Page 94 of The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck

“How to put this... They’ve certainly been the most interesting twenty-four hours of my life.”

“That’ll do for now. Furthermore, in my defense, what was it you told my mother? That time is just a construct?”

“I don’t remember saying that.”

“You had been drinking absinthe.”

“That explains it. Don’t quote me to me.” I poke him in the ribs.

“Your parents are great, and they care about you so much. This house and the life they’ve built are all wonderful. I didn’t want to tell them I dragged your name into the media again and that assholes online are picking you apart and it’s all my fault.”

“Fuck what random strangers online think of me. It’s not your fault.”

He frowns. “It wouldn’t be happening if you weren’t with me.”

“Are you aware that we both have a habit of worrying in common?”

“Can’t say it comes as a surprise.”

“Ali, we talked about this. Several times, in fact. I am fully aware that there are consequences to dating you. But telling them we’re getting married... What were you thinking? Please help me make it make sense!”

“As I mentioned previously, I think if you’re honest, you’ll admit that part of you really likes the idea of us getting hitched and that’s why you didn’t stop me.” He sighs. “Look at it this way. You can always call off the engagement later. Tell them I snore or smell funny or something.”

“Because we’re not really getting married, right? I mean, that would be ridiculous, right?”

“What would Good Witch Willow say?” His mouth skews to one side. “I lack her supposed powers of prediction. But I feel like it would be something along the lines of ‘Who knows what the future may bring?’”

I just groan.

He cocks his head. “Why didyougo along with it, for that matter? Come on. Tell me the truth.”

“I don’t know. Your general hotness lulled me into a false state of calm regarding the topic of our fake nuptials. It’s not my fault you’re a walking, talking thirst trap. And we were all having such a good time. I guess I didn’t want to burst their bubble.”

“You didn’t want to let them down either. They did seem really excited about it all, didn’t they?”

“Yeah. You’re the first man I brought home that they actually liked instead of just pretending to. Now that I’ve seen the difference, it seems so obvious.”

“I’m honored.” His cell buzzes in his pocket and he pulls it out. “It’s my mother. I’ll talk to her later.”

“No. You should answer it. It might be important.”

He does as told, putting the call on speaker. “Yes?”

“Thank goodness you picked up, my sweet boy. Your father is on his way,” says Lady Helena in a harried voice. “I just heard from his people. It’s an unofficial thing. Top secret. No firm ETA given, but we’re to expect him within the next two to twenty-four hours. We need to plan our defense or attack or whatever the hell it is we’re going to do. How quickly can you two get here?”

“He’s coming to see you?”

“No, my darling. He’s coming to seeyou.”

Alistair gazes into the shadows of the garage in shock. “Shit.”

“Indeed,” she says. “I suggested this would be the perfect time for us to all disappear and avoid him entirely. Tanzania is lovely this time of year for a family vacation. I have a friend with a beach house in Zanzibar. Such a great spot for a wedding. But Dougal said no. Then he made some long-winded speech about how you deserved the chance to meet your father and settle things between you once and for all. At least, I think that’s what it was about. I tuned out halfway through. You know how he can go on.”

Alistair says nothing. He just keeps blinking.

“Lady Helena, we’re on our way,” I jump in, and hang up the call. “I think it would be best if I drive.”

Nothing from him.

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