Chapter 26

Phil said, “She stayed because she likes you. She stayed because she wants to be here. And me. I’ve.” He stopped. He dropped his hand and stood up again and shoved his hands in his pockets, turned his back to Laurie. “I like you too, Laurie,” he said softly. “I like being here.” He turned back toward the desk, fingering the edge of the ledger with those long-fingered hands Laurie enjoyed watching so much. “Let me help, Laurie. Let me sort out the paperwork. It’s something I can do.”

Laurie dug through his pockets and found a relatively clean handkerchief to wipe his face with. “I’ve made you all wet,” he said regretfully, looking up at Phil.

Phil brushed his hand over his shoulder. “It’s fine,” he said. “Don’t change the subject.”

Laurie looked up at him. “But you’re going back,” he said. “You’re only here on holiday, or on a career break or whatever it is. Getting over your divorce.”