He talks about making a career change and that he’s got his résumé out but hasn’t found anything yet. “I’m going to run out of cash soon,” he says. “Hate to dip into my 401(k), but that’s probably in the cards.”

I know there was life insurance through Starbucks, but I can imagine that money goes fast when you live in the city and have childcare and other expenses that I don’t have.

“Hard to find an executive position, I guess,” I say.

He nods. “Hard to find the right one.”

The sun is dipping low as we head back to the car. I’m feeling the effects of the beer. It’ll be a while before I can drive back to Shelton.

“I’m glad I came up to see you,” I say as we cross the Lilliwaup bridge.

“Me too, Lee. Maybe the only good thing about everything that happened is reconnecting with you.”

“I’m sorry for all you and Aubrey have gone through.”

“Thanks,” he says.

“No, really I am.”

“I know, Lee.”

When we arrive at the Wisteria, we sit in the same Adirondacks on the deck. The mood feels different. The breeze has stopped. The kids next door are no longer on the swing. Silence fills the air. Adam and I are alone.

“I don’t think I should drive,” I say.

“That’s fine. Let’s just sit.”

CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

ADAM

Lee drank too much, and I can’t let her drive back to Shelton. In a way, I feel protective of her, even after all these years. It’s that bond again.

I retrieve a couple more beers from the kitchen.

“Oh, God,” she says. “I’m half drunk now.”

“Not even a quarter drunk.”

She laughs but pushes back on my offer.

“Lee, you might as well stay,” I say, sitting back down. “Your cat will be fine without you.”

“Do I talk about my cat that much?”

I grin at her. “Constantly.”

She makes a face and accepts the beer.

“Sorry,” she says. “I never thought I’d end up being a cat lady.”

“You’re not,” I say. “I think you are great.”

She drinks some more, and we sit there on the deck as two kayakers paddle by. A seal plunges into the water from a float. I’m thinking of the ashes that I sifted out of the urn and wonder if the current has carried them all far away or if maybe bits of Sophie are on the crescent shoreline fronting the cabins.

I have no idea what Lee is thinking. I can only hope it’s that she sees me for who I am.

When it starts to get dark, I put a frozen pizza in the oven, and we eat it outside in the still but cooling air. My phone buzzes, and I read the text.