She laughed before finally kissing her one last time. The kiss was sweet and soft, and it felt like a better good-bye than they’d had in the Bronco. When she drew back, she could see Maddie had decided something like this, too. Her smile was more genuine now, and her eyes weren’t as red.

“Can you make it back to the car okay?” she asked.

Maddie lifted one sensible boot. “I’ll be fine. So, I’ll see you soon?”

“Yes. Soon.”

She didn’t stay there watching her leave. If she did, she’d be tempted to call her back. She made her way directly into the lobby, blinking in the dim light as the glass door closed behind her. As her eyes adjusted to the relative darkness, she saw Stuart standing there with two takeaway cups of coffee in his hands, his mouth hanging open. Ethel stood nearby holding two plastic-wrapped muffins, her mouth also gaping wide.

“Did you see all of that?” she asked them.

They both nodded.

She tried to shrug, pretending nonchalance, and then burst into tears. Soon Stuart was pulling her into his arms and leading her upstairs. He took the key from her to save her from fumbling with it, directing her into the hotel room and steering her to the armchair. He left her there to retrieve the coffees and muffins, which gave her enough time to gain control of herself again. She was wiping her face with her hands when he returned, his expression a mixture of worry and sorrow.

“I’m okay now,” she said.

“Really? Cause you didn’t seem okay. I don’t remember the last time I saw you cry like that. I think it nearly killed Ethel on the spot.”

She laughed and patted the other chair. “She’ll be okay. She’s seen me cry before actually.”

Stuart looked as if he wanted to follow up on that comment, but instead he sat, handing her the muffin and the coffee. She set the muffin down next to the others she hadn’t eaten and drank the coffee gratefully. She felt worn paper-thin again, and it was only late afternoon. She glanced at her phone as they sat there quietly, Stuart munching away, loose bits spilling out of his mouth. Ted hadn’t contacted her yet about her flight.

Stuart swallowed hard after his last enormous mouthful. He had crumbs dusting the corners of his mouth, and she handed him a napkin without comment. He grinned and wiped his mouth.

“So, are you going to explain what I just saw?” he finally asked.

“Did you hear any of it?”

He shook his head, and she rubbed her eyes again. Her makeup was likely a real mess, but she couldn’t care about that now. She made herself meet Stuart’s eyes.

“We got a little carried away, I guess.”