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“On social media! Our last post was seen by a TV presenter—must have been the hashtag—and she shared it, and reached out to see if she could cover the story and interview you and now it’s all blowing up—” Martha checked her phone again, “well, FOX! You’re famous, Kathleen. You’re going to need an agent.”
“I hereby appoint you to the role.” Kathleen fanned herself as Martha scrolled through her messages.
“You can’t possibly give interviews to all these people or you’ll never get to enjoy your road trip. Why don’t we offer an exclusive to one, for now—to the channel you worked for? And then you can see how you feel about doing more once you get home. I can handle that for you. Hey, maybe they’ll offer you a book deal.”
“I’d rather do something than write about it.”
“I’ll ghost write it for you.” Martha was still scrolling, and Josh shook his head, amused.
“Have you thought about applying for a job in public relations, or media relations?”
“Nah, I already have a job, thanks. I’m Kathleen’s personal assistant. I am going to handle her media inquiries.” Martha typed a reply to someone, her fingers flying so fast that it seemed like magic to Kathleen. “I am her first line of defense.”
“Defense against what?”
“Anyone who tries to give her tea that isn’t Earl Grey. Also the paparazzi.” Martha sent one message, and then another. “We can’t have them knowing about Kathleen’s giddy lifestyle.”
“Talking of giddy lifestyles, this heat does make me feel a little strange.” Kathleen slipped her arm into Martha’s and she immediately put her phone away.
“Is it too hot for you? Do you want to go back to the hotel?”
“No. Let’s walk for a little.”
Whatever would she have done on this trip without Martha?
Josh strolled ahead, but Martha stayed with Kathleen.
“You asked Liza to read the letters, didn’t you?” She kept her voice low. “You don’t have to tell me about it. But if you need a big hug or anything, I’m here.”
A big hug.
Martha was still willing to give emotionally, despite what had happened. It gave Kathleen hope for her.
“It was the right thing to do. Thank you for encouraging me.”
Adam hadn’t left Ruth.
She knew for sure now that she’d done the right thing.
Ruth had enjoyed a happy life. Adam had stayed with her, although something in the phrases Ruth used so carefully had made Kathleen wonder if there had been an affair in there at some point. It wouldn’t have surprised her, just as the fact that Adam had enjoyed a distinguished career didn’t surprise her.
Kathleen pictured him, sure and confident standing at a lectern. A little thicker around the middle, perhaps, hair with a few silvery streaks. But he would have had presence. Adam always had presence.
Martha reached across and gave her hand a squeeze. “Did it upset you, Kathleen?”
Upset? No.
“It unsettled me, but it was the right thing to do.”
“And are you going to get in touch with Ruth?”
“That, I haven’t decided.” And it had been weighing on her since Liza had read the last letter.
Martha nodded. “I suppose that depends on whether you want this to be the end, or a beginning. It could be either.”
Kathleen stopped walking. The heat pressed down on her.
An end or a beginning. Martha was right.
