And it occurred to her that the easiest a part of coming again to this a part of the Cape was assembly him once more. She hadn’t anticipated that, which simply proved that life might at all times shock you.

“I can already perceive why you got this place.”

“There’s extra. I’ve saved one of the best till final.”

Having fun with herself, she stepped via the door he’d opened and straight onto a large, spacious deck.

The breeze cooled her pores and skin and she or he walked to the sting of the terrace. She stared throughout the rooftops to the shoreline, her consideration caught by the yachts clustered within the bay. The breeze lifted a couple of strands of her hair, and she or he tasted salt and sea.

“It’s paradise.”

“I believe so. It’s not Dune Cottage nevertheless it has its personal particular allure.” He nonetheless had his arm on her waist. “That is one of the best studying spot. The very best spot to drink the primary espresso of the day. The very best place to linger with a night drink. Dawn and sundown. You see all of it from right here.”

They stood for a second in companionable silence after which he drew away.

“Do you keep in mind our journey to Florence?”

She hadn’t considered it for years. “You’re pondering of the roof terrace on high of the constructing the place we stayed. The room we rented overheated so badly we spent most of our time outside.” Her thoughts slid again in time. “Italian espresso. The orange tree rising within the nook.”

“Sounds of the piano coming from the ballet college subsequent door.”

“I keep in mind all of it.” She watched as a ship headed out to sea, the bow reducing via the water. “That was a memorable week.”

“I went again final 12 months, and the 12 months earlier than, for for much longer than per week.”

She turned to take a look at him. “To Florence?”

“Summers listed here are busy, however within the winter months I wish to journey. I’ve been spending time in Europe, largely Italy.”

“Alone?”

“Sure. It took time to get used to my very own firm, however after a when you understand how liberating it’s to journey by your self. You are able to do precisely as you please.” He paused. “You could have traveled an amazing take care of Cameron.”

“Sure, nevertheless it was at all times very busy. There was a good schedule. We have been hardly ever simply stress-free.” She thought of Seth in Italy and felt a stab of envy. “The place do you keep if you journey?”

“I discover an condo. It fits me higher than a lodge. I wish to faux I’m native.”

“Are you going once more this 12 months?”

“Sure. I’ve booked a month in Rome and a month in Florence. These winter months are a lot quieter. It’s a special place with out the vacationers. Similar as right here, I suppose.” He glanced on the water, after which gestured to the nook couch and the desk. “Are you content to eat exterior?”

“I can’t consider something I’d like extra.” She was nonetheless fascinated with Rome, and Florence and the truth that Seth could be there this winter. Perhaps she ought to journey. She’d traveled with Cameron in fact. The life they’d led had taken them everywhere in the world, and she or he was grateful for all of the experiences they’d loved. However nearly all their time had been scheduled, together with her taking part in the supporting function. When Cameron had wanted time to color, he typically went alone or closeted himself in his studio and Cecilia had transferred all her consideration to her backyard. She’d by no means traveled alone.

The thought was interesting. Why hadn’t she considered it earlier than? She’d been adrift, undecided what to do together with her life, undecided tips on how to form her life now that Cameron wasn’t a part of it.

However Seth had achieved it. He might have stayed in the home he’d lived in along with his spouse, and carried on the life he’d at all times lived, however with out her. As a substitute, he’d made main modifications. Lily had made main modifications, too, though doing so had been troublesome.

Was she courageous sufficient to do the identical?

Seth was watching her, and she or he had a sense he might learn her ideas.

“I’ll fetch the wine,” he stated. “Wait there.”

He was again moments later with a tray loaded with wine, glasses and small plates of meals.

“I’m a reliable prepare dinner, however I didn’t wish to waste time that might be spent with you, so I raided the deli. The one close to the seashore.” He put the tray down on the desk and sat subsequent to her on the couch.

“I’ve heard about it. Lily has picked up a couple of issues from there.”

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