Hildy sighed. “Is this about your ex? Better question, is Lillibet anything like her?”
“Not so I can tell.” He frowned. “But I didn’t know Genevieve was like Genevieve until it was too late.”
“Okay, I need there to be like ninety percent less Genevieve in this conversation. That’s the first thing. And secondly, no one’s asking you to marry Lillibet. Because that would be bigamy. Maybe it’s a fling, driven by pure physical attraction. Think about that for a second.” She waggled her brows.
Jefferson didn’t feel the need to share that the most casual hookup of his life had lasted three months, until her research grant on the western glacier stonefly ended and she went back to her teaching job in Florida. The real issue was that it didn’t feel right to think of Libby like that—as an itch he could scratch and be done with.
“Was it like this when you met she who must not be named?” Hildy prodded, twisting sideways in her chair.
He thought back to his first meeting with Gen, at a gallery downtown. In hindsight, he guessed she’d liked the fact that he was one of the photographers whose work was on display, putting him over the very, very low bar for local celebrity. All he’d seenat the time was a lively, attractive woman who made a joke about the cheap wine they served at these things. Or maybe it hadn’t been a joke, any more than Genevieve was genuinely interested in his work. She wanted to be part of a couple that fit a certain image—and had mistaken him for the type of person who spent his Friday nights making the rounds of the “right” parties and restaurants. They all felt wrong to Jefferson, the uncomfortable clothes and awkward conversations in crowded rooms, whereas Gen thrived on dressing up and being seen.
“The thing with Gen just kind of happened.” A not very inspiring summary of that year of his life, but true enough.
“Totally different scenario this time,” Hildy said.
“There’s no scenario.”
“Not if you don’t lower the drawbridge at your Fortress of Solitude. I don’t mean that in a sexual sense, by the way. I know men of your generation are scared of talking about their feelings.”
“It comes up at all my AARP meetings.”
“Good. Then you’re not as rusty as I thought.” She raised an arm over her head, waving it like a checkered flag. “Hey, Lillibet? Can I talk to you for a second?”
“Whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t,” Jefferson warned.
“I’m not going to do anything. This is all on you.”
They watched Libby approach, feet bare and skirt swaying in the breeze. Her smile was uncertain, possibly because Keoki was singing the saddest version of “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” ever performed.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“It’s been such a great night, hasn’t it, JJ?”
“Yes.”
Hildy shook her head when he left it at that. “We wanted to thank you. Foreverything.”
“It’s not me.” Libby contemplated the grass at her feet. Jefferson wasn’t sure whether the praise or the subtext made hermore uncomfortable. “All the credit goes to Keoki and Tutu. They have the magic touch. If you overlook their taste in music.”
“You grew up around here?” Jefferson heard himself ask, ignoring Hildy’s smug look.
“Right here, most of the time. At Tutu’s house. Sometimes for days on end. My mom was big on needing a break, because of how hard it is to be a single mother. Which I’m sure is true, but maybe don’t mention it in front of your kid all the time.” Her eyes squeezed shut. “Sorry, party foul. Didn’t mean to kill the mood. Can I get either of you something to drink?”
“I’m fine,” Hildy assured her. “Jefferson’s sharing with me.”
Sighing, he handed over the bottle.
“Okay, everybody, bring it in. Time to talk story.” Keoki’s brother Michael bellowed the announcement, while Jimmy pounded the bottom of a Tupperware bowl like a drum.
“Here we go.” Hildy rubbed her hands together in anticipation. “I cannot wait. You’re going to sit with us, right?” She pointed Libby toward the empty seat next to Jefferson.
“Um, okay.” Libby sat, her arm brushing his before they both rearranged themselves, hands on laps.
Good to know a half second of forearm contact could give him a coronary. He seriously needed to get a grip. As soon as that half of his body stopped tingling.
“You were out at the island today?” Tutu asked.
Hildy nodded with the eagerness of a star student. “Yes, Tutu.”
