Page 81 of Only Lovers in the Building

“Every minute was agony.”

“That’s a love bomb.”

“Excuse me?”

“Never mind.”

“I have something to ask you,” he said.

She adjusted the collar of his blue button-up shirt. “Ask away.”

“Roxy’s wedding is next weekend.”

“That’s fast.”

“She’s been planning it a while,” Ben said. “She had a bunch of stuff in storage for the first wedding that fell through.”

“Oh . . .” Lily’s heart could burst. “That’s sad.”

“Would you like to be my date?”

“Will you walk her down the aisle?”

“I said I would.”

“In that case, I’ll be your date. Someone should keep an eye on you, make sure you behave. Whatever you do, don’t punch the groom at the altar.”

“I’ll do my best,” he said. “The dress code is casual. It’s a small wedding, just for a few friends and close family. No need to wear the black dress I love, unless you want to . . . just for me.”

“Sorry, can’t do it. My mother raised me to dress for the occasion. I won’t wear a formal black dress to an informal wedding. It’s not in my DNA.”

“You’re the only person who’s going to make this whole thing bearable, so wear whatever you’d like.”

How was she to act normal after that?

She took his hand. “Come. We have to meet Noah’s guy. His name is Nicolas, and he’s something else.”

Lily, Ben, and Nicolas had barely exchanged a few words when Kylie summoned Lily into the bathroom.

“Hey, could you come here? I lost a contact. Please help!”

She peeled herself away from Ben, whispering, “I’ll be right back.” He squeezed her hand before letting go. This was peak couple behavior, and yet, she still didn’t know what to make of it.

She joined Kylie in the bathroom. An oil diffuser was puffing in a corner, and the small space smelled of Baccarat Rouge. Lily made a mental note to step up her home-fragrance game.

Kylie was seated on the bathtub rim, looking lost. Lily set down her glass of champagne on the vanity top. “Sweetie, don’t worry,” she said. “We’ll find it. Where do you think it might be? Did it fall into the sink or on the floor?”

“I didn’t lose a lens,” Kylie admitted. “But I think I’m seeing things.”

Lily kneeled before her, truly concerned now. “What are you talking about?”

“Is Jeremy hot, or am I hallucinating?”

Lily gathered her friend in her arms. “There’s nothing wrong with you. I can confirm that Jeremy is hot. I was stuck in an elevator with him for fifteen minutes today. He’s just wonderful, inside and out.”

“You’re not helping.”

“I owe you the truth.” Lily straightened up and returned to her glass of champagne. “Now, tell me everything.”