I went back to Saltmere six weeks later because I wanted to, not because anyone had asked me to.
The Mercer restaurant had reopened the dining room after the first round of repairs. The sea-facing windows were new, but the old frames had been saved where they could. The floor didn't creak quite so dangerously beneath my feet. There was a new sign by the entrance acknowledging the preservation grant and the people who had done the work.
My name wasn't on it. That was right.
Diane hugged me when I came in. "You look rested."
"I'm not."
"Then you look happy."
"I might be."
Eli was in the kitchen, checking a delivery. He came out when he heard my voice. For a second, we both stood still.
Then he crossed the room and kissed me.
It wasn't dramatic. No one applauded. Diane made a point o
