Page 39 of Love Linked

Lila made quick work of the entertainment questions and soon we were waiting for the winner to be announced.

“The Brain Teasers have it,” the MC announced. Other tables groaned as Lila, Charlie, and Oliver leaped out of their seats in celebration. You would have thought it was Superbowl Sunday—not Sunday trivia at the local dive bar.

Charlie grabbed my shoulders and jumped up and down. “We did it.”

“Glad to see you aren’t the competitive type,” I said, chuckling.

“In your face, Harrison.” Lila danced around his stool.

He scowled. “We’re on the same team.”

“The winning team, thanks to me.”

He muttered something else under his breath, but I swear I saw a smirk forming on his lips.

“We’ve got a few more hours until close,” the MC continued. “Feel free to stay around for karaoke.”

“Karaoke!” Lila exclaimed.

“Bed!” Charlie exclaimed, and I laughed at her concerned expression. “I need to eat and I need to go home.”

“But karaoke,” Lila said, as if Charlie was ridiculous for even considering leaving right now.

“I think I need to call it a night too,” I said, getting up. The rush to my head told me I was feeling the tequila more than I realized.

“No,” Lila whined.

“We’ll stay with you,” Oliver said. “Harrison loves karaoke.”

Lila and Oliver burst out laughing like they were already the best of friends. Harrison shot me a look and rolled his eyes.

I smirked but found myself secretly pleased he had sought my allyship amidst Lila and Oliver’s fit of laughter. Maybe we were finally turning a corner.

“Why don’t you two get out of here,” Harrison muttered. “I’m sick of looking at your face.”

Or not.

“Come on,” I extended my arm to Charlie as if we were in some Jane Austen novel. “I’ll escort you to food.”

She smiled, taking my arm. “You sure you’re good, Lila?”

Lila waved her off without even looking up from the karaoke binder she and Oliver sifted through. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll call a cab.”

“I’ll make sure she gets home safe. I promise,” added Oliver.

“Okay, text me when you make it home,” she said. Her face still showed signs of hesitance as she let me lead her out of the noisy bar.

“Oliver is a good guy and responsible. He’ll make sure she gets home alright.” The ease at which my own words came out surprised me. I had never called Oliver responsible before, but I realized he was. I would trust him with a lot more than I had initially thought.

“I’m sure you’re right,” she said, biting her lip. “You can never be too careful, you know?”

The cold air hit us as we walked out the door. The dark evening and quiet street a stark contrast to the liveliness of the bar we just left. The music pumping through the speakers was barely audible out here.

“I can’t remember the last time I stayed out this late,” she said.

“Not a big partier?” I asked, absentmindedly heading in the direction of Oliver’s house.

She laughed. “When would I have time? I’m always working. Today I had fully planned on staying up late to finish our website redesign.”

---