Page 129 of Only Lovers in the Building

Lily watched her go with a heavy heart. She wasn’t looking forward to breaking the news to Jeremy, just as she wasn’t looking forward to day drinking without Kylie. But she was a big girl, getting used to life’s minor disappointments. She put away her e-reader, adjusted the ties of her bikini, and went off to find Ben and Roxanna.

Watching Ben splash around the kid’s pool with his baby cousin lifted her mood for a while. However, when they returned to the cabana to find Jeremy sitting alone, her mood tanked.

“Have you seen Kylie?” he asked.

“Kylie had an emergency.”

He ripped off his sunglasses. “What kind of emergency? Is she okay?”

“I’m fine!”

That was Kylie, red-faced, making her way back to the cabana on her soggy flip-flops. “I just had to make a call. It’s sorted.” She dropped her tote and peeled off her bathing suit cover-up. “Want to head out to the beach?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Give me a sec to grab a water. Want one?”

“Very much. Thanks.”

Jeremy jogged off. Lily didn’t budge, waiting for an explanation. Kylie approached, looking sheepish. “I don’t have to stock his refrigerator.”

“No, you don’t.”

“And I’m no golden retriever.”

“You’re the black cat,” Lily said, nodding.

“I got as far as the lobby when it hit me,” she said. “This is bullshit. What did I think was going to happen? I’d fill the fridge with organic vegetables, and he’d fall in love with me? I’ve worked for this man for two years, and we’ve never had a serious conversation. I’m just another high-tech accessory in his smart home.”

Lily went over to her. “Why not stock my fridge, instead? Ben and I would so appreciate it.”

Kylie showed her the message she’d sent Frederico before turning back. Nice try. See you in two weeks. He acknowledged it with a thumbs-up emoji.

“I’m proud of you, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Jeremy came jogging back, his long hair flopping behind him, and off he and Kylie went.

Ben showed up next to her. “What did I miss?”

“Shh . . . I’ll tell you tonight.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” he said. “What can I get you from the bar?”

“Aperol spritz.”

He dropped a kiss on her shoulder. “Coming up.”

Finally, Roxanna came to say goodbye. “I’m heading out. Oscar’s had enough. It’s too hot out here for him, he won’t wear the hat, and he hates sunblock.”

The baby squirmed in her arms, making angry little sounds. Any minute, he’d blow.

“I’m just glad you came,” Lily said.

“I wouldn’t miss it. Ben says you’re leaving next week.”

Lily kept an even smile on her lips, neither confirming nor denying the statement.

“That’s too bad,” Roxanna said. “I would’ve liked to get to know you better, but with the baby, it’s tough.”