"
Oliver vaguely remembered Francesca telling him about a brother. "Oh
yeah, Giles," he said.
"He's a pilot for Delta. He comes by sometimes when he has a layover.
Can you come over now?"
"Uh, sure--be about half an hour, I guess."
"I can't believe it!" Francesca said.
"Me neither. Great! See you." Oliver walked quickly to the Jeep and
drove to Ballard, struggling to adjust.
Francesca was waiting in front of the house. They had a long wordless
hug. Oliver felt immediately the familiar calm that radiated outward
from them, only now he seemed to take a more active part in generating
it.
"You've changed," she said, stepping back and looking at him closely.
"I've caught up, I think."
"It's so good to see you."
"How are the girls?"
"Just fine. They're in school. They'll be back soon." She led him
inside and gave him a tour of the house. He sat at a kitchen table and
explained his situation while she made tea. Francesca didn't say
anything until he finished.
"Jacky called me after your housewarming. She was worried about you."
"I like Jacky," Oliver said.
"She said Emma was a doll."
"Quite true," Oliver said.
"Oliver, where are you staying tonight?"
"I hadn't got that far yet.
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