Page 67 of When I Picture You

They ate in easy silence, watching the water.

Renee cleared her throat. “We need to talk.”

“About us?”

Renee was digging her thumbnail into the grooved wood of the table. It made Lola nervous. “Yeah, I—when I invited you here, I didn’t think last night would happen. I didn’t plan that.”

“I liked last night. And this morning.”

Renee’s hand stilled. “I did too. I really liked it, Lo.”

“So what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I mean, um—usually, when it’s just sex, I’m chill. Like I know how to keep it uncomplicated. But this is … It’s more than just sex to me. And we’re not only friends either. I mean, it’s been amazing to reconnect and find our old friendship again, but if I’m being honest, I don’t see you like a friend anymore.” Renee scrubbed a hand through her hair. “God, why is this so difficult? What I’m trying to say is, I like you, Lo.”

Lola bit her lip. “You were really onto something when you said I like it when you’re nervous.”

“Lo! I’m being vulnerable here.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” She reached over and stilled Renee’s hand. She had flaked off long splinters of weathered wood. “I like you too.”

“You do?” Renee’s eyes widened.

“Come on! Why do you think I took you back to my hotel at the wedding?”

“Because you were horny, and I was there?”

“You were more than justthere,” Lola said. Her head was buzzing. “To be honest, I had a huge crush on you in high school, Renee. That night was meant to get it out of my system.”

Renee laughed. “Jeez, Lo, I already admitted I like you. You don’t need to make up some love story.”

“I’m not making it up. You’re the first girl I ever fell for.”

“But I can’t be,” Renee said softly. “I was a raging mess back then.”

“I know. It was kind of hot. I spent every waking minute trying to make other people happy, and you just didn’t give a damn.”

“At least I impressed someone.” Renee grimaced. “Come here.”

She tugged Lola into her lap, her arm easily fitting around the small of Lola’s back. Lola clung to Renee’s shoulder and kissed her, slow and deep. Renee’s lashes fluttered against her cheek and Lola promised herself she’d remember that featherlight touch as long as she lived.

Renee broke away. “Wait, Lo—have you ever written a song about me?”

Lola froze, which lit Renee’s face with delight.

“Seriously?OnSeventeen Candles? Which one?”

“Yes, onSeventeen Candles.” Her face was hot. “More than one song. It’s like … half the album.”

Renee blinked at her.

“Actually, maybe a little more than half?” she squeaked. She couldn’t believe she was admitting this. “You have to understand, that crush wassevere. I thought I’d never get over it. I guess I kind ofnever did? Sorry, I hope that’s not too much—it was so long ago and you were never supposed to find out.”

“It’s not too much. You could never be too much.” Renee wove her fingers into Lola’s, then set a kiss on her knuckles. “Do you remember the night we watched the meteor shower?”

“Of course.” Lola’s heart was suddenly too big for her chest. “I sing about it all the time.”

The way Renee was gazing back at her was nothing short of luminous.