Barnaby’s is Wakefield’s popular bar. I know because Willow told me about how Tess and Sheetal took her there for an Avengers trivia night.

They came in second.

According to Willow, there were some trick questions relating to Captain America that shouldn’t have been included. Even coming in second, she had fun and she’s making friends. It’s a good thing.

She’s happy.

I want that for her. That’s all that should matter. We say our goodbyes, and just as I pocket my phone, Lily returns from her meeting. She rushes into Superheroes & Scones like she’s been away from her child for a decade. Her 24/7 bodyguard stays near the door with the other two, and I can already hear fans coalescing outside.

My stomach knots. I’m going to have to push my way through those crowds. Great. I don’t love people grabbing at me. I exhale a tense breath.

Lily skids to a stop when she sees her three-year-old curled up on the beanbag, cuddling the Ant-Man blanket.

Gathering my backpack, I avoid her gaze and rise to my feet.

“Garrison, thank you,” she whispers so she doesn’t wake him.

“It was nothing,” I say. “See you.” I head towards the door.

“Wait, Garrison.” Lily catches up with me. “Do you want to come over for dinner? We’re having spaghetti. I didn’t make it, so it’s edible.” She smiles softly, and I see those pleading puppy dog eyes that Willow was talking about.

To me, it just looks like pity.

Lily knows I’m alone here in the city. My family might live in Philly, but I don’t go see them unless it’s a holiday and I’m coerced into it. I have no friends. All that’s keeping me going is work. I should take her offer, but I don’t want to get close to Lily and Loren or any of Willow’s family.

I don’t know how long our relationship is going to last. And if she breaks up with me, if this all ends, they’ll choose her. Like they should. And I don’t want to spend time with Lily and Loren just to lose them in the end.

I won’t.

I can’t.

“I have plans,” I lie to Lily. “But thanks.”

Without another glance back, I zip up my jacket and leave.

10 PRESENT DAY - October

London, England

WILLOW HALE

Age 20

“Why are you taking photos of the chips, Willow?” Sheetal sips a beer and eyes my cell curiously. It hovers over a bowl of chips—or fries as I call them. Barnaby’s has great pub food, and it’s imperative that I send in my rating to Daisy.

“I promised my friend I’d document the food in London,” I explain. “And rate it.”

Tess smiles and plucks a fry from the basket. “I’d give these fries a solid two out of five. Needs more salt.” She bites into it.

Sheetal reaches for the salt shaker. “You mean, chips.”

Tess sticks out her tongue playfully. Sheetal tosses a fry at her, and Tess laughs. Not long after, Sheetal asks, “You need another bevvie?” She eyes her girlfriend’s depleting beer.