Page 59 (1/2)

I shrug feebly

“I didn’t kiss you because I’m drunk, Roman” She lifts her cup—her full cup—and presents it toit back and forth The liquid inside sloshes around “I have a drink, but I’ve barely been drinking Once I saw Kyle lurking fro here I wanted to leave but didn’t want to bother Eliza”

That makes sense

“Then why did you kiss me?”

“Because…I don’t know”

Because Kyle is over there watching? I hate to let et the best of ht to I’ve seen it in the et his for me, any actual attraction That’s fine I’m here for that

I’m her friend

“Ahh”

Was the kiss fake even though it felt real?

I won’t know unless I ask, and asking is out of the question

I don’t have the balls for that—not right now

“What do you want to do? Stay or go?”

“Leave I want to go”

“Home?”

“No, I want to snuggle up in your bed and watch movies…is that okay?”

I gulp

“Of course that’s okay” Because that’s what friends are there for—soothing and support She’s troubled by her ex-boyfriend’s presence, and it’s my job to make her feel better

10

LILLY

His lips felt like ed there

I touch a hand to theotten Swipe the warm, ashcloth acrossmy skin in Eliza’s sink

I’ve pillaged her closet again This new hobby ofclothes fro a habit, one I know she doesn’t mind