Page 55 of The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck

“You would really like to do that?” asks Alistair, ignoring both of his friends. “The dancing and the swimming?”

I shrug. “I don’t know.”

“It’s your choice, of course. I shouldn’t have...”

“You shouldn’t have what?”

He gives me his most serious look and says, “I’m sure you’d be wonderful at either.”

“Thank you, Ali,” I say. “Though I think it’s more likely I’d fall off the stage or accidentally drown. Neither dancing nor staying underwater for prolonged periods are my strong suits. I’ll stick to the existing wish list for now.”

Those broad shoulders slump ever so slightly in obvious relief. Which is kind of hilarious.

“This is incredible.” Shane is texting once more. “It’s like he’s evolving and growing into a better boyfriend right before our eyes.”

“Except we’re not together,” I remind them. And myself.

“What else was on the list?” asks Gael, tapping a finger against his chin. “Oh. I know. How about thePretty Womanmoment? I know a costume designer who has great connections in the industry.”

“Back off, Gael,” says Alistair in a more subdued tone. “I’ll handle thePretty Woman.”

The way my heart dies just a little at the words.

Gael does a dramatic sigh. “But—”

“I repeat, I have her very much in hand and do not need your help,” states Alistair.

“You have me very much in hand?” I ask with a curious sort of smile. “Is that so?”

“Lilah...” says Alistair, visibly flustered. Again. “You know what I mean.”

“Do I?”

His jaw shifts. “Yes.”

“We all know what you mean,” confirms Gael.

Shane nods. “That’s true. We do. Even if you don’t.”

“I mean she’s my friend and I’m taking care of it. All of it.”

My hopes do not plummet. They were never that high to begin with. There’s nothing like hanging out with an actual Prince Charming to teach you to keep your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds.

Meanwhile, there is a definite ever so slightly evil twinkle in Gael’s eyes, and his smile is huge. Like he’s absolutely having the time of his life. “Alistair tells us you’re a librarian,” says Gael. “Any other hobbies or interests besides books?”

“Like anyone actually needs a hobby besides books.” I load my fork up with food. “But movies, music...those sorts of things.”

“Great,” he says with much enthusiasm. About ten times more than is strictly speaking necessary. And the way this annoys Alistair is clear to one and all. Though he can’t actually be jealous. This is just more of their competitive friend thing. No need to blow it out of proportion. “What’s your favorite movie, Lilah?”

“It’s hard to narrow it down to just one.”

“Give it a go.”

“Um. I thoughtHunt for the Wilderpeoplewas great.”

“I haven’t seen that one,” says Gael. “We should get together and watch it sometime.”

Alistair shuts his eyelids tight for a moment. Like he’s searching for peace and patience deep inside and failing. The only problem with these shenanigans is how my heart keeps acting like it’s poised on the cusp of something. Every action of his spurs a reaction in me. It all fuels my foolish hope that Alistair has feelings for me too. Ones that maybe go beyond the occasional bout of lust. All I can do is self-medicate with champagne and tamales. This too shall pass.

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