Page 53 of Spindrift

Morganshot Emilia a rueful look and allowed Lillian to place her arm around hershoulders and lead her, limping, away. Emilia stared at Morgan’s back and wasglad no one could see her face as she pictured digging her nails into thesmooth, freckled skin. Maybe Anna Maria was right.

“Ohyeah,” Angie said when they showed up in the living room. “Forgot to tell you.Morgan’s home.” She stroked the still bristling James with an expression offeigned innocence. It occurred to Emilia, as it should have sooner, thatMorgan’s friends must have opinions of their own about her sudden appearance inMorgan’s life.

“I’mjust going to head out.” She turned, the box of painting supplies shifting awkwardlyin her arms, and fled.

• • •

Morgansank into the armchair with a groan. “Thanks for that, Ange.”

“What?It’s not my fault you didn’t put a shirt on.”

“Iwould have if I’d known Emilia was here.”

“Why?You’re decent.”

“Byyour standards, maybe,” said Lillian as she pulled up Morgan’s pant leg toexamine her ankle.

“Thehuman body is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Angie.

“I’mnot ashamed of my body.”

“Emilia’sseen women in sports bras before. I assume she’s gone to a gym at least once inher life.”

“Ange. . . Ow.” Morgan didn’t finish her sentence. Lillian’s gentle rotation of herankle had ended, and she began poking around one of the more tender areas.

“Youshould stay off this for a few days.”

“Youknow that isn’t an option. I’m booked.”

“Thenlet Stevie drive and use crutches as much as you can.”

“I’lltry.”

“Letme get you some ice. Where’s the dog?”

“WithStevie still. Traitor.”

“Youreally didn’t see Emilia’s car when you pulled in?”

“No.”

“Look.”Lillian returned with an ice pack and placed it on Morgan’s elevated ankle. “Iknow you’re being very noble about the whole situation, but there’s clearlysomething going on between you two.”

“Canwe focus on my ankle?”

“No,”Angie said before Lillian could answer. “Because I don’t understand theproblem.”

“Theproblem is that Morgan thinks Emilia is fragile,” said Lillian.

“That’snot her call,” Angie said.

“Nope.It also isn’t the reason she’s scared.”

“Righthere, guys,” said Morgan.

“Kate?”asked Angie.

“Kate.”

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