Page 324 of The First Time
She smiles. "Good. Let's go out. Get brunch. My treat."
"You don't want me using Blake's credit card?"
"Can't I treat without an ulterior motive?"
"I don't know. Can you?" I study her expression. She looks normal. Concerned.
"Well, since I'm treating, it's my pick. We can go to the place around the corner. The one that doesn't card."
"No way in hell."
She laughs. "Have I ever ordered a drink with a fake ID?"
"In front of me, no? But a grand says you've done it."
"Okay. Fair. But you know I'm messing with you, right?"
I know. But— "I'm your older sister. It's my duty to ruin your good time."
"You don't. You're a good time, Kat. Even when you're moping."
"I'm not moping."
"Uh-huh."
"I'm contemplating."
"Around the house, in your pajamas, all day."
"I need comfortable clothes to really consider things."
She laughs. "Whatever you want to tell yourself." She takes another sip of coffee then rises to her feet. "But put on clothes for this. Ones that aren't made of flannel."
"You know, I hear people in Portland wear flannel all winter."
"Are you in Portland?"
"Is Brooklyn that different?"
She laughs. "Do you ever see anyone in flannel?"
"Sometimes."
"When?"
"I bet we'll see someone in flannel."
"I bet it's less than one in ten." She moves towards her bedroom. "You'll feel better dressed. Trust me."
* * *
After brunch,we go to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The spot of the future fake wedding, though Lizzy doesn't know that.
The cherry trees are decked with little white buds. In a few weeks, the flowers will bloom, fade to a soft shade of pink.
Then they'll float away on the breeze.
Lizzy takes a seat on a stone bench and folds her legs over each other. She stares at the manmade lake. "You want to tell me what's really bothering you?"
