Page 57 of How to Write a Rom-Com

I throw my hand over my eyes to block out the sun.

“And what does this entail?” I groan.

“Admitting that this trip has been more than just an emotional roller coaster for you,” she says confidently.

I mumble something unintelligible back at her.

“I’ve spent the morning snooping on your laptop,” she says without an ounce of shame.

“You’d make a terrible thief,” I grumble.

“Lucy, your notes for Ruby’s book are incredible. The scenes you wrote out? It’s basically like you’re writing the book yourself. Reading them made me realize that editing is not your calling.Writingis.” I scrunch my face at her. “I think this trip has shown you that you’re missing out on something important in your life.”

I toss the duvet and plant two firm feet on the ground.

“Where are you going?” Elle whines.

“I’m not talking about revitalizing my life until I’ve eaten something.”

“Be honest,” Elle says sternly. “If we asked Josie about this, what would she say?” She’s right behind me, following me into the kitchen.

“Oh, that is a low blow,Eloise!” I save that nickname for when I’m mad at her, because I know she hates it. I’m not actually mad at her for bringing up Josie, but I know that she knows that Josie would agree with her. And she’s using it to her advantage.

As if on cue, my phone rings.

“Oh my goodness!” I squeal, Josie’s face filling up my screen. “Ah, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!”

Her hair is pinned back off her face, which appears pale and gaunt. And her eyes, usually so full of life and color, are tired. Seeing her like this hurts my heart, but I’ve promised myself I’d maintain a brave face. My mom also comes into view, their two heads bobbing side by side, and the sight of the two them together, in her bright apartment, gives me a feeling of joy and calm.

“I’m sure my appearance at the moment is cause for sore eyes,” Josie teases, her voice deeper and raspier than usual.

“Oh stop,” I say, shaking my head.

“Is that Elle I can see?” my mom asks, turning the camera to face herself. “What’s she doing there?”

“Hey Mrs. B!” Elle offers an animated wave. “I came for a surprise weekend.”

“Hi Elle!” Mom beams. “That was so nice of you.” I pivot the screen back to toward my face.

“It’s so good to see you guys,” I say, my voice shaking. “What’s the plan from here?”

“We’re going to spend a few days getting packed and then we’ll be on a flight home on Friday,” she explains. “And no—” she holds up her finger in my aunt’s direction. “We will not be discussing this again, you’re coming home with me, end of discussion,” she says sternly.

I raise my brows at Josie. “You’re complaining about coming to see me?” I accuse.

“No,” Josie says grumpily. “I’m complaining about the ten thousand doctor appointmentsyourmother has made.”

“How’s it going there, Luce?” Mom asks, choosing to ignore Josie.

“Yeah, tell us more about that quaint little town,” Josie adds.

“Well,” I start. I take a moment to cough while I try to read Elle’s face. She raises her eyebrow knowingly. “I’m making a lot of progress on my assignment,” I say, cringing at the sound of my own voice. It soundssorehearsed.

“That’s good,” mom answers.

“Anne has been really happy with my notes. I’ve even started sketching out some scenes,” I explain, gaining a little enthusiasm in my voice.

“Have you forgotten all about the city yet, Luce?” Josie asks.

---