Page 82 of Only Lovers in the Building

Kylie took a few deep breaths before launching into the story. “He came around early and thanked me for looking out for him, which is adorable.”

“So adorable.”

“He says you two finally had that talk, and you gave him excellent advice.”

Lily shrugged. “It’s what I do.”

“He was telling me all this, and something in my brain rerouted to take in his hotness.”

“He looks good in those jeans.”

“He’s a baby, though. I can’t go there.”

“Is he, though?”

“He’s twenty-four, I’m—”

“I know what you are. Who even cares?”

“Me! I care! I was a mess at twenty-four.”

“Sweetie, you’re a mess now.”

“You’re right,” Kylie said. “Thanks for reminding me. I needed to hear it.”

“On a serious note, how much of a mess can Jeremy be? He’s living comfortably, as far as I can tell. How else could he afford his place?”

“The hell if I know. The rent here isn’t cheap.”

“Maybe he’s apartment-sitting for a friend.”

“Maybe.”

Lily spotted Noah’s collection of condoms from a French design house, set out like candy in a jar.

“I may have more in common with Jeremy than anyone my age,” Kylie admitted. “Some of my friends are on their second pregnancies. One is on the city council in my hometown in Minnesota. Many own businesses.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Lily said. “You may not be on the city council, but you’re pursuing a dream, and you’re a fantastic cook.”

“You haven’t tasted my food yet.”

“I trust Frederico’s taste,” she said. “If your cooking is good enough for his discerning ass, Ben and I will eat it up.”

“You and Ben . . . You’ve got something. I can see it.”

“Not without your contacts, you can’t,” Lily shot back. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

No sooner had Lily rejoined Ben than he was called away to mix Negronis. While Noah was busy troubleshooting the sound system, Lily stole the opportunity to get to know Nicolas. He was nothing like Noah had described—a constant talker or a bore. Nicolas was soft-spoken with elegant manners and inquisitive gray eyes. She could talk to him all day. They passed a small bowl of olives back and forth. She learned that the federal prosecutor had only recently ended a long-term relationship.

“What went wrong, if you don’t mind my asking?” she said.

“That’s right.” He nodded. “You’re a love guru.”

Lily startled. “I’m a what?”

“Don’t you have a podcast on love?” he asked. “Isn’t that what we’re here to celebrate?”

“Romance, not love,” she replied. “There’s a difference, and even so that wouldn’t make me a guru.”