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Lola was soaping her breasts He tried not to be distracted by her pink nipples, pert from their immersion in hot water He flipped down the toilet seat and sat “So where were you, anyway?” Lola asked playfully, flicking soap bubbles at his leg

He took another sip of vodka “I ith Schiffer Diamond I had dinner with her in her apart discussion about their own relationship, but instead, Lola barely reacted

“That’s nice,” she said, drawing out the I in “nice” “Did you have a good time?”

He nodded, wondering why she wasn’t more upset

“You’re old friends,” she said and sh you said you were going to work I guess you got hungry”

“It wasn’t exactly like that,” Philip said ominously

Lola suddenly understood that Philip was about to break up with her—probably over Schiffer Diaht made her insides twist in alarm, but she couldn’t let Philip know She ducked under the water for a second to get her bearings If she could so up with her now, at this ht pass, and they could go on as before When she popped out of the water, she had a plan

“I’lad

you’re ho her heels “I’ve had soo to Atlanta for a few days Or longer Maybe a week She’s not doing very well You know the bank took the house?”

“I know,” Philip said The financial woes of Lola’s fa him back into this relationship and her dependency on him

“So anyway,” Lola continued, exa to be brave about the situation, “I know you’re leaving for LA in three days I don’t want to upset you, but I won’t be able to coht need et back,” she promised, as if this were a consolation prize

“About that—” Philip began

She shook her head “I know It’s kind of a bummer But let’s not talk about it, because itin thefavor Do you mind if I borrow a thousand dollars for my plane ticket?”

“No” Philip sighed, resigning himself to the fact that he couldn’t have the discussion now, but also so tomorroay Maybe she wouldn’t come back, and there would be no need to break up with her after all “It’s no problem,” he said “I don’t want you to worry You help your mother—that’s what’s most important”

She stood up, and ater and soap sliding off her in a slurry mess, she embraced him “Oh, Philip,” she said “I love you so much”