Page 96 of Let's Talk About Love

(That’s what real life was for.)

(This was a dream.)

(Clearly.)

“Takumi, my brother would like to talk to you.”

“About?” He settled onto the bed.

“No clue.”

“Okay.” She handed Takumi the phone. “Hello?” Takumi paused, listening to Adam. “Yes—no—I don’t think so.” He glanced at her. “She does—no—I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

“What is he saying?” she whispered. She leaned in closer to hear, but Takumi leaned back, shaking his head with a wry smile. He switched the phone to his other ear.

“At work, actually.”

She poked him in the ribs. “Takumi. Tell me.”

“We are not—not that I know of. I’m sure she would have mentioned it by now.”

“Mentioned what?”

He placed his finger over her lips.

“Yes—I’ll keep that in mind. Not that you could stop me if I wanted to, but I hear you.”

Her eyebrows slapped her hairline. She grabbed his hand, pulling it to her chest. “Wanted to what?”

Takumi squeezed her hand. Smiling, he looked at Alice and said to her brother, “No. You really couldn’t.” He hung up the phone. “That was fun.”

“What did he say? He didn’t want to talk to me again?”

Takumi moved, suddenly, nearly nose to nose with Alice. Her stomach flipped, but she didn’t move back. He laughed slightly, eyes brighter than they were a moment before.

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

He fell to the side, his head landing half on Alice’s shoulder, half on the back of the sofa. “Nope.” He sat up and back before holding out his arms. “Movie time. Come on.”

“No, thank you.” She pouted, moving to the opposite side of the bed, their feet in the middle.

“Suit yourself.”

She made it fifteen minutes before tapping his ankle with her foot. “Why are you so far away?”

CHAPTER

31

Feenie glowered in Alice’s doorway.

“You’re alive,” Feenie said. Ryan must have told her about the cabin trip. “And here.”

At least for another six months, hopefully.

“You didn’t tell me to move out. So.” Would they want her living with them after they tied the knot? She didn’t know any married couples who weren’t a part of her familial brood. On TV, newlyweds usually lived on their own, not with friends, or with family if they had a baby. Where would she live? Would her parents let her go home? “I’d appreciate a heads-up if you’re planning on doing that.”

“You know, I’ve really fucking had it with you.” Feenie stepped into the room, boiling with fury.