THE LUNA CHOOSING GAME - Season 5 Episode 9

She was probably used to rubbing elbows with celebrities. But polite manners were polite manners.

I was suddenly very annoyed on Julian’s behalf.

Maybe it was time I really lean into this and give this fake relationship my all.

I leaned forward again. “Bridget?”

Bridget stopped talking to Olivia to glance at me. “Yes, Piper?”

“Did I ever tell you how great of a boyfriend Julian is?” I hadn’t because I had never told anyone because it was all lies. “He’s so attentive and exciting. We’re always doing something new.”

“That’s nice,” she said, smiling kindly. “I’m really very glad that you two found each other.”

God help Julian, she seemed so genuine, like she really was glad her old friend found someone who cared about him and vice versa.”

Olivia then pulled away Bridget’s attention again, bringing her back into their conversation.

I glanced at Julian. His jaw was clenched tightly.

The rest of the meal, he only picked at his breakfast.

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Afterwards, we said goodbye to Bridget, who was still talking to Olivia and Lilliana, then started to make our exit.

Elva wanted to say hi to Susie, so we stopped there. While Elva and Susie were speaking, I looked at Julian.

“I’m sorry,” I told him.

She shook his head. “Don’t.”

The word was like ice. It startled me, being frozen out like that, by Julian of all people. He immediately noticed the look on my face and relented.

“I’m not mad at you, Piper. I appreciate you trying.” He laughed a little, though it was weak. “Honestly, you’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had.”

His words warmed me up from the inside out. I smiled at him. “You are a good friend to me, too.”

+15 BÔNUS

He matched my smile. “Come on, that’s bullshit. I’m a terrible friend.” He said it so matter–of–factly that it made me laugh.

“No,” I said when I sobered. “I mean it. You’ve been there for me. I haven’t had many people in my life that I can trust, but you are one of them.‘

“I’m the same,” he said. He took my hand then, and squeezed my fingers.

I felt closer to him that I ever had before. I kept waiting for him to ruin the moment with some smartass comment, but this time, he never did.

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In our comfortable silence, Veronica approached us.

“Prince Julian,” she said. He nodded at her in acknowledgement. “How is Prince Joyce?”

The question startled both me and Julian.

“Joyce?” Julian asked.

Though maybe it shouldn’t have been such a surprise. Having once been in the underground organization herself, Veronica could relate to Joyce in ways that the rest of us would have never been able to.

Julian pitched his voice lower. “What was done to him is not so easily undone. As I’m sure you understand.”

“I do,” she said. “That’s why I asked.”

Julian tilted his head as he studied her. He seemed to be assessing something. She held his gaze steadily, as if she was aware of the silent test happening and was meeting it with confidence.

Meanwhile, I looked between the two of them, terribly confused.

Finally Julian sighed.

And Veronica spoke, “I want to speak to him.”

Julian hummed, like he’d already gathered that, and also already knew which answer he was going to give.

“It won’t change anything,” Julian said.

“It might,” she said. “And doesn’t that make it worth the try?”

I tugged Julian’s sleeve. “Let her. If anyone can help, she can.” Julian looked at me, then sighed again. “Very well.”