Page 65 of Summer Light on Nantucket
He needed to tell her! The poor woman. Blythe had friends who had suffered from infertility. It had wrecked marriages.
If Bob didn’t tell Teri—what should Blythe do?
the hospital
She entered her house and found it quiet. The children had scribbled messages on the chalkboard.
She could tell by the writing that it was Holly who had written:Mom. You left your phone on the counter when you went to Grandmother’s.
Beneath that, Miranda had added:Ya u r so absentminded these days.
Before Blythe could pick up her phone, it pinged.
Her heart almost stopped.
Blythe, I’m flying into Boston today. Arrive at Logan airport six this evening. Could you come meet me? Stay the night in my apartment. We have so much to talk about. Aaden.
His words swam before her. Aaden was back. He wanted to see her. It would mean a scramble to get ready, but she could do it. Butshouldshe do it? Spending the night with Aaden felt like a big leap, especially when she was beginning a new and lovely relationship with Nick. She didn’t want to endanger that. But how could she go on with her new life if she didn’t settle the emotional storm she’d been in since Aaden had come to her house for lunch? And when he’d taken her to dinner, she’d felt suchjoyin his presence. She’d enchanted herself with memories of Aaden for years. She couldn’t let this chance go by.
She needed to settle down. To go slowly. To be an adult. As she often told her children, she needed to finish a task before starting a new one.
Not that Aaden was atask.
She remembered the winter of their senior year in high school, when they’d been at Blythe’s house. Her parents weren’t home, so Aaden built a fire in the living room fireplace and Blythe made real hot chocolate. They cuddled on the sofa, knowing they couldn’t kiss without wanting more, because Blythe’s parents might walk in any moment.
They had laughed together, warm in the firelight, safe in their love.
Aaden was the love of her life.Then.
But what did that mean for the rest of her life?
His arrival on Nantucket this summer had been like a miracle, like Fate placing him right in front of Blythe. She needed to see him again, and this would be a good time, while her children were busy with summer plans.
They would talk tonight. Just talk. She’d fly back tomorrow morning. Celeste or even Kate could take care of the children for one night.
In her Nantucket bedroom, Blythe texted Aaden.I’ll fly up this evening. Lots of planes this summer. I’ll text you when I know what time I arrive.
Immediately after pressing send, Blythe wanted to take it back. Because—what about Nick? What would he think if he knew she was flying to Boston to see another man? Would he be jealous?
Was she still in high school?
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard her children pillaging through the house, slamming doors, arguing.
“Don’t get snitty withmebecause Brooks wants to play tennis with Harrison!”
Ah, Blythe thought. Holly was squabbling with Miranda.
“I’m not being snitty with you,” Miranda retorted. “Believe me, you’ll know when I get snitty.”
“Randy—” Holly began.
“Don’t call me Randy!”
“Miranda, help me dye my hair pink. It will take your mind off Brooks.”
“I can’t. I’m busy.”
“Yeah, you’re busy. You’ll watch your phone and chew on your hair and drive yourself crazy about Brooks.”
