“I think we need to talk,” I say.
Seth nods. “Yes.”
He looks like he’s organizing his thoughts to speak, but I gather my courage.
“I’ve really missed you.”
His face does this beautiful thing. The light begins in his eyes and then travels down to his mouth, which spreads into a smile so wide it shows all his teeth. The lines around his eyes crinkle into little rivers of happiness. It’s an expression of absolute, unguarded delight.
“I’ve missed you so much, Molls. Come here.”
He opens his arms and I pivot my hips and we wrap ourselves around each other.
In the distance, the music ends and a man’s voice requests that everyone return to their seats for a toast from Kevin’s father.
“Oh shit,” I say. It’s too early to sneak off. “We should probably go back. I don’t want to be rude.”
He nods and offers me his hand to help me up.
“Also,” I add, “I’m staying with my mom, so I’m not sure I can… um, not go home. I mean Icanbut it would provoke a conversation that I really don’t feel like enduring.”
He laughs. “Same here. But what are you doing tomorrow?”
“Sleeping off a champagne hangover?”
“Would you go on a date with me?”
The way he asks it has a trace of vulnerability. Like he’s worried I might actually say no.
“Yes,” I say. “I’d love to.”
“Do you know what might be fun? We could go back to the place where we had our first date.”
“That corny brunch place with the pancake bar? Is that still around?”
“Roberta’s on the Cove,” he says, grinning. “It’s still there. I checked.” He pauses. “I’ve been planning to ask you out all night. Just been gathering the nerve.”
I love how boyish he seems. The part of me that knew him when we were fifteen, when he was so nervous to be with me in the beginning, lights up with recognition.
“Okay,” I say. “Elaborate pancakes with retirees it is.”
He squeezes my hand. “Can I pick you up at eleven?”
I nod. “I’ll text you the address.”
He puts his hand on the small of my back as we walk back to the terrace. When we reach the stairs, he stops me and puts a kiss on my temple.
“See you tomorrow, Molly.”
“Yeah. See ya.”
And you know what?
I can’t wait.
CHAPTER 27Seth
I wake up blessedly late, a little bleary from a night of Prohibition cocktails, and give thanks that my nephews are already in the pool with their parents, leaving the house relatively quiet.
