Page 33

She knows she shouldn’t.

And yet⁠—

“You know, Lila never dates,” she says to no one in particular.

The aunts and uncle are deep in conversation, if you could call it that, at the head of the table, as they have been the entire dinner. They blessedly do not look up.

Evelyn, Gerry, Baryn, and Theo, however?

Rapt attention.

I laugh nervously. “Never had time while we were in school, y’know?”

She leans in, propping her chin on her hand, looking at me like she’s suddenly figured out the meaning of life.

Or like she’s about to ruin mine.

She stretches her arm out across the table and lays her head down on it, and closes her eyes dramatically.

Then she opens them again, heavy-lidded, and lands them right on Theo.

Then back to me.

Then back to Theo.

A knowing, borderline evil grin splits her face.

I know that look.

I am in danger.

“I thought it was because you could never find anyone to boss you around in the bedroom the way you need,” she whispers. Far too fucking loudly.

Theo’s hand pauses where it had been lazily stroking my shoulder.

My face heats.

A fork clatters against a plate.

Baryn looks delighted.

Everyone is listening now, except for Gerry, who picks this exact moment to excuse himself to the restroom. Impeccable timing.

Theo clears his throat and reaches for his drink, downing it in one go.

I stare at my friend in sheer horror. “Emily.”

“What?” She asks, oblivious, swirling the last drops of wine in her glass. “I just think it’s nice that you finally found someone who can handle you.”

“Handle me?” I choke out.

Baryn leans forward, interest piqued. “This is so interesting, Em. Go on.”

Emily lifts a finger and waggles it in my direction. “She just has very… specific tastes, you know.”

Oh my god.

“Oh?” he says. “Do tell.”