All The Summers After | TSITP | Sequel

Something Borrowed, Something Paris.

Conrad's eyes softened. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I know."

They watched as the salesperson handled the watch with gloved hands, letting Conrad try it on for size.

Conrad turned his wrist, the metal catching in the light. "It feels like... something you give someone you're proud of," he said.

Lydia looked at him then, really looked — at the way he was standing, at the warmth in his eyes when he thought about Jeremiah.

"You are proud of him," she said.

He smiled, gaze distant for a second like he could see that little blonde kid on the beach and the man he'd grown into at the same time. "Yeah," he murmured. "I really am."

She bumped his arm. "Then we're doing it?"

He nodded. "We're doing it."

The salesperson smiled. "Excellent choice. A Rolex is something he'll have for life."

Lydia exchanged a look with Conrad — one of those silent, wordless ones they'd perfected.

That's the point, her eyes said.

They watched as the the watch was settled into a green Rolex box, cushioned and precise, then tucked into an elegant bag.

When they stepped back out onto the street, Lydia exhaled.

"We just bought Jeremiah a Rolex," she said.

"Yep," Conrad replied.

"We're insane."

"Yep."

"We're also kind of awesome."

He turned his head, watching her. "You more than me."

"Don't start, Fisher."

————

Chanel was only a short walk away.

Lydia had always loved walking through this part of the city — the clean sidewalks, the carefully curated window displays, the way the afternoon light kissed every façade.

As they neared the store, she slowed down. The familiar intertwined Cs glowed above the door.

"Okay," she said, blowing out a breath. "Ready to commit to the bit?"

"When have you ever done anything halfway?" he said.

"True."

They walked in.

The inside was all marble and light and quiet luxury.

Lydia instantly thought of Belly and how her eyes would widen stepping into a place like this, even in her imagination.

"Just wait until she opens it," Lydia murmured.

"Who?" Conrad asked.

"Belly," she said. "She has no idea Paris is coming to her."