Page 71

“I’m good,” Lola replied, and she was.

Aly traced a finger down Lola’s arm. “I love how your arm hair turns golden,” she said.

“I know you do,” Lola said and kissed her on the mouth.

***

Dinner that night was an early reservation at a pizza place with yellow umbrellas. Lola hadn’t had pizza since leaving the city for the summer and couldn’t stifle the groan when the melted mozzarella dripped hot oil onto her tongue.

“I heard that,” Aly laughed.

“I think I just came,” Lola replied, her mouth full.

Aly reached over and wiped the grease from Lola’s chin.

“You’re as bad as Clancy.” Aly pointed. The toddler, too, was covered in pizza.

Tired from the long day in the hot sun, Lola was content tosit back and let everyone else talk. She swirled her natural wine and looked out at the water, laughter rising and falling around her. For the first time in what felt like a long time, she thought of Justin. They were supposed to be in Capri by now. Or at least she felt fairly certain. She never could remember the exact dates of that trip.

And if she had been with him instead of here—if he hadn’t abandoned her in her lowest moment as he had—she would probably be happy, just as she was now. But then she’d also never know the feeling of Aly’s body on hers. Would she have spent her whole life wondering about other women, or would someone else have eventually caught her eye and lured her away?

It was strange to think how close she’d been to living a totally different life, how every decision had such a huge impact.

“Earth to Lola.” Aly nudged her. While Lola spaced out, they had paid the check, and a girl with blue hair was cleaning up the table. “Let’s go get in bed.”

“Yes, let’s,” Lola said. They were the last to leave.

“Thanks for coming,” the server said. “You guys make a really cute couple.”

***

Their clothes were in a trail from the bedroom door to the bed. Under the covers, with the lights dimmed, they clung to each other.

“I have to tell you something,” Aly whispered, between kisses.

“Anything.”

“I like you.”

Lola laughed. “I thought so.”

“No. Like, Ilikelike you.”

“What is this, seventh grade?” Lola asked, trying to downplay the giddy rush she felt. “Ilikelike you too, Carter.”

“Thank god,” Aly whispered in return.

What did it mean, Lola wondered, that she and Aly admitting to liking each other—no, tolikeliking each other? Did it mean she was safer? That Aly was less likely to leave her behind after this Hamptons summer, trample her heart on the way out?

She kissed Aly’s neck, breathing in her skin. Her hands wandered down Aly’s stomach. She certainly felt safer than she had in the beginning—than she had at the start of this weekend, even.

She flipped Aly onto her back and climbed on top of her. Aly laughed in surprise but stopped when Lola kissed her, hard and deep. Aly dug her hands into Lola’s hair, pressing herself into Lola’s leg. Lola could feel how much Aly wanted her, how vulnerable she was too.

Despite her reputation as a heartbreaker, she was just as soft as Lola, just as hopeful for love, trusting of it. Lola liked knowing this.

She kissed down Aly’s neck and then her collarbone.

Aly’s breath quickened.