a girl who I didn’t know how I would ever see again. In my mind, there wasn’t a doubt that we’d be back together by the end of the summer. Even an engagement—yes, I am that confident that nothing would stand between us—or friends with benefits would keep us from falling together. I dreamed of returning to London with her. A redo from our summer that tore us apart.

This time, we’d get it right. I’d tell her I love her, and she’d say it back.

Returning by myself had to happen. I knew it wouldn’t be for nothing. Emerson confirmed that when she called me the morning after I left.

“I need some time to sort this out by myself,” she told me after apologizing for overreacting and blaming me for the whole Natalie situation.

“Are you upset with me?”

“No.” I’m not cross at her needing space. I’m happy to be finally in her realm. “There’s no rush States. Today, tomorrow, or next year. I love you now, and I’ll love you then.”

She said, “Okay,” and then hung up. We’ve spoken. I wait until she calls, trying to respect the space she requested.

I know she’s been hurting. She’s been hurting for sixteen years and has chosen now to figure out how to stop. It wouldn’t be fair for me to think it could magically go away. I did that once, and it imploded things, pressurizing her to the point where she was fizzing out like a champagne bottle.

I meant it when I told her I loved her enough for both of us. I love her as she is now, but if taking this time to figure herself out finally is what she needs and gives us a fighting chance, then I’ll keep loving her from afar. I mean, I’m already quite good at it.

Even if she never figures it out and we age, my hair goes gray, and I forget about everything else in my life, I’d never forget her. I’d never stop loving her.

But I have a feeling I won’t need to wait that long.

I thought I would return to London for a week or two and then fly back to Chicago. Staying for a month did not cross my mind anywhere in my plan.

The day after I landed, I met with Edward Blyton, owner of Hotel Royal in London and several other locations across the continent. By the end of the week, a contract was with our legal team for review for every location.

During lunch with Edward, he informed me that his wife has stage four breast cancer and was given a year or two to live. They are in their late sixties but look and act like they are far younger. He wanted to sell a majority stake in his company. We worked out a deal that his locations will become a subsidiary of Hayes Hotels. We will retain majority ownership, but he will have a minor role.

I asked him why he wanted this.

“Time with her. I want to commit this version of myself to her and do everything I can to make her happy and feel loved. When people look back on my life, I don’t want them to think of my career or achievements. I want them to think of the way I loved her. I’d give up everything if it meant one more minute or year with her.”

I understood everything he wanted. That’s how I feel about Emerson.

“Why my company?”

“Do you remember when we met? We were both on vacation in the BVIs. You were walking into the lobby with a young woman. You stepped away to introduce yourself, but over your shoulder, Iwatched the way she watched you. She had this expression on her face—a face you only get when you are in the presence of your true love. I saw my wife and I in the two of you.”

“Emerson,” I mumbled under my breath.

“Yes, that must be her. I picked Hayes Hotels because I know you’d do the same if you were in my position.”

Leaving that lunch, I felt lucky. I already knew I didn’t care how long Emerson took to figure it out; I felt fortunate that I was the one she was figuring it out for.

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