Page 31 of How to Write a Rom-Com

“Lucy, this is my friend Nora. Nora this is Lucy,” Jill says, gesturing to the woman sat across from her. Nora looks to be about thirty. She has curly, dirty blonde hair and is rocking a stroller back and forth with one hand.

“Hi there,” I say, putting on my best “meeting new people” smile.

“Hi, Lucy,” she gives Jill a knowing look. “It’s lovely to finally meet you, I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Word travels fast around here, eh?” I laugh, and Nora laughs as well, shrugging. “It’s nice to meet you, too. And who is this?” I ask, gesturing to the stroller. I can just make out the small, milky face of a sleeping baby.

“This is Cammy. I’m afraid she’s finding the picnic a bit dull,” Nora jokes.

“Ah, in that case I hope May and her megaphone don’t wake her up,” I reply.

“You’re telling me,” she grumbles sarcastically. “So, what’s it like being Liam’s neighbor?” She flashes Jill a look.

“It’s good,” I say, clearing my throat. “But I’m really just using him for his boat. Don’t tell anyone.” Jill and Nora giggle. The twins settle on the grass behind us, and Robbie reaches out to hold onto my leg.Really, kid, boundaries.

“He looks the happiest I’ve seen him in a while,” Nora says, laying her head on her hand. “Don’t you think, Jill?” I’m not sure if I’m meant to be catching on to their silent conversation, but the tone in Nora’s voice is obvious.

“Oh no, Liam and I are just friends,” I start. “I’m only here for a few weeks.”

Nora waves her hand dismissively. “Oh, sure. You do you, girl.” Jill gives Nora a stern look. “It’s just that,” she continues, “I don’t know if you know Liam and Jill’s mother passed last year—”

I nod. “Yes, he told me, I was very sorry to hear that,” I say, directing my eyes at Jill.

“Seeing his face the other day, you know, when I came to pick up the twins,” Jill interrupts, swallowing before she continues. “I haven’t seen him like that in a while.”

“I’m glad,” I say, hoping that this will put the conversation to bed. “But really, just friends. Besides, Liam and I areverydifferent,” I add, because really, what else can I say?

“Being different is often a good thing,” Nora intones. “Although, do you remember what he was like with Molly?” Nora tips her head to the side, a grin spreading across her face.

“Ugh, Molly was theworst,” Jill groans.

I can’t help but laugh. They speak so bluntly about Liam’s life—as if he isn’t standing twenty feet away.

“Molly was Liam’s last girlfriend.” Nora leans toward me like she is telling me a secret. “She lived in a neighboring town but was never really happy here. Had bigger dreams and all that.”

“Oh,” is all I can manage. I feel my pulse quicken and I’m not sure if it’s because we’re talking so candidly about Liam’s dating history, or the insinuation that there is something happening between us. And then there’s the guilt, the knowing that I’m only here temporarily, and that despite anything else thatmighthappen, I haven’t been entirely honest with him, or with anyone else. Even so, this isexactlythe kind of gossip I’ve been dying to hear about.

“Why did they break up?” I ask, unable to downplay my curiosity.

“She couldn’t cope with my mom’s illness,” Jill says quietly.

“Or she couldn’t deal with not being Liam’s first priority,” Nora adds, shaking her head.

“Hmm,” Jill muses. “When our mom got sick, Liam was overwhelmed. My dad did what he could, but I think the shock of it all really took a toll on him. It still does.” She pauses and looks over toward Liam, her brow creasing subtly. “I was a single mom with two toddlers, I could only give so much, you know?” She sighs. “Liam took on a lot of the responsibility, too much if I’m honest, but when my brother makes a commitment, there’s nothing he won’t do.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say. “It sounds like Molly wasn’t a very kind person.” Although I don’t know her, I’m sure she had her reasons for breaking it off with Liam, or why she didn’t want to be supportive of his family’s struggles. But as I watch Liam laugh with one of the locals, I can’t help but feel like any girl would be a fool to let him go.

“Anyway, it’s in the past now,” Jill gives me a knowing smile before she pivots in her seat. I follow her gaze. May stands in the center of the field waving her arms. She lifts the megaphone to her lips and wails “PLAY BALL!”

Jill whoops and claps her hands, encouraging the twins to root for Liam. It’s perfectly charming, and I can’t help but smile. I turn back to Nora, who watches on bemused. She raises her eyebrows at me conspiratorially.

“Which one is yours, then?” I ask Nora.

“That one,” she points, “with the dad bod.” I follow her finger to a man in the outfield. He’s on May’s team and looks extremely bored. His hair is gelled to one side of his head and he stands with his hands on either side of his hips.

“He looks thrilled to be here,” I muse.

“Ah yes, he’s missing the golf tournament on T.V. today. And then there’s the matter of sleep, or the lack thereof.” She nods toward Cammy. “I think he would much rather be snoozing on the sofa, but since he’s a half decent player, May forces him to join.”

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