Page 18 of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding

“Wait, wait, wait...Are you telling me everyone thinks they’re coming to watch you andConnorget married?”

“Not actual me and Connor, just the fictional ones.”

“Why is this the first I’m hearing about this?”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve told me that the less you hear about Connor, the better.”

“You’re right. If I never had to hear another word about that guy, it would be too soon.”

I pat him on the hand while Oliver turns down the road to the ferry.

Part shipyard, part boat dock for the rich and famous, sailboats line a series of piers while the ocean glistens under that same bright blue sky from yesterday.

My spirits lift like they always do when I’m near the water.

Today’s going to be a good day.

I can feel it.

“Oh Christ,” Oliver says as he parks the car. “What’shedoing here?”

Or maybe not.

23TheNew York Timescalled his last book “dazzling.” They didn’t even review my book, just did a profile about me, which sounds nice, right? But is also kind of telling.

24You should be doing that, too, because I already told you that it’sthat kind of book.

WHEN IN ROME

ACT 1, SCENE 1

INT. HOTEL BAR — NIGHT

TITLE. ROME

CECILIA CRANE (25, bright, attractive, buttired) is pulling a large suitcase behind her. She looks lost and just wants somewhere torest.

Her eyes light on the bar—mahogany, low lights, glass bottles glowing—it beckons to her like a lover.

She sits down on a bar stool with a slump, then takes out a TOURIST GUIDE to Rome. She thumbs it nervously, then checks her phone for the time. It’s10:00 A.M.

A BARTENDER approaches.

BARTENDER

Benvenuta, signorina.

CECILIA

Non parlo Italiano.

The Bartender smiles and switches to accented English.

BARTENDER

Would you like something to drink?

CECILIA

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