She whisper-screams under her breath, “That man has to be at least a hundred years old.”
“Age is just a number,” I fire back. “Plus, just think about how mature he will be.”
“You’re being absurd!” She spins on her heel, moving down a couple of steps before glaring at me over her shoulder. “I don’t know why you agreed to help me when you clearly have some messed-up version of who is willing to date me. If I showed up with that elderly man, that would be a scandal.”
“Pfft.” I wave off her concern. “That’s the whole point, right? We want the focus to be on you, so it’s off your mother.”
“Clearly you don’t think I’m good enough to get someone close to my age. Maybe let’s forget about it.” She takes another step down, and my heart sinks with her.
Not good enough?
How could she ever think I don’t think she’s good enough?
She’s a literal queen.
No, notaqueen, but my queen.She’ll never need a crown. Her queenship is a different kind. Not over a country, or a kingdom, but my heart. And the wildest part? After all the years of dropping hints, she apparently still has no idea. The thing that scares me the most is that it’s not hard to see how perfect she is. Any man she spends time with will be blown away, and I just can’t risk losing her like this.
She’s too good for anyone.
My heart shatters as her shoulders slump forward. I’m only trying to protect her, which is awfully hard when she doesn’t understand the severity of what she’s possibly getting herself into. How do I tell her she’s too good, and I will die if she dates someone else? “Don’t leave,” I call after her with a weakened breath. “I wasn’t trying to make this hard—”
“Excuse me,” a deep voice cuts over the top of mine and pulls my attention to the sidewalk below.
It’s Mr. Young Brad Pitt!
My heart comes to a screeching halt.
He’s circled back and peers directly at Lottie, thumb hiking over his shoulder. “Excuse me, miss. I hate to interrupt, but is this guy bothering you?”
“No,” she’s quick to reply. “He’s a friend. We’re totally fine.”
“Are you sure?” His words are perfectly measured. “I saw you both staring at me when I walked by. Honestly, I got a weird vibe from him. If you need help—”
“Actually, I do need help,” Lottie blurts out before I can comprehend what’s happening. It’s like having front-row seatsto the most gruesome car accident. I can see it all unfolding, but I’m helpless to stop it.
I open my mouth and reach forward, but my words are trapped in my throat. All I can do is mouth a scream,“Nooooooooooo!”
It’s too late, he’s already in hero mode, trying to rescue her as he raises an eyebrow and leans in. “You need to get away from this dude?”
“No.”
That earns him a small smile, and I’m instantly jealous. I want all her smiles. It’s not fair.
“He’s not bothering me, but if I’m honest, we’re talking about a situation I’m in, and, ah, it’s strange.” She cuts herself with the cutest little giggle, causing my heart to pulse faster.
It’s the cutest little gigglefor him.
I can’t do this!
I can’t stand here and watch her ask this dude out.
My brain is literally exploding, melting into my skull as every second of this interaction brands itself into my memory. The last thing I need is this moment burned in my brain forever. I’ll die with it replaying. When everyone gets a full-life review … not me. On my deathbed, I’ll just relive this over and over. It’s so nauseating I gag.
His eyes lock on hers, and there’s clearly interest. “Are you seeing anyone?” Her voice is surprisingly brave and steady. On another planet, I might be proud of her for taking a risk so uncharacteristic of herself, but not now.
“Like hallucinating?” She laughs at his joke, while I almost choke. Seriously? Why does he have to be funny. That was a great line. I almost laugh but force my lips shut, so not even a smile leaks out. Lottie asking this guy out is not a laughing matter.
“No, like dating.” Her voice gains confidence, and her smile widens as she continues, “I’m in a work situation where I need a plus-one for an event, and I don’t know anyone. I don’t suppose you’d be interested in helping me out.” Her words speed up as she adds, “You can totally say no.”
