“Oh, the usual. Walks with Aidan along the shore, brunch with his team. We even popped into the city for something special.” She pulls a slim, silk box from her purse and places it in my lap. “This is for you.”
I blink. “What is it?”
“Open it.”
Inside, resting on a velvet cushion, is a single silver key.
I look up.
“It’s for your cabin at the Steinbeck Writers’ Retreat,” she says softly. “I saved up and grabbed the last slot.”
My throat tightens. “You… remembered I wanted that?”
“Of course I did.” She pulls me into a hug. “I started putting aside tips over a year ago. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to afford it, but I made it happen.”
For a moment, I can’t speak. I just hold on to her and let myself feel it—that quiet, unfamiliar warmth. Gratitude. Hope.
“I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything, sweetie. Just promise me you’ll go. Even if everything else falls apart—go.”
I nod, swallowing hard. “I will.”
She pulls back and cups my face like she’s memorizing it. “Now tell me everything I’ve missed. All the juicy details.”
“About what?”
“About this week. About you.” She leans in. “And don’t pretend nothing’s going on. You’ve been floating around like your feet barely touch the floor.”
I hesitate. Just long enough to weigh the truth.
Then I smile and reach for her thermos. “Only if there’s more where this came from.”
Her eyes light up. “Always. Now spill.”
9A
EMILY
On Sunday night, a rock flies through my open balcony door, landing right on my desk.
“I know you’re up there, Emily!” Taylor squeals from outside. “Hey! Hey! Come to the balcony, damnit!”
I hold back a groan.
I turned my phone off hours ago, right when she texted, “What time should I pick you up for Beach Fest?” Okay, well, it was after I said, “Can I have a rain check?” and she replied, “Hell no. Give me the time NOW.”
I tried to back out the easy way…
“You know there’s a ladder down here, right?”
I remain in my chair, choosing to call her bluff.
Hearing nothing but waves and wind for several moments, I assume she got the hint, so I pick up my pen and keep writing.
You and I should make an alliance…
But if we keep it quiet?—
