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The moment I’d realised Holland had left the room, I’d taken the stairs two at a time

She can’t leave

Not after what she’d said

Not after what’s passed between us

Yet as I swing open the door, there the evidence lies: a suitcase open on her bed, clothes dropped into it, onto the bed, between the wardrobe and the bed, and pretty much everywhere in the room

Though e, I force myself to sht when I’d switched on the lamp to find the room festooned with clothes Used cups Hair products I’ht was a peek into our future Our future bedroom

“You were supposed to be leaving then”

“No supposing about it I a,” she retorts, dry-eyed and stony-faced

“Looksaway”

Her denial is a vigorous shake of her head “Wilder, my nephew, asked me to come home He’s worried about Kennedy”

“When was the last tiainst the sill

“He’s worried about a h she hasn’t heard me “That’s Kennedy’s business The coffee shop” She drops a pile of underwear into the case “She runs our grandmother’s old place”

Oh, look Another penny the information miser parts with

“Ion Words Packing “But I’ht have so to do with Wilder”

Back at the ar at the hangers

“Okay I’ll get on and book a couple of flights” I pull out my phone “Into Portland?”

“What?” She swings around

“You have family trouble, yes?” Holland nods “Your family will be my family soon Besides, I really should introduce myself to your sister, don’t you think?”

Holland blinks A hanger clinks to the floor Then she shakes her head as though this is theshe’s ever heard