Page 65 of Love Is an Art
I scratch my neck. This wig is itchy. But I should keep it on.
“I hope we don’t run into anybody I know while you’re sporting that thing,” Sebastian says.
“It can only help your image. Not everyone is friends with a 70s rock star. I’m definitely coming to your next party with this wig on.”
“That’s one way to stay in the singles club,” Sebastian says.
Not for Tessa. She’d love it.
We’re over. Stop thinking about her.
“You still seem to like her,” Sebastian says. “Was her lie unforgivable?”
“No,” I say. “But my reaction to it made me realize that I’m not ready for another relationship. I know I hurt her when I walked away.”
But I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t breathe. I had to get away. And yet, her face, pale.
“And subterfuge seems to be her middle name,” I say. “I’d never know if she cheated on me.”
Even if I liked her. There are other women. Women who do not lie as part of their extracurricular activities.
But she is trying to build a case against this guy. She had to lie at that moment.
“You’re not doing so bad at subterfuge yourself,” Sebastian says.
I sigh. That’s not exactly reassuring.
“How do you know when you’ll be ready?” he asks.
“That is the question,” I say.
Chapter twenty
Tessa
Timetoupdateeveryoneon our Jurgen case at Banter & Books.
When I arrive, late, Lily is soliciting volunteers for an Oasis Garden summer event. I sit down next to her at the back table and glance at her list. Miranda is performing with her band in the evening and has agreed to run a face-painting booth during the day.
Fairy lights are strung under the glass panes of the conservatory, giving it a very festive atmosphere. It’s warm out, so only a screen door separates us from the rear garden. A comforting breeze brushes in, carrying the scent of fresh air.
Iris says, “Patrick is on tour this summer, so he can’t perform.”
“I hope my next-door neighbor goes on tour. That would be so amazing. Quiet at last. No guitar strumming. No singing at midnight.” Maddie looks blissful at the thought of her rock-star neighbor leaving for the summer. The wall between their apartments is apparently paper-thin.
“Excuse me,” says a tall guy. “Are you lovely women holding a book club? I’d love to join.”
Because it’s not like he needs to read the novel first or even know what book it is.
“No,” Lily says with a kind smile. “I think the book club finished at eight.”
He reaches to pull out a chair next to Iris, but she plops her backpack on it in one smooth motion.
“I can give a presentation on self-defense,” Iris says, glancing up at him.
He backs up quickly and leaves.
Maddie snorts.
