“Did I hear you’ve applied to Tufts early decision?” Tyler asked.
“Yes.”
“Your parents okay with that? I mean, after everything that’s happened?” “They wanted me to stay closer, but I have to get away … from the memories.” A gull rose in the air and dropped another clam.
“Don’t they ever miss?” Tyler asked.
“Sometimes. When it’s windy … What do you think you’ll do back in Kansas City?” “Spend some time with my parents. I heard that the police searched Skelling’s house and found some information about what she did with Megan. I don’t think my parents ever gave up hope that she was still alive, so I have to go back and be with them now.” The air was still and the water glassy. The Sound was like a giant pond. I gazed out across it. A tugboat was pulling a barge, leaving an ever-widening wake. I wanted to tell Tyler that I wished he wouldn’t go, but I couldn’t. He had to go back and comfort his parents.
“Madison?”
“Yes?”
“I’ll probably have to stay out in KC for a few months, but it won’t be forever. Frank says that any time I want to come back to the garage in the spring, there’ll be a job for me. So I was just wondering … if that was something you thought you might approve of?” I felt a smile on my lips and slid my hand into his. “Yes, Tyler, I think I would.”
