Page 2 of Lily

2

Devin

The next day, I settle in for class, wondering if the girl from yesterday will sit beside me again. She’s lovely, with her long wavy blonde hair and her shy smile. I think I’d like to get to know her better.

I’ve just started perusing my notes from yesterday’s lecture when the chair beside me pulls out with a squeak to the linoleum floors, and someone taps me on the shoulder. It’s her: Lily. I feel my heart flutter in my chest. She’s relatively short, with lovely curves that are accentuated by the slim-fit jeans and cream V-neck sweater.

“Hi,” she says with a smile. “Mind if I sit here?”

“Please,” I say and smile back. Lily slips into her seat and pulls her notes and a worn copy ofFrankensteinfrom her bag.

“That looks like quite an old copy,” I say.

“Oh, it is! It was my mom’s, but I took it when I was in middle school. It’s one of my favorite books of all time.” I can’t help but grin at that.

“It’s one of mine as well. I have an old copy on my shelves back in London.”

“What’s London like? I’ve always wanted to go.” She leans in a bit, eyes focused intently on my own.Be still my heart.She seems interested in me too, and the way her curious eyes light up makes my stomach flutter further.

“It’s a world apart from California,” I begin, but the professor comes into the room, and our conversation is cut short. I lean closer and whisper in her ear, “I’d love to tell you about it sometime.” She blushes prettily and nods, and I turn to my notes and hone in on the lecture.

After class, I wait for her to pack her things before restarting our earlier conversation.

“Care to get coffee sometime?”

“Sure. I actually have a free period now if you’re available.”

“I do as well. There’s a lovely little shop just around the corner,” I say, heart pounding.

“Sage is my favorite coffee shop! Let’s go!” she chirps and leads the way out the door.

It’s a quick walk, and we both read the menu for a moment before deciding on something. Lily doesn’t even have to tell the young barista her order; it seems she frequents the place. So, when I step up to order my London fog and blueberry scone, both Lily and the barista laugh.

“That’s my usual order, down to the scone. How funny!” Lily’s laughter is musical. As I look at her, I can’t help but love the unrestrained joy on her face. She laughs with a wide-open mouth full of straight, white teeth, and her eyes crinkle at the corners. She’s not afraid toreallylaugh. I grin and chuckle a bit as I pay the cashier, and then we grab a table in the back of the shop.

“So, tell me about London,” she says, taking a sip from her water bottle.

“London is a beautiful blend of cultures and is rich with history. I’ve always loved the museums, and when I’m home, I visit them often. Did you know admission is free in many of them?”

“No! That’s awesome! I love museums. When I visited my sister Riley in New York City last year, she took me to the Natural History Museum and the Met. I literally spent full days going through everything.”

“We have a spectacular Natural History Museum in London as well.” Our tea arrives, and I take a long sip before continuing.

“There’s this open-air market near London Bridge called Borough Market. There’s a vendor there that makes jammy dodgers the size of your head and another that makes the most spectacular rose jam. It’s a gourmet food lover’s dream. And don’t get me started on the cheese shops; just thinking about it is making me hungry.”

“That sounds incredible. I’ve always wanted to visit London. I hope I can visit someday. Also, what is a jammy dodger?”

“It’s a delectable little shortbread cookie filled with jam; they’re wonderful with tea.”

“I am here for anything fruit-flavored or cookie-related.” She nods as though to emphasize the point.

“Me too. My mum makes me these special sugar cookies every Christmas. I’ve been looking forward to it all year.” I flush a little. Perhaps that was too much information. “Well, maybe I’ll be able to show you my city someday.”

“I’d like that,” Lily says. We continue chatting about routine things such as the weather and our favorite places to eat in town. As it turns out, we both love Italian food.

“There’s this great place downtown, it’s small, but they have spectacular food. Could I perhaps take you to dinner this evening?”

“I’d like that. Here, give me your phone, and I’ll put my info in there for you.” I pass her my phone without hesitation, and she smiles before quickly typing out her contact info. “I put my number and my address, so you know where to pick me up,” she says and passes my phone back. I send her a text right away.

“There. Now you have my number as well. I’ll see you tonight. Seven o’clock, alright?”

“That sounds perfect. I’ll see you then, Devin.”

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