Page 128 (1/2)

“I can i and snorting”

“I don’t knohy he ,” Patrick interjectsmouthful of his coffee

I have a feeling he’s always so busy he eats all of his ulps and ss Maybe it’s a doctor thing Ingest the fuel rather than enjoy it

“He’s shy Leave him alone”

Patrick frowns at lances at Josh

“Shy Huh” I can see the realization dawning across his face, like it did mine yesterday Shyness takes so many different forms Some people are shy and soft Some, shy and hard Or in Josh’s case, shy, and wrapped in rade armor

“Josh, Lucy, thank you for the gift,” Mindy says when Josh takes his seat She catchesI chose it

“I never did see what he ended up choosing” I take a huge bite of croissant He’s got one arm across the back of my chair, his warm hand spread across my shoulder

“The raved with our initials And two bottles of Moët”

“Good job, Josh”

“The wedding was nice,” Josh tells her I look at his eyes as they assess each other It’s probably the first time they’ve faced each other since the breakup I al to detect any residual heartbreak, lust, resent

“Thanks,” Mindy replies She looks at her wedding ring again and then at Patrick with such helpless devotion I look at Josh sharply If ever he was going to react badly it would be now He smiles, looks at his plate, and then looks at me He kisses my temple and I’m convinced

“How have you kept Lucy a secret frorapefruit

“Oh, you know I keep her in my basement”

“It’s not as bad as it sounds He’s hs, except Anthony, naturally