Page 54 of Lyrical

She gave me a ‘get serious’ look, plopping down on the dining room chair.

“Is it good or bad?”

“Both, depending how you look at it.”

“How the hell can it be both?”And why the fuck are we playing fifty questions?

“I’m gonna see if Stephen needs a hand,” Chase said, heading towards the back patio.

We watched him leave. “Your boyfriend’s being a wimp.”

“I don’t blame him for not wanting to stick around. I’m not sure I do either. I feel a little sick right now.” I took a chair beside her. “I know you’re probably waiting for Stephen to tell me since he was the one there, but can you please just let me know one thing?” I bit down on my lip hard. “Just tell me Cassie’s not pregnant.”

Perry’s eyes widened then she busted out laughing. “No, Jills. She is definitely not pregnant. I mean, I suppose she could be, but it wouldn’t be Daniel’s.”

“What—”

“Dinner’s ready,” Stephen shouted from the kitchen.

“Already? We just got here.”

“That’s what you get for taking so long,” Perry said.

She got up and went to the kitchen, leaving me hanging. For not being sure if I wanted to know anything before, I suddenly wanted to know everything very badly. Chase came back in, handing me a beer. “I don’t think I need it yet, but thanks.”

“Hungry?” he asked.

“Not really.”

Stephen carried in a plate of foil-wrapped potatoes. “I didn’t think we were eating so early,” I said to him.

“Perry said seven.”

“She said to be here at seven.”

He shrugged. “I’m just around to cook and eat tonight.”

“No, you’re also around to let Jills know what happened last night.” Perry set down a bowl of green beans in the center of the table.

“You’re the one who wanted to tell her,” Stephen said.

“Yes, but you wanted to be here when I did.”

“No, I didn’t, Perry.”

“Dammit, guys. Just tell me what’s going on. I don’t care who tells me.”

“I need to get the steaks.” Stephen left the room and I sighed very, very loudly.

“Sit down, Chase, next to Jills. You’re making her nervous.”

“Fuck, Perry. Just—”

“He’s a virgin.”

The room got quiet until Stephen plunked down a large platter of meat and the sound seemed to ping-pong off the walls. I looked up at him. “A virgin?”

He dragged a slab onto his plate. “That’s what he says.”

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