Page 50 of The Roommate Lie

I don’t want to care what she writes about me, but I’m a sucker when it comes to stuff like that. Bad book reviews drag me down for months; I’m not even allowed to think aboutchecking Goodreads anymore. But a scandal sheet that’s delivered directly to Charlie’s house? That I know every single person in the Lilac Hedgerow is reading?

“If the Victorian sees me having fun around town, won’t she keep insinuating I’m lazy?”

Charlie has an answer for that too. “You can write in public during the day—at a cafe or the library—and then we can do stuff around town in the afternoon. If everyone sees you writing, they can’t say you’re lazy. What are you supposed to do, write twenty-four seven? You’re not a machine.”

He’s right, and I beam at him again. “You have the best ideas. Are you sure you don’t mind showing me around? I don’t even know what I want to do or see.”

“Don’t worry, Kilpatrick. I’ve got it covered,” he says, giving me a faint but mischievous grin. “I know all the best ways to keep you busy.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

CHARLIE

I’m on my best behavior, and I stay that way…at least at first.

After the stunt I pulled in the guest room—getting that close while flirting that hard—I’m determined to be a saint. I’ve turned over a new leaf, a chaste leaf, and I’m ready to devote my life to a higher cause: helping Alice not feel miserable while she’s in town. And I’m off to a pretty great start.

While she waits at our table, happily outlining her fake-Jason short story on her phone, I borrow a sheet of paper and a pen from the guy who runs this place, determined to make Alice’s stay here unforgettable. It’s way before the dinner rush at Terry’s Bistro. We have the restaurant to ourselves, but when I return, Alice’s gaze darts around the room like the Victorian could be anywhere.

“Are you sure it’s safe to talk about this here?”

“Completely. Terry would rather chew off his own arm than spread gossip.”

He never even ratted me out for egging this place on a dare when I was thirteen. He just made me clean it up, told me I needed better friends, and never mentioned it again. He’s a real class act that way.

I down a few more bites of my burger, then I get to work. This is my chance to give Alice what she needs, a nice friendly to-do list of all the things she should see before she leaves town. A list full of good, clean fun that doesn’t involve any fake dating, no matter what those Old Birds say.

As she finishes brainstorming, I scrawl a title across the top of our paper—Alice and Charlie’s Ponderosa Fun List—and those words work instantly. The corners of her mouth tilt as she reads it, her smile faint but genuine. The kind of look that instantly lets a guy know when he’s on the right track.

1. Pet a raccoon (very carefully)

The first item on our list makes Alice giggle, and it’s more proof I’m doing this right. That she wants real fun while she’s in town, not fake dating. It’s a pretty great sound too, that laugh. Maybe my new favorite sound.

“Not possible,” she says. “Petting a raccoon would be amazing—a dream come true—but not possible.”

Look at me. Making dreams come true on a Wednesday.

“Totally possible. My mom helped her husband rescue some raccoon kits this week. If we play our cards right, they might even let us feed them. Do you think you’re ready for that much cute?”

She grins. “I was born ready.”

My new plan is ticking all the boxes. Alice’s smile right now is everything. So I keep going.

2. Tame the dragon

This time, I leave it vague. Carrots shoots me a curious glance, but I don’t explain. It’s too fun making her wonder. Witha nonchalant shrug, I keep writing, and her smile grows even wider.I’m definitely on the right track.

She watches intently as I finish our list. By the time I’m done, I’ve added three more items, five altogether, and not a single one is “kiss Charlie to make your ex jealous.” Even if I’ve been thinking it the entire time.

“Will we be able to finish everything before I leave next Wednesday?”

“Easily. We could probably fit in a few more things, if you want.”

Alice bites her lip. “Do you have anything in mind?”

Several things.

Instantly.

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