Page 96 of Only Lovers in the Building

“Thanks, man. That means a lot.”

“This is my date, Lily,” Ben said. “Lily, this is Ricardo Perez, Roxanna’s husband—shortly.”

“Thanks for having me,” she replied, “and congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“You said you were looking for me?” Ben asked.

“I was hoping we could talk. I have some things to say . . .”

He hesitated. Did he want her gone? Anticipating her reaction, Ben tightly curled his fingers around her wrist, making it clear that he wanted her to stay.

“Your approval means a lot to Roxy,” Ricardo said. “You think she’s making a mistake, and I don’t blame you. It’s my fault. I need you to know that I’m gonna do right by Roxy and Oscar. That last time, I wasn’t ready. I panicked. I thought I had more time to chase some dreams, hit my goals. But none of that matters now. My family needs me, and I want to do the right thing.”

“I appreciate you speaking to me,” Ben said calmly. “I want nothing more than to welcome you into the family.”

Lily credited herself for this measured response. If Ben didn’t have such a tight grip on her arm, she would’ve patted herself on the back.

“Thanks, man!” Ricardo beamed.

“Only, if you ever panic again, and your first instinct is to run and abandon Roxy and Oscar, don’t.”

Ben’s tone was almost threatening . . .

Oh damn. Lily averted her eyes and buried her nose in her cup. She slurped down the watery rum, mint, and sugar concoction that passed for a mojito.

Ricardo nodded. “I deserve that,” he said. “And don’t worry, I won’t.”

“Good to hear,” Ben said. “And again, congrats.”

Ricardo turned to Lily. “Roxanna asked me to come back with you, if that’s okay.”

“Are you sure she asked for me?” Lily asked, confused.

“Yes,” he replied. “She said, ‘If you see Lily out there, bring her back. I need to speak with her.’”

Well, that was clear enough. What wasn’t clear was why the groom was conversing with the bride before the wedding. It was bad luck. Why tempt fate? Things were rocky enough.

Ben released his grip on her wrist and brought her hand to his lips. “I’ll be waiting here.”

She followed Ricardo through the main room and out a sliding glass door to an area of restricted access, the sacred realm of the bridal suite.

Roxanna sat at a vanity table, adding the finishing touches to her bridal look. She looked lovely in a simple ivory slip dress and her dark hair in a sleek bun.

“Lily!” she said. “Thanks for coming. Don’t you look pretty!”

“And you look regal, just gorgeous!” Lily replied. “Very Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.”

“That’s what I was going for,” she said. “You’re the only one who understands. My mother wanted a remake of my quinceañera gown, lace, lace, and more lace.”

“Your mom can’t deny you look lovely.”

Roxanna slipped on a pair of white tulle gloves. “Have you met Oscar, my son?”

She pointed to a bassinet in the center of the room. Lily approached it, and her heart swelled. A plump baby with rosy cheeks and a tuft of dark hair was fast asleep, sprawled out on his back, arms flung wide.

“He’s adorable,” she whispered.