Mystic Summer

by Hannah McKinnon

  When the last song of the reception plays, Erika and Trent move onto the dance floor one last time. Watching them from the deck door, I am sated with the celebrations of this delicious summer day. The rest of the bridal party are slumped in ballroom chairs, rubbing their sore feet as guests scrape the remains of wedding cake off their plates. Evan is among them. Seated off to the side, he will be going back to his room alone tonight. He understands that now. He thinks I am making a big mistake; and I don’t blame him for walking angrily away from me when I told him just now, outside on the deck. But I’m sure he’ll come to realize that I did us both a favor. Evan is not home for me. And he deserves to take the next step in life with someone who is. But as I stand on the edge of the dance floor watching the way Trent looks at Erika, I know then that there is one more thing I need to do.

  Soon, I am dashing up the stone walkway to the gate, the moon barely illuminating object from air. The front door is locked, but it’s no matter. I know the way. I slip between the arborvitae and along the side of the house to the rear. At the foot of the stairs, I begin my ascent.

  The white balcony takes on a ghostlike glow in the moonlight. I am alone, and yet I feel as if I am not. As if there is also someone from before, someone who has not left, and whose spirit will never quite leave. And yet it doesn’t scare me. Because someone very real is coming.

  From up here the Mystic River is a mercurial ribbon in the moonlight. To the east, there are the dots of lights and shadows of rooftops. Somewhere among them is the club, music probably still emanating from its deck doors. My friends will be on the dance floor. And up the river, Erika and Trent are just now sailing aboard the beautiful white schooner that swept them away from the reception, moments before I took my own leave, white lights glittering up and down the mast.

  But here, at the Edwin Bate House, there is only silence, save for the peepers and the whoosh of evergreen branches in the breeze. I wait, holding my breath. Moments later, headlights appear on the road below. They swing up toward the house, and there is the crunch of gravel beneath tires. I close my eyes. A car door slams.

  Soon, footsteps sound on the wooden staircase behind me. I turn as he steps on to the balcony.

  Cameron pauses. Even in the pale light I can see him. His expression is uncertain.

  “Maggie. Is everything okay?” he asks.

  “It is now.”

  He comes to stand beside me, but I can sense his hesitation.

  “Thanks for coming,” I tell him. “I’m sorry I called so late.”

  He waits for me to speak, but I can’t. “What’s going on?” he asks.

  Cam’s hand is soft and warm when I reach for it on the railing. I fold my fingers in between his. “Lauren is gone, isn’t she?”

  Cam shifts his gaze away toward the grove of hemlocks, but I keep hold of his fingers. “She’s flying out tomorrow. How did you know?”

  A breath leaves my chest, a mix of sadness and regret. “I had a feeling after I left the hospital. I’m so sorry, Cam.” No matter what Lauren represented for Cam, she is still Emory’s mother.

  “It’s done now,” he says. Then, “Why did you call tonight?”

  I inhale. “When I first came home this summer and ran into you, I never thought I’d be standing here now. So much has happened in these short weeks. And this last week, at the hospital, I caught a glimpse of just how full your life really is.”

  Cam looks at me. “My whole life is Emory. It’s the way things have to be right now.”

  “I know. Which is why I’ve tried to stay away from both of you, to leave the past where it is. But when I heard Emory was sick, I couldn’t. I hope I didn’t intrude by coming to the hospital, but I had to see her.”

  Even in the darkness, I can feel him turn toward me. “You didn’t intrude. What happened with Lauren would’ve happened anyway; she doesn’t want to be a part of our lives. But you’re right—my life is full even without her.”

  “I’m glad,” I tell him.

  “And you have your own life, too, Maggie,” he adds. “I saw that for myself.”

  I know what Cam is referring to. Seeing me with Evan and all of our friends around town. Listening to me talk about how great Boston and city life are. What a fool I’ve behaved like this summer.

  “It’s not so full,” I tell him, a sad laugh escaping my throat. “A lot has changed. I’m not seeing anyone anymore. I’m no longer teaching at Darby. Hell, I don’t even know where I’m going to live after this weekend is over.”

  Cam doesn’t say anything for a long time. Behind us the peepers have picked up again. I imagine they’ve grown used to us; as if we, too, are just another part of night.

  Cam clears his throat. “When I saw you at the church yesterday, in your white summer dress . . .” He shakes his head. “Maggie, ever since I ran into you at the pier, I haven’t been able to get you out of my head.”

  It’s all I need to hear. “Yesterday, during the rehearsal, I was feeling so strange. Like I couldn’t breathe. I had to get out of there. And then you drove by the church, like some kind of a sign.”

  “I don’t believe in signs, Maggie.”

  “That’s okay, because there are real things, too. Things you can put your thumb on: like history, and friendship. Like the foundation of an old house that just needs to be shored up.”

  Cam is so close I can feel him. “Is that why you called me here?”

  I lean out over the railing. “This is where I first felt it this summer. Before I really understood about you and Emory. Before I lost my job. Or realized I was in the wrong relationship.”

  “And now?”

  I reach for him. This time when our lips touch, there is certainty. And so much more. He envelops me, and I let him pull me against him, the whole summer exhaling around us. I don’t want to let go. When we finally part, Cam pulls me close to his side and we stand entwined overlooking the river. I wonder if Edwin Bate ever stood beside his wife like this. I bet he did.

  Finally, Cam speaks. “So what are you going to do about a job, Griff?”

  I shrug, but the question doesn’t scare me. “I don’t know. I guess I’m going to have to figure that out.”

  “Any leads on a new apartment yet?”

  “I’m thinking of widening the search. Outside of Boston,” I say, looking at him out of the corner of my eye.

  There is one thing I still have to ask. “Do you think you could ever let someone back into your life again?” Below, the river is iridescent beneath the moon. Standing up here, with only the sound of the night and our own breath surrounding us, we could be any two people at any point in time. But we aren’t. Lucky us.

  Cam takes a deep breath and lets it go. “I like to think so. One thing I’ve learned from Emory is to take things one moment at a time. All we have is today.”

  I squeeze Cam’s hand. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  They say third time’s a charm, but our second time around has proven that one wrong. It has been both a joy and a privilege to work with my editor, Megan Reid, once again. She has done no less than champion my work, sending The Lake Season out of the gates and into the heart of the pack. And I’m honored to hand her the reins for this one, too. From the heartfelt handwritten notes that land in my mail with galleys to the brilliantly rendered suggestions on edits, Megan remains a gentle but constant voice of encouragement. She trusts me to run the distance and set my own pace—but she’s always waiting at the finish line. Wrapping a book together feels like landing in the winner’s circle every time. I can’t thank you enough.

  MacKenzie Fraser Bub, of Trident Media, remains my scout. Don’t be fooled by that soft southern accent—she’s the New York agent stuff of dreams. Always abreast of the market and expectations, she provides the measuring stick against which we all line up. She keeps me ever mindful not of the book I’m working on but the book that I want it to be. I’m forever grateful for her partnership, her sharp ear, and the quest
ions she’s not afraid to ask.

  I can honestly say that I talk more about my team at Emily Bestler Books than I do about my books. Another tremendous thank-you to Emily herself, whose keen eye and fabulous team have made it possible to deliver two novels in two years. Hugs and high fives to Ariele Fredman, publicity fairy godmother, who called, messaged, promoted, and ultimately garnered more media and print exposure than I ever imagined possible. Huge thanks also to Arielle Kane, who in one lengthy, laughter-filled phone call talked social media marketing, tossed me into “the Twitter,” and oversaw the videotaping with Studio4. Thanks to Jin Yu, who so kindly assisted in all things web related. And to Matt, who entertained me during my visits with all things crochet-animaux. (I’m still waiting for that chicken!)

  Friends and family are where it all starts and ends. Cheers to my New York “sisters” who put me on the right train and also come along for an adventure: A.C., J.R., and J.J. A toast to the C.C. Ice Fishing crew, whose laughter and cheer sustained me during the writing of this book. To B.B., fellow Camel and tour guide extraordinaire, who so generously shared Mystic with me and helped bring it to life for Maggie. And to Sherman, the little town big on love for this resident writer. You know who you are.

  It’s been so rewarding to connect with my readers online, and I must thank all the bloggers, reviewers, librarians, book clubs, Indie bookstore owners, and readers who reach out to me. Your support has been inspiring.

  To my family, who still call me and shout into the phone when they see my name in print. Most of all, to my girls, Grace and Finley, who remain the stars in my eyes and the reason I do what I do each day, and with each book. You’ll always be my most important works. I can’t wait to see the stories you write with your own lives.

  Mystic Summer

  by Hannah McKinnon

  A Readers Club Guide

  Introduction

  When she’s blindsided by a trio of seemingly unconnected events—her best friend’s summer wedding, a heartbreaking potential layoff, and a chance run-in with an ex-boyfriend—Maggie Griffin has no idea that she’s just embarked on a summer that will change her life and cause her to question everything she holds dear. A devoted Boston resident, she returns to her hometown of Mystic for the summer, where the past and present collide. Her journey of discovery impacts others’ lives as well, and when a vulnerable child is suddenly in danger, Maggie must make a choice. Should she hold tight to the life she’s built, or let go—and allow room for something even better? Critically acclaimed novelist Hannah McKinnon spins a warmhearted and thoughtful story of summer, friendship, and self-knowledge that is sure to charm women’s fiction fans everywhere.

  Questions and Topics for Discussion

  1. Maggie and Erika are two best friends who prove that opposites attract. Despite how they exasperate each other, what are the ties that bind these childhood friends, and how does their relationship change throughout the novel?

  2. Maggie notes: “I have always taken pride in my skill to find good in all of my students . . . Even when I have to dig deep.” How does she apply this optimistic spirit and goodwill to other characters in the novel? You might consider the Cam, Jane, Erika, and Peyton as examples.

  3. Jane is a constant sounding board for Maggie as an older sister (a role she’s played their entire lives), and Maggie’s parents are likewise close confidants and advisers. What are some of the bonds that have held this family together? Find examples in the text to support your answer, in addition to discussing the more emotional side.

  4. Change and stability are two of the major forces that drive Mystic Summer’s plot, but the author never makes them simple opposites. For instance, for Maggie, Boston represents change in that she must navigate finding a new home, but it is also the stable, safe choice when she considers returning to what she knows. How do other elements of the book embody this duality? Discuss Maggie’s relationships with Cam and Evan, her friendships, and the town of Mystic itself.

  5. One of the most charming parts of Mystic Summer is its description of parenting—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Compare and contrast Cam and Jane’s approaches to raising kids. Which did you relate with most?

  6. Erika gives Maggie a lot to think about when she tells her about her difficult summer with Chase, her old high school boyfriend. Do you agree with her decision not to tell Trent about her infidelity? Why or why not?

  7. Maggie makes the decision to forge a reconnection with Cam impulsively. Discuss this decision with your book club. What does Cam represent to her? Why is this so important at this point in her life?

  8. Why does the Edwin Bate house evoke such nostalgia for Maggie? What does it come to represent for her?

  9. Lauren, Cam’s ex and Emory’s mom, is one of the novel’s most complex characters. What are her struggles and motivations? When does she feel most sympathetic to you?

  10. Peyton, Erika, and Maggie are a close-knit group, but each has a distinct part to play in their friendship. Discuss the role each woman holds in their trio. How do their approaches to crises (like Erika’s wedding venue meltdown) reveal their personalities?

  11. Hannah McKinnon makes the interesting narrative decision to never show Erika and Trent’s wedding, though it’s arguably the focal point of the book. What effect does this have on how you experience Maggie’s story?

  12. “This is not my style. I am not the girl who shouts after old boyfriends in the street”. In what other ways does Maggie challenge her own expectations of herself and her relationships throughout the novel?

  Tips to Enhance Your Book Club

  1. Research atrial septal defect, the congenital heart condition that affects baby Emory (the American Heart Association’s website at heart.org is a great place to start). Ask your book club members to bring contributions to one of the many great charities that supports children with this life-threatening defect, like the Children’s Heart Federations, the AHA, or the International Children’s Heart Foundation and make a group donation on your club’s behalf.

  2. Even if your book club is chilly and landlocked, there’s no wrong time of year to evoke a Mystic summer. Serve New England beach–themed snacks like mini lobster rolls, corn on the cob, and spicy shrimp, and make sure to have lots of chilled white wine on hand! You can even try your hand at making homemade mini-pizzas inspired by the real-life namesake of the film Mystic Pizza.

  3. A summer wedding is at the heart of Mystic Summer, just like in The Lake Season, Hannah McKinnon’s debut novel. Bring in some of your favorite wedding pictures—whether they’re from your own nuptials, or those of your friends and family. As you peruse each other’s photos, tell your best wedding stories, and give a prize to whoever can share the funniest mishap!

  AMY CHAILLOU CARALUZZI

  HANNAH MCKINNON graduated from Connecticut College and the University of South Australia. She lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut, with her family, a flock of chickens, and two rescue dogs.

  MEET THE AUTHORS, WATCH VIDEOS AND MORE AT

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  OTHER BOOKS BY HANNAH MCKINNON

  The Lake Season

  FOR YOUNG ADULTS (AS HANNAH ROBERTS MCKINNON)

  Franny Parker

  The Properties of Water

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  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real pe
ople, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2016 by Hannah Roberts-McKinnon

  Photograph of House © Richard T. Nowitz/Corbis;

  Woman © Caia Image / Alamy Stock Photo; Background © Shutterstock

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