Chapter 230

Lily pondered last night's events. They were, shall we say, decidedly adult! What discussion? She certainly wasn't available for one. Where would they even find the time, let alone the opportunity?

Lily examined her reflection, noticing dark circles under her eyes. She felt as if her bones had been disassembled and reassembled. Exhaustion was etched on her face.

"Lily? Lily, are you still there?" Lily didn't respond—not even a grunt—so Olivia assumed she'd hung up. "Uh, I'm here. Keep talking," Lily answered after a gurgling, sputtering sound.

"I don't have much to say. I just want to know where we're going. I know I shouldn't ask, but I'm really excited. It's been ages since I've had any fun." She'd been stuck in the lab all day and craved a night out. Lacking both time and money, this was a rare treat, and she couldn't wait.

"Why shouldn't you ask? You're part of it. Of course you can have an opinion." Lily rubbed her face, grabbed her phone, and left the bathroom. "We haven't decided yet. Do you have any suggestions? You can propose a place, and we'll consider it."

"Really?" Not only could Olivia go, but she could also offer suggestions? This was incredible. "When have I ever lied to you?" Lily touched her rumbling stomach. One might be aware of their surroundings while asleep, but upon waking, their senses immediately returned.

"Olivia, wait for me. I'm going to call Jenny. How about we celebrate soon?"

"Now?" Olivia asked.

Lily was impulsive, prone to last-minute plans. "You're busy?"

Olivia shook her head quickly. "No, I'm free. I'm at home." "Okay, I'll call and let you know."

Jenny was easygoing. Unless she worked overtime, she was usually free after work, and readily agreed. However, she insisted the others not fight over the bill.

Lily didn't object; she intended to pay anyway. She changed clothes and headed to the restaurant. Olivia was already there. Jenny was slightly delayed, needing to finish some tasks at the office.

This gave Lily time to brief Olivia. "Jenny doesn't know about my boyfriend. Don't tell her."

"Your boyfriend?" Olivia blinked. After Lily's stare, she quickly responded, "Oh, that. Jen doesn't know?" Lily shook her head. "She only knows I have a boyfriend, but not who he is. I wasn't planning on telling anyone initially." Seeing Olivia's bright smile, she added, "If I hadn't run into you yesterday, I wouldn't have told anyone." Olivia suppressed her smile, pouting, "Hmph, and I thought I was special!"

"You are special; you're the only one who knows." Tapping Olivia's shoulder, Lily said thoughtfully, "Therefore, you must keep it a secret." Olivia's happiness returned. "Oh, a secret!" She cherished this secret shared only with Lily. It felt wonderful. Suddenly, she imagined Nathaniel's reaction upon learning Lily's boyfriend's identity. She eagerly anticipated that day.

Previous Chapter Next Chapter