Page 68 of Love Arranged
I laugh at the idea. “She doesn’t care about politics.”
“Revenge? Because you totally deserve it for the Eros app stuff.”
I sigh.
“What if she’s angry enough to tank your entire campaign?” Willow voices my exact concern.
When I spoke toAna, she did mention loving spy movies and true crime podcasts, but I highly doubt she’s some mastermind doing this all for revenge.
She isn’t like me, which is something I appreciate about her. Lily always sees the good in people, to the point of it being a liability, while I seek every opportunity to assume the worst.
“I don’t know her reason, but I’ll stop at nothing until I find out,” I say.
She nods. “Okay. So now that you’ve completely gone off the rails, what’s the plan?”
I repeat Lily’s idea back to Willow, and she quietly listens, only interrupting me to ask for further clarification on certain parts, like our two-month waiting period before I propose.
“I mean…” She pauses her pacing to look over at me. “I hate to say it, but this could work.”
I exhale. “That’s the only reason I agreed.”
“But…”
I screw my eyes shut. “What?”
“You both have to be strategic about this. You need to beseen everywhere but also not too much because we don’t want people to be suspicious either. We can plan public outings, plus we have the Healing Hearts fundraiser dinner coming up.” Her face lights up. “Oh! And imagine going on double dates with her sister and Julian?—”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
“There’s no other option but for you to play nice with Julian, so beg for his and everyone else’s forgiveness if you have to.”
My reply is nothing but a blank look.
She continues, “The best part about this planisLily’s family, so do whatever it takes to get them on your side. Julian’s endorsement speech will be a perfect full-circle moment for your relationship.”
“If he doesn’t use the opportunity to publicly roast me, that is.”
She shakes her head. “He cares too much about Lily to embarrass her like that.”
“He didn’t seem to have a problem reaming into me last night. He even tried to offer his connections in exchange for me ending my relationship with Lily.”
“Okay, clearly he’s going to be angry, but I’m sure he’ll come around in no time.”
“Lily won’t give him a choice.”
“Exactly. And while we’re on the topic of Lily, I think it’s important to keep her in the loop.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?”
“Let’s invite her over for lunch and get to work.”
Great. More time with Lily. Exactly what the psychiatrist ordered.
14
LILY
Telling my mom about my secret relationship with Lorenzo first thing the next morning goes worse than I expected. Her simple but significant “I’m disappointed in you” feels like I took a dagger to the heart, so I call Lorenzo in a panic once I’m locked away in my bedroom.
