51 | Party Time

*** Liliana’s POV

I regretted coming as soon as I got here. 2 hours later and I my endurance was spent.

“I’m taking off,” I tell Lisa, trying to mask my discomfort with a casual tone. She smirks knowingly, her eyes flicking toward Ryan, who was in mid-conversation across the yard.

“Guess Ryan was chatting you up again,” she notes, not hiding her amusement. Lisa always invites Ryan to her summer BBQs—they’ve been friends forever—and she’s decided that my grieving period should be over. For the past couple of months, she’s been subtly trying to play matchmaker, convinced that Ryan and I would make a perfect couple.

“He’s sweet,” Lisa presses, her tone suggesting she’s thought this through far too much. “You could give him a chance, Lil.”

I force a smile. “I have a date,” I say, trying to sound firm. Lisa eyes me suspiciously, sensing my reluctance to engage.

“Oh really?” she teases. “And if you’re talking about ‘Glenda Jackson,’ she doesn’t count.” She knows I haven’t dated anyone since