Page 15 of The Broken Keys

No, you don’t.” I slide my hand over hers. “Anything you did was just your way of trying to deal with the shit I did.”

We sit with that for a moment, then settle into the rest of dinner. Our conversation is lighter, and she laughs with free abandon. When the server asks whether we want dessert, Livianna orders a slice of pie and a coffee to go.

Once we have that and I’ve paid the check, we stroll out to the parking lot. A guy starts snapping pictures as soon as we’re in range of a good shot.

I tense. “Fucking hell. Let me handle this.”

“No, I’ve got this.” She winks and veers his way.

“What are you gonna do?”

“Get on their good side for once.”

I stop, and she strolls calmly toward the photographer. He raises his camera, but she shakes her head and approaches him.

What the hell is she doing?

She hands him the pie and the coffee. He takes it in wonder.

Don’t worry, I’m right there with you, mate.

They chat for a minute, then she struts back to me as if she just handled a business meeting.

“What?” She slides her palms into mine.

“You just… You fed the paparazzi.”

“I gave a working man some goodies.”

“But he was…” I gesture toward him.

“Doing his job. Which is a lot easier and less intrusive when you treat photographers like human beings instead of enemies.”

“What did you say to him?”

“He asked if we were together.” She lifts our hands. “Obviously, we are tonight, so I said yes.”

I stare at her, trying to process what just happened. “You’re incredible.”

“No, I’m just trying to put a positive spin on my life for once.”

“No, you’re incredible. Years ago, you would’ve hidden in the bathroom until they left.”

She’s quiet for a moment, seeming to consider something. “I guess I’ve learned that running away usually makes things worse. And now I know how to play their games to work in my favor.”

I laugh, and it’s lighter than it has been in a long time. “Look at us, being all mature and shit.”

“Don’t get too excited. I’m still a disaster most days.”

“Yeah, but you’re a disaster who just turned a potential tabloid nightmare into a human moment.” I kiss her knuckles. “That’s not nothing, Lily. That’s growth.”

“Maybe, but it’s not that big of a deal.”

We get to my car and I guide her in. Warmth settles in my chest, and then I’m immersed in it. This night might mean that we finally get a fresh start.

And that thought has me both flying high and shaken to my core, because if I lose her again, I’m not sure I’ll be able to survive it twice.

Chapter Four