Page 40 of My Book Boyfriend
I loosen the bow tie of my tux.
I stand in line across from carved, solid, double, wooden doors that look like they’d hide a bank vault, hinting at the treasures that lie beyond. The line moves up several spaces, and now I’m under an arch. Janus was the god of arches, also known for new beginnings. This may signify a new beginning with Lily—except for the truckload of obstacles between us. The line moves again, and another heavy, imposing, wooden door is to my left.
Mr. Devi was right. I’m surprised she doesn’t have a boyfriend.
I am screwed.
Charity benefits are usually tolerable as a necessary evil for networking, but let’s face it. I looked forward to this one because I knew Lily was going to be here. The line moves quicker now.
“New York’s most eligible bachelor does not appear to be by himself tonight. I was wrong.” Jenna, Ms.Page Sixreporter, dressed in a very bright, purple gown, has snuck up on me. I am off my game.
“I’m hardly New York’s most eligible bachelor,” I say. “And I’m still single. Even if you did portray my last meeting with a woman as an engagement announcement.”
“Your self-deprecating humor is one of the things I like most about you,” she says. “But you did spend a significant portion of tonight with one woman.”
“It’s business,” I say reflexively. The last thing I want is for Lily to be hounded by the press. Especially if she knows Miranda. She’s not going to have a positive impression of me if socializing with me crowns her with a nickname as bad as Miranda’s “Weeping Willow” moniker.
“Nobody seems to know who she is.”
“She’s a private citizen.”
“Very protective of you.” Jenna smiles.
The line finally reaches the corner, where I can turn and disappear into the coat check area hidden by a green, velvet curtain, softening the edges of the sharp, stone walls. I’m happy to end this conversation and disappear behind those drapes.
I pick up our coats. Lily is by the bench, but I don’t want thePage Sixreporter to catch us leaving together. I pause, making sure there is no Jenna in sight. There must be some more interesting news to follow. Some other unexpected couples.
I quickly cancel the car waiting for me outside. No need to remind Lily I’m some wealthy developer. She’d probably say no if I offered her a ride. And a subway trip together will give me more time with her.
I reach Lily and hold out her coat so she can put her arms into it. She zips it up and pulls on her gloves.
And then Aiden and Everly appear.
“What happened to you?” Aiden asks. “You disappeared.”
Is he serious?
Lily’s eyes widen and she steps back, but then her eyes narrow. “I’m surprised you noticed. You seemed to have arranged a date with Everly here, and I didn’t feel like being a third wheel at my one black-tie event of the year.”
Good for you, Lily.
“I told him he should tell you—that you might consider him more than a friend,” Everly says and then turns to Aiden. “But now, at least you don’t need to drop her off at her apartment, and we can go straight back to mine.” She smiles at Lily. “He’s spent the whole week sleeping over at my place.”
Lily looks shocked.
Because she likes him so much?
I peer down at Aiden, giving him my best superior sneer, and lace my fingers through Lily’s. “Let’s go.”
Aiden stares at our clasped hands.
We turn away from Aiden and Everly and walk quickly out the door. A gust of cold air greets us. I glance at Lily, and she’s frowning.
“He had the perfect opportunity to tell me,” Lily says. “He said he hadn’t been around the last few mornings because he’d been going to work early. He could have said he’d started dating someone.”
“Are you okay?” I drop her hand, in case Jenna is around, and zip up my parka to my chin.
“I’m fine,” she says. “The telling him off part was quite satisfying. And I’d already figured out they’re dating. Obviously. But I can’t believe he flat-out lied to me.”
