ASHTON
The morning is gray and wet when I park outside Anna's house.
Demi has ditched her wig back but the sunglasses are perched on her nose. She takes a second to breathe after I kill the engine, admiring the view like she's missed home.
I carry her suitcase up the walk. Before she can lift her hand to knock, the door flies open, and Anna launches herself at her.
The shriek that follows could probably be heard three streets away. Anna squeezes Demi so hard it strains their breaths. Demi squeals back, half laughing and half crying.
They rock on the doorstep together, both of them talking at once, a tangle of oh my God and you're here and I missed you so much.
I stand there with the suitcase and a wide grin on my face.
Anna peeks at me over Demi's shoulder, her eyes red and shining. She mouths a thank you. I give her a nod, set the bag down on the porch, and press a kiss to the top of Demi's head.
"I should let you two catch up. Call me later, okay?"
"I will."
