Page 44 of Whatever It Takes

He looks like my brothers.No, he just dresses like a douchebag, like they do. But he’s not them.

I swallow hard, my nose flaring. My insides twist, fighting with these feelings. I can’t be the paranoid, controlling boyfriend who forbids her from talking to her own goddamn group partner.

I won’t do it.

I don’t even want toappearlike I’m jealous or worried about him. She doesn’t need that stress. I’m trying to be cool. Everything is cool.

Everything’s fine.

She scratches at her arm. “I’m really sorry. This is when I wish I was Hermione and had a Time-Turner. But I am…sadly a mortal.”

“A muggle,” I rephrase for her, which is something I rarely do forHarry Potterreferences. She’s usually correcting me.

She smiles, but it’s a sadder, weaker one. “A muggle.” She nods and then shakes her head, conflicted. Like she wishes she had time for me and school. Without me asking, she offers more details. “It’s a group thing. We’re going over to Barnaby’s to come up with a slogan for the umbrella ad.”

Barnaby’s is Wakefield’s popular bar. I know because Willow told me about how Tess and Sheetal took her there for anAvengerstrivia night.

They came in second.

According to Willow, there were some trick questions relating to Captain America that shouldn’t have been included. Even coming in second, she had fun and she’s making friends. It’s a good thing.

She’s happy.

I want that for her. That’s all that should matter. We say our goodbyes, and just as I pocket my phone, Lily returns from her meeting. She rushes into Superheroes & Scones like she’s been away from her child for a decade. Her 24/7 bodyguard stays near the door with the other two, and I can already hear fans coalescing outside.

My stomach knots. I’m going to have to push my way through those crowds.Great. I don’t love people grabbing at me. I exhale a tense breath.

Lily skids to a stop when she sees her three-year-old curled up on the beanbag, cuddling theAnt-Manblanket.

Gathering my backpack, I avoid her gaze and rise to my feet.

“Garrison, thank you,” she whispers so she doesn’t wake him.

“It was nothing,” I say. “See you.” I head towards the door.

“Wait, Garrison.” Lily catches up with me. “Do you want to come over for dinner? We’re having spaghetti. I didn’t make it, so it’s edible.” She smiles softly, and I see those pleadingpuppy dogeyes that Willow was talking about.

To me, it just looks like pity.

Lily knows I’m alone here in the city. My family might live in Philly, but I don’t go see them unless it’s a holiday and I’m coerced into it. I have no friends. All that’s keeping me going is work. I should take her offer, but I don’t want to get close to Lily and Loren or any of Willow’s family.

I don’t know how long our relationship is going to last. And if she breaks up with me, if this all ends, they’ll choose her. Like they should. And I don’t want to spend time with Lily and Loren just to lose them in the end.

I won’t.

I can’t.

“I have plans,” I lie to Lily. “But thanks.”

Without another glance back, I zip up my jacket and leave.

10PRESENT DAY - October

London, England

WILLOW HALE

Age 20