Page 75 of Spindrift

“Veryfunny. I should be at your place in three hours.”

“Wait,what? Today?”

“BlameMom. She got worried and ordered me to check on you.”

“Somewarning might be nice, next time.”

“Why?You got a house guest?”

“No.But I need to clean, and buy food—”

“Emmy.It’s me. I don’t give a shit about any of that.”

“Hangon.” She slurped down half her coffee and leaned against the counter. “Okay.Start over. You’re driving up today, you don’t have the twins, and Mark is . . .?”

“Takinga few days off. And I didn’t want to overload you. I was planning on stayingtwo nights if you’re up for it, but you can kick me out sooner. I just need aphoto of us together to send to Mom as proof.”

“Theworst part about all of this is feeling like I’m sixteen again. Remind Mom Iturned thirty last year, will you?”

“Funnyhow suicidal depression makes people protective,” Anna Maria said a little toosharply.

Theglow of last night faded. She couldn’t really blame her mother or Anna Maria fortheir worry. “I’m sorry. Do I need to call Mom?”

“Pleasedon’t. I wasn’t supposed to call you until I was ten minutes away.”

“Thankyou for not doing that.”

“Anytime.Okay, go do whatever you need to do to roll out the red-carpet treatment for myimminent arrival. See you soon.”

“Why,Nell?” she asked when Anna Maria hung up. Nell wagged her tail from her spot ina pool of sunshine on the floor. She paused before putting her phone away.

ER:Hope you got some sleep last night.

TextingMorgan brought some of her good mood back. Humming, she hopped in the shower,and was rewarded with a response when she hopped back out.

MD:A little. Want to keep me up again tonight?

Dammit,Anna Maria.Herstomach tightened.

ER:More than anything. Unfortunately, my sister is paying me a surprise visit. CanI see you when she leaves?

MD:Yes.

ER:You don’t have to buy me dinner this time.

MD:Can I cook it for you?

Shepressed the phone to her forehead and took a steadying breath, wondering if shecould manage to ditch Anna Maria tonight after all.

ER:Only if you come to my place. I want you shirtless.

MD:You sure you’re not free tonight?

ER:You’re not ready to meet my sister.

Briefly,she toyed with the idea of introducing Morgan to Anna Maria. “Hi, you’re thefuckable one,” Anna Maria would say. And then she would start asking questions,and Emilia didn’t have any answers.One day at a time.She smiled at theemoji Morgan fired back and went to do battle with the guest bedroom.

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