Page 104 of Consumed By You

“I’m twenty-four today.”

“Oh, not far from me,” he replies. “I’m twenty-nine.”

“Really? I still would have pegged you younger than me.”

Seriously. He lookssoyoung.

“Really?” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Everyone, dinner is served,” Kevin proclaims. Dinner tonight is cheap Chinese takeout, my favorite.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask, taking Luke’s coat. “We have practically any liquor you can imagine, wine, beer, soda, water…”

“I’ll have a beer, thanks.” Marilyn takes his arm and leads him away, introducing him to the lively bunch.

I fetch the beer from the fridge and set it on the counter. Where is my bottle opener? Shit. I’m digging through my junk drawers when Doris asks, “What are you looking for?”

“A bottle opener. I can’t find it.” I move to the next drawer.

“Listen, I wanted to talk to you about the other day…”

“No, no.” I look up at her. “It’s fine. I know you were just trying to help.”

“But now you two aren’t speaking.” She exhales, pouting like a little girl.

“That happens every time we see each other, Doris. Don’t blame yourself. We’re champions at stupid, passionate hissy fits.” I touch her arm. “Really, it’s fine.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. I told him I was seeing someone. He knows now, so I’m glad I was able to tell him.”

“So there’s no chance for you two?” she asks hesitantly. “I mean, I just hate to see you both like this. Benjamin hasnevercared for someone like he does for you. You have some kind of power over him.”

I inhale deeply. It’s taking all the strength I have tonight to act like he’s not the one person I want to be with me for my birthday.

No, Luke is here. He’s kind, and good, and he wants to be with me. He believes in love. I have to remember that.

“I wish I could think like he does. I want to be with him more than anything, but I want him toloveme. What point is there in giving him my heart if he can’t give me his? If he refuses even the idea of it?”

“That’s a gamble inanyrelationship. He can learn to love you. I know he can.”

“Have you been speaking to Marilyn?” I ask suspiciously, putting my hands on my hips.

“Just a bit.” She grins. Her silver hair is down today, making her look a decade younger.

“Well, stop!” I chuckle exasperatedly, going back to my task of finding something to open up this damn beer. I end up finding it in my dishwasher and quickly snap off the cap.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Beer in hand, we walk back out into the dining room.

The drink I’m holding easily becomes ten times heavier as I stare at the incredibly tall billionaire speaking with Marilyn. In a sudden panic, my eyes drift between Luke and Benjamin.

No. No, no, no.

“Did you invite him?” I hiss at Doris, unable to look away from him.

“No,” she answers, sounding just as shocked as me.