Page 21 of Don't Be in Love

“Adelaide, this is a Townsen tradition, you can’t miss it. Clear your calendar, put your reads to the side, close your door sothe neighbor’s cat doesn’t get it, and shelf the self-improvement podcasts for a night,” he reasoned.

“You’re starting to sound like Dorian. No wonder you two are friends,” I commented with a chip in my mouth.

A smile pulled on his lips. “He’s dramatic, we have a good time. Think about the networking,” he nudged my arm.

I pursed my lips. “You’re good. I’ll think about it.”

We sidestepped a woman in the middle of the sidewalk who bent down to pick up her dog. James grabbed my arm, pulling me to his side before a bicyclist could drive straight into me.

I exhaled in relief. “That was close.” I felt my bag to make sure everything was still there.

“They don’t have cycle lanes in your city?” he asked concerningly.

“Most of the time they’re an after-thought,” I winced. “I’ll be staying on the sidewalk from now on.” I looked down where his hand was still around my elbow. He followed my gaze, a strand of silver hair falling forward. It contrasted his dark brows and lashes but complemented his lighter skin. It wasn’t cut neatly like Dorian’s. It was grown out, reaching the middle of his neck, waves curling around his ears, almost like a fairy’s.

He let go of my elbow, stuffing his hand into his pocket. “Fortunately, we’re here so we don’t need to worry about anymore cyclists. I’ll grab the tickets. Want to find us a seat?”

I saluted him with a chip in my mouth and turned. The park beside Westminster Abbey was almost completely covered by felt blankets and crossed legs. Everyone faced the Abbey, where a large screen was propped up. I could’ve watched a movie on my laptop for our class assignment tonight, but it was hard to say no to James’s outdoor film idea. Especially when I mentioned it to Mia. Who then mentioned it to Sabrina. Who I could see sitting at the back of the lawn on a pink gingham blanket.

“Over here!” Sabrina sat up on her knees, waving her hand.

“Sorry, excuse me, sorry, thank you, excuse me.” I finally dropped onto the blanket without stepping on any legs or dogs.

“Where’s James?” Mia asked, pushing up on the palm of her hand and swiveling her gaze.

“Hi, Mia! I had a lovely day, thanks for asking, what about you?” I said.

“He’s still going to sit with us, right?” she asked.

I leaned backward to see Brina’s reaction.

She’s crazy, Sabrina mouthed.

I know, I mouthed back.

“He’s coming! He’s coming!” She smacked my arm.

I rubbed my arm. “You’reinsane,” I whispered.

“No, I just want to be able to go home during Christmas break and tell each one of my cousins to suck it because I got a British boyfriend,” she spoke with a frightening amount of determination.

Sabrina looked at me in fear.

I turned and threw my arm in the air to catch James’s attention. He stepped over everyone’s extended legs with much more grace than I had before sitting beside me.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” He leaned over me to extend his hand to Mia and then Sabrina.

They both responded with some iteration ofnice to meet you too, paired with a gawking look from Brina and a wide smile from Mia.

Well then. “How much were the tickets? I can—” I reached for my wallet.

“It’s fine, I dragged you all the way out here,” he shook his head. “You haven’t seenDirty Dancinganyways.”

“A crime in itself,” Mia interjected.

“Exactly,” he agreed. “Now you’re stuck with this memory forever, knowing that we saw it together.”

“Well thank you, I appreciate it.” I bumped my shoulder against his.