Page 14 of The Liar in Room 5

I started to move for the door when Henry tugged my hand to keep me in the bucket seat.

“Nope. You wait.”

And I did.

“You don’t have to do that,” I assured him after he opened the door, took my hand, and helped me out of the car. “I’m not quite elderly, even if I’m old.”

“You’re not old. You’re definitely not elderly, and I do have to do it because it’s the polite thing to do.”

“So shouldn’t I get your door, and then we can fight it out?”

“Ha! I think it’s cute you think there’s a chance of you winning this argument.”

“Is this our first fight?”

“Yes, it is, and I appreciate you graciously letting me win. Thank you for that.”

Henry’s grin was genuine.

And my answering one was too.

It felt like a date, and I had no idea what I thought about that.

4

Henry

Hey, you, I got your number from Phoenix. I hope that’s okay. It’s Henry.

Hey. Hi. It’s fine.

How’s the existential crisis these days?

You were right, tacos cure all.

Their healing properties are good, but I’m not sure they’re that great.

It’s what I choose to believe.

Who am I to argue?

You mentioned when we met that you like pickleball, and I ended up with tickets to a tournament on Saturday. Would you like to go with me?

…

No pressure, but I’d like to see you again.

…

Sounds good. Where should I meet you?

I’ll pick you up at 11. FYI, it’s casual.

See you soon.

…

…