Chapter 86

            In Summer’s bedroom. Summer sits on the bed. Indigo closes the door, leans against it and says, “I can’t believe you said that to your mom.”

            Summer says “I was being truthful.”

            “We’re talking, not having sex.”

            “Yet.”

            “And what makes you think we will be?”

            “Because I’m me, and you’re irresistible.” Indigo laughs. “Come sit with me.”

            “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

            “As much as I can.” Indigo sits next to Summer. “I don’t know how to say this.”

            “Just tell me.”

            “They think Ric had something to do with Noya’s death. I don’t know why, or how, they wouldn’t tell me. They did ask if I knew the names of any of your previous girlfriends, before me and after me.”

            “What does that have to do with any of this?”

            “No clue, but that’s all I know.”

            “Meredith didn’t want me to know, did she?”

            “No, but as it’s your past, you’re the best person to ask. I didn’t think you’d want Iona involved.”

            “Thank you.”

            “You don’t have to thank me. Although, you could show me.”

            “You’re terrible.”

            “Then teach me to be better.”

            “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

            “You saying I’m good.”

            Indigo smiles and kisses Summer. “You’re incredible, and I’m hungry.” Indigo stands up. “I’ll order pizza, if Sabrina isn’t cooking already.”

            “Fine. I’ll take a nap.”

            Summer lays down. “Sums?”

            “I’m napping.”

            “What did Lexi think you were going to do?”

            Summer rolls over to face Indigo. “When?”

            “At the hospital. She said “Let Gaz go”.”

            “She probably thought I was going to find him.”

            “Why?”

            “She’s my therapist.”

            “I know that, but why would she think you would find Ric?”

            Summer sits up and sighs. “In my last session, which was this morning, she asked me what I would do now I know who he is.”

            “What did you tell her?”

            “That a strong person would find him and make him pay, a weak person would run, and I didn’t know what type of person I am.”

            “You’re a strong person. Lexi must think the same if she thought you were going to find him.”

            “I wasn’t. I was going to get Ethan and run. I’m weak.”

            Indigo sits next to Summer. “You didn’t run. You’re here.”

            “Because of you.”

            “You’re still here. You had the chance to go, and you didn’t take it.”

            “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

            Indigo kisses Summer. “Summer-Rose Xander, you are the strongest person I know. It takes more strength to face your fears, regardless of the reason.”

            “I love you.”

            “I love you.”

            “You full named me.”

            “Yeah, you needed it.”

            “You know what else I need?”

            Indigo nods and kisses Summer. “Sleep.” Indigo walks to the door. “I’ll send Ethan up when the food’s ready.”

            Indigo leaves the room. Summer falls back on the bed. “C**k-blocked by an empty stomach. What is that?”