Page 54 of The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck

“She already gave me shit about not having finished unpacking, then started sorting the library.” Alistair sits beside me and steals a tamale off my plate. So rude. Though, to be fair, there’s a lot of food.

“I did not give you shit,” I say with a disdainful sniff. “I just ever so slightly questioned some of your life choices.”

“Is that what you call it?”

“He let you touch his stuff?” Shane picks up his cell and shoots off another text. “Nari needs to know about this. What else happened, Lilah?”

Filling your mouth with food is an excellent stall tactic when you don’t know what to say. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Shane’s cell chimes and he smiles. “Nari’s reminding me of the interior decorator you dated. The one who tried to get you to fix this place.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my house,” says Alistair. “It doesn’t need fixing.”

“I’ve always admired you for your inflexibility.” Gael waves his fork in the air. “Have I ever mentioned that?”

“What was their name?” asks Shane. “The decorator?”

“Rowan,” says Alistair.

Gael takes a seat with his own plate. “I remember Rowan. They were great. What happened between you two?”

“None of your business,” says Alistair.

At the same time as Shane says, “Didn’t they go back to their ex?”

“Their ex probably listened when they gave good advice. They probably now share a happy home that is filled with love while being both warm and welcoming. Don’t you wonder what that would be like?” Gael turns to me. “How’s your wish list going, Lilah?”

I swallow my food and take a sip of champagne to wash it down. “He told you about that too, huh?”

Alistair’s gaze holds a hint of confusion or worry. No idea which. “Should I not have? Lilah?”

Gael and Shane watch us with interest.

“It’s fine,” I say. “It wasn’t a secret. You’re just usually so closemouthed about things. But I’m happy to see you have friends that you talk to, and I’m happy to say I’m making progress on the list.”

“I know someone who does tandem paragliding,” says Gael. “If you’re interested, I could introduce you.”

There’s no time for me to get a word out. Nor is there any need, apparently.

“No,” says Alistair, his tone absolute. “She doesn’t feel the need to test gravity.”

“Fair enough,” answers Gael. “How do you feel about burlesque dancing?”

I get as far as opening my mouth this time. “I—”

“There’s no way she’s getting on a stage in her underwear.” Alistair shakes his head. “And she doesn’t want to be the mermaid in the tank at your friend’s bar either. So don’t even ask.”

“Oh, c’mon. Who doesn’t love a clamshell bra? They look so supportive!”

I take a moment to ponder the idea. “You know, Ali, your mom mentioned last night how liberating baring one’s breasts in public can be.”

“She’s met your mom?” Shane’s eyes are as wide as can be. “He introduced you to Lady Helena?”

Meanwhile, Alistair’s mouth opens, but he says nothing. He just stares at me. Then he finally comes out with “I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not.”

Shane snorts.

“If you want company in the tank, Lilah, I am there,” says Gael, giving me two thumbs up. “Being a merman always looked like fun to me. The outfits are so sparkly.”

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