I looked at her and hesitated, not because I didn’t know what to say, but because I wanted it to be the answer she was hoping for. Maya had said Lily seemed glad I was out when she came to the house this afternoon. Did that mean she was wishing for a get-out-of-jail-free card, a way to absolve herself from our relationship so she could go home, put all this behind her and continue with a less complicated life? Or did she want to stay?

“Ash? Can you please tell me what you think?”

“Selfishly, yes, I want you to stay. Unless you don’t want to, or they need you at work—”

“Actually, I got laid off earlier.” She shrugged. “Life can really suck, can’t it?”

“Was it because of me? Because you came here?”

Lily gave a dismissive wave. “Mike knew—” She must’ve caught my clueless expression because she stopped and said, “Mike’s my boss. I work at a garage. The place folded.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Two weeks ago, I’d have been devastated. Now, the only thing that matters—” she gave a small shrug “—is you.”

I was about to answer when a man across the street caught my eye. Tall, wide, red hair. Keenan. Jesus Christ, the last thing I needed was for a fight to erupt on the genteel streets of Newdale, or for Lily to see me get into fisticuffs with my neighbor. Thankfully, he disappeared into the bar, but when I turned my head, Lily was eyeing me, frowning.

“Someone you know?” she said.

“A guy called Keenan and let’s just say he’s not my number one fan.”

“That’s Keenan?”

“You know him?”

“Of him. I met his sister Fiona. She runs the motel where I’m staying. The Harbor Inn? She mentioned you two don’t get along. Something to do with their sister?”

“Celine,” I said, and when she nodded, I let out a breath. I must have told Lily about my high-school sweetheart, which had to count for something, surely, but then she continued.

“Fiona said it’s also because he dated your girlfriend Kate before you got together.” She lowered her voice. “You never mentioned them in all the time I’ve known you. Just like you never told me about Maya, either.”