Page 51 of Anti-Hero

Charlie gains some points in my book for keeping his expression serious. Then again, he’s British. Don’t they usually look stoic?

“Very impressive,” he compliments.

I shoot Bash ahalook. He scoffs in response, then starts telling Charlie about his recent trip to Alaska. I mainly tune the story out since I’ve heard it several times before.

Grandfather’s engrossed in conversation with Lili, sporting the first smile I’ve seen all night.

Mom catches my eye, nodding toward the dogs and then pointing toward the back of the house.Take them out?she mouths.

I nod, heading for the doorway. En route, I pause at the bar cart to top off my tumbler.

A low whistle draws Ben’s and Jerry’s attention. The beagles trot after me eagerly, claws clicking on the marble floor as we pass the twin curved staircases. Glass doors line the far wall, overlooking the pool and the manicured backyard. I open one, letting the dogs out onto the grounds.

Ben—at least, Ithinkit’s Ben; they’re hard to tell apart—releases a joyful bark and beelines toward a hydrangea. Jerry hustles after him, tail wagging at full tilt, and they start wrestling on the grass.

Those beagles went from being next on the list for euthanasia to playing in paradise. Talk about a lucky break.

The patio furniture hasn’t been brought in yet, so I take a seat on one of the loungers. It’s long enough that only my shoes hang off. I recline, folding my hands behind my head.

The sun’s just starting to set, spreading pastels across the sky that reflect off the calm surface of the pool.

“Mr. Social sitting alone? That’s a rare sight.”

I reach for my scotch, sipping some before relaxing deeper into the cushions as I watch Lili approach. “You left Charlie to fend for himself?”

I’ve never met a significant other’s parents, but I imagine it’d be a rather stressful experience to face alone.

“He’ll be fine,” Lili says casually. “I was headed to the bathroom and saw you sitting out here.”

I yawn. I might have to limit my scotch intake to stay awake during dinner. “Mom asked me to take the dogs out.”

Lili glances toward the beagles. “They’re probably going to ask you to pet-sit when they visit me in Dublin.”

“Hard pass.”

Lili smirks as she slips her shoes off and lies down on the lounger opposite me. “Keeping your schedule open for another Vegas trip?”

I shake my head. “Do you think there’s anyone in Manhattan that Bashhasn’tmentioned that to?”

Lili laughs. “C’mon, Kit. He’s just trying to be like you. Bash worships the ground you walk on.”

I laugh too. “No, he doesn’t.”

He usually acts more like my older brother than a younger one. If anything, I’ve provided him a blueprint of whatnotto do.

“Of course he does,” Lili insists. “Why do you think he did that trip to Alaska? Because you’re always returning from some crazy adventure or sharing some wild story. He admires you. He’s trying to act like you. People pay attention to me and Bash because we’re Kensingtons. They pay attention to you because you’reyou.”

“You’re good at making outlandish ideas enticing.”

When Collins said that, I was taken aback. Not only because it was vaguely complimentary, but because I’d never thought about my choices in those terms. I’ve pursued what appealed to me, knowing other people often got entertainment out of it. But never thinking it was an ability or something anyone would admire about me.

“Is this humbleness Charlie’s influence?” I ask. “Because we both know you could change your last name and still draw plenty of attention.”

“Maybe,” Lili says seriously. “He makes me see the worlddifferently. Does that sound dumb?”

“Nah. That doesn’t sound dumb.”

“How’s it going with Collins?”

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