33. Walter
Walter
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE PRESCOTT-SCHAFER WEDDING
TAMNIèS, France—“You never did call.” It might be a small thing in the grand scheme of their past, but Walter still wanted to know why she’d ghosted him.
Hildy shook her head, like she couldn’t believe he’d had the audacity to go there. “I wonder why?”
“So do I,” he said slowly.
She smoothed her skirt over her knees, avoiding his gaze. “Does it matter?”
“I’m just trying to understand your side of the story.”
That got her attention.
“My side?” Hildy’s eyes flashed. “I thought we were on the same side, Walter. That’s the problem.”
“Then why did you leave?”
“How could I stay after—”
“After what?” he prompted, when she broke off.
She leaned forward. The tension in her posture suggested she’d come to a decision, and Walter had better get ready. “I came to the dorm to find you.”
“When?” Had he somehow missed her? And by how much? How fucked up to think a few minutes had changed the course of his life.
“Later that night.”
“I didn’t see you.”
“No.” Hildy let the silence grow heavy. “But I heard you.”