“It’s Sara Beth,” she says. “Is she okay?” “I think so. But she left a message on my machine when I was out walking.” He can tell she’s moving, bending and taking off her sneakers while she speaks, the telephone cradled to her ear. “Something about if I can meet her tomorrow to go shopping.” “Shopping.” “Well. It’s not really about shopping.” “No,” he answers, pacing the kitchen and downing his coffee, hating to lose Saturday. “I’m sorry. I have to give her this chance.” “Of course you do. Don’t worry about it.” “Oh, and Michael. It’s Ashley, too. She’s here. She drove down.” “Everything all right?” “She surprised me with a little visit, that’s all. We went to the movies last night, and we’re just going to hang out today.” “I know how much that means to you. But I’m still going to miss you.” Rachel pauses. “I wonder if I could ask you a favor. I want Ashley to meet you.” “Meet me? When?” “Today. She has to drive back to campus later and if I follow her, we could meet you in New York somewhere after you get off work.
