Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
I’m just not sure how to make that happen.
I’ve been aware of people on the sidewalk, giving me a wide berth as they pass by like they’re worried about getting too close to the girl having a public meltdown. I don’t blame them. Honestly, it’d probably be best to cross the street or reroute altogether.
But then someone veers too close, closer, and it’s not until the person is right in front of me that I peer up to see Nate standing there, clutching bags. He sets them on the sidewalk then reaches down to grip my arm and help me stand.
I stare into his blue eyes. He doesn’t let go of me. He looks worried, but he doesn’t say anything. He sees the phone pressed to my ear, and he must be imagining the worst kind of news.
Are you okay? he mouths.
I nod and mouth back, Andrew.
His grip eases and his expression softens, but he doesn’t let up altogether.
“Where are you staying?” I ask Andrew.
“Well…obviously I planned to stay with you—”
I squeeze my eyes closed for a moment. “But don’t you remember? It’s not like I’m at a hotel. I’m staying with the author I’m working with.”
Nate seems so calm now when he shakes his head. “Of course he can stay.”
This is said loud enough for Andrew to hear. No game of telephone here. No way for me to gloss over the truth.
Nate continues, “It’s fine. Give him my address.”
The situation is now fully out of my control. Because Nate is here, listening in on the conversation, there’s no way for me to keep everything separate. No, Andrew can’t stay at Nate’s house. No, they can’t meet. I would have figured out some other solution, but it’s too late now.
Nate motions for my phone, and I hand it to him because what else can I do? My stomach pinches into a tight knot as he gives Andrew the directions for how to get to his cottage, and just like that, the plan is set in motion.
After Nate hangs up, he hands me my phone, and I stare down at it, wondering what would have happened if we hadn’t gone into town today, if I didn’t have cell service. What was Andrew’s plan?
Oh right. He had no plan. That’s the romance aspect I’m supposed to be appreciating, his willingness to fly overseas with nothing but hope.
We walk to Nate’s car in silence, load in our bags, and then start the twenty-minute drive back to Sedbergh. Once we’re outside of Kendal, back among the rolling hills and the wild landscape, I finally feel like I can speak again.
“I didn’t invite him,” I say, wincing at how that sounds. Like Andrew is some interloper when he’s not. He’s a great guy. I’m just doing a bad job of processing everything. I can’t seem to say the right thing.
“It’s no problem,” Nate assures me.
“I just don’t want you thinking I told him to come here because now would obviously be a bad time for him to visit.” Then, I panic over the idea that Nate is thinking I’m referring to what happened between us, which I am, but our work is also a factor in this, however small. “Because we’ve been on such a roll with the book and I’m already putting you out. I would never expect you to be okay with me inviting someone else to stay at your cottage.”
“I really don’t mind, Summer.”
“No?”
I’m not buying it.
He adjusts his hands on the steering wheel and stares straight ahead, never taking his eyes off the road. “Not at all.”
His composure is surprising. I mean, he really must not have any feelings for me because if the situation were reversed and I were in his shoes, if one of his ex-girlfriends just popped up out of the blue, the last thing I would be doing is inviting her over to stay. Reunite somewhere else! Where I don’t have to see it! In Tibet for all I care!
“Tell him he can stay a few days,” Nate adds, his eyes slicing over to me for a brief moment. “The poor guy flew all the way over here to see you.”
I cross my arms and turn to look out my window, inexplicably annoyed. “Yeah, okay.”
I should probably be thanking Nate for his generosity, but I can’t seem to get there. I have too much on the tip of my tongue, too many questions I want answered instead.
I sigh, let my head fall back against the headrest, and close my eyes, trying to mentally prepare for what’s about to happen when I see Andrew.
CHAPTER 20
NATE
On paper, I’m cool and calm. I’m being a generous host and a nice guy.
Inside, I’m filled with murderous rage. At least I think this is murderous rage. I’m not sure because I’ve never murdered someone before, but there’s a first time for everything!