Page 49 of The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck

“Okay. About that drink?”

Without a word, he turns and disappears. It seems I am sorting books on my own.

Alistair reads a fair amount of fantasy. I’ve no idea why, but this surprises me. Terry Pratchett and J. R. R. Tolkien and N. K. Jemisin are all here. I went through a fantasy phase in my midtwenties, but it doesn’t appeal as much to me right now. Guess the idea of a world with a system of magic was more enticing before these predictions bit me on the ass. Though being told you’re going to die next week will suck the sparkle out of anything.

Alistair returns with the bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice, along with a single champagne flute and a beer for him. He pours me a glass of bubbles before starting in on one of the boxes alongside me. We’re going to work on the library together. I like being close to him, so this is a good thing. Though I am a little surprised he didn’t object to me going through his books and taking charge. Maybe he is starting to trust me after all.

“Am I allowed to ask how your lunch date went on Wednesday?” I say oh so casually. “Friends ask each other things like that, right?”

“Do they?”

“I just happened to see the photos on a gossip site.”

“You justhappenedto see them?”

I nod and sip my drink. “I was actually checking to see if there were any updates on me, if you must know.”

He unpacks books and doesn’t answer my question.

Undeterred, I ask, “How does the fame thing affect you dating?”

“Was that the first time you’ve seen your ex since the night you threw him out?” he asks in return.

“If I answer your question, will you answer mine?”

He narrows his gaze on me and says nothing. And I keep my mouth shut and wait. Finally, he says, “Yes.”

“That was the first time I’ve seen Josh since that night. Though he did text me when the photos of you and me were everywhere. Called me a cheating bitch, if you can believe it.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he says in a low and deliberate voice. The vibes coming off him are beyond intense.

I don’t know what to say. No one has ever been quite this angry on my behalf.

“You should have let me punch the little shit.”

“He isn’t worth an assault charge. Though I appreciate you being willing to go there for me.”

“Did it upset you? Seeing him?”

“No. That part of my life, being with him, it feels a weirdly long way away. Like it was years ago. Guess a lot has happened in the meantime. Or maybe this week and the predictions and so on have just weirded out my emotions.” I take a sip of the champagne and think calm thoughts. “This is good.”

He sighs and allows me to move the conversation in a different direction. “It’s a vintage Krug Brut,” he says. “I thought you might like it.”

“You were right.” I smile. “Thank you.”

“It’s well-known for being great at washing down bugs.”

“Answer my question now.”

“I usually date people who know what they’re getting into. Professionals in the entertainment industry and such. They’re under similar pressures and know how to keep their mouths shut. Often, they have just as much to lose if the wrong thing goes public.”

“Makes sense.”

He pushes his dark hair out of his face and looks me over. From my sensible flat black boots to my dark blue jeans and white tee. “You look nice. I meant to tell you earlier. You always look lovely.”

“Thank you. So do you.” The way heat rushes to my face. I gesture to the boxes. “Have you read all these books?”

“Some. Others I bought and stored here for later.”

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