Lilah's List by Robyn Amos Page B

tonight. He couldn’t get away from the studio after all.”
    Tyler waited to hear a sigh of disappointment, but Lilah just shrugged it off, looking strangely relieved. “Oh well, I guess it’s just the three of us then. Do you think you can handle two women on your own?”
    Before Tyler could respond, the hostess motioned for them to follow her to their table. Tyler trailed behind the women feeling his sense of anticipation rising.
    Lilah was giving off a confident vibe that was a far cry from the guarded woman he’d met last night. Although she’d loosened up considerably after a couple of appletinis, she’d remained a bit melancholy. Tonight she was all smiles and sass as she slid into their booth.
    Tyler situated himself across from the two women and picked up his menu to force his eyes away from Lilah. It was important not to rush things after last night.
    â€œI have to tell you, Lilah,” Angie said, studying her friend. “That psychic must have worked some kind of mojo on you after all because you’ve been a bundle of energy ever since.”
    â€œPsychic?” Tyler asked.
    â€œYup,” Lilah answered. “Number 21 on The List—visit a fortune-teller.”
    â€œHow did it go? Did she tell you anything useful?”
    â€œIt sounded like a bunch of mumbo-jumbo to me,” Angie said.
    â€œShe didn’t put a spell on me or anything. I actually decided to take your advice, Angie. I have an amazing opportunity to do some things I’ve always wanted to do. I have to stop worrying about the consequences, and just go for it.”
    Tyler smiled at Lilah. So he hadn’t been imagining it. She really was shining from the inside out. “So, besides the psychic, what else did you girls do today?”
    â€œFrom The List, just the psychic,” Lilah said.
    â€œYeah, but afterward Lilah treated us both to manicures and pedicures.” Both women held out their hands to be admired.
    â€œVery nice,” Tyler said dutifully.
    â€œMeeting with your brother was supposed to be the other item I checked off today. That would have been a big one, so I guess I need to pick out another big thing to do instead.”
    Angie pulled out The List and spread it out in the middle of the table. “How about going to a karaoke bar? I think there’s one on the lower west side.”
    Lilah stared at The List, shaking her head. “No, I need something bigger. I think I’ve got to bite the bullet on the tattoo.”
    Angie squealed with delight.
    â€œWow.” Tyler raised his brows. For some reason he hadn’t been expecting that. “So what’s it going to be? The classic lower back tattoo you girls seem to love? Or maybe a sexy ankle tattoo?”
    She sighed. “I don’t know yet. I think I may need a few appletinis first.”
    â€œOh no, my dear,” Angie said. “You are cut off. After last night, nothing stronger than diet soda for you.”
    â€œLook who thinks she’s my mother now.” Lilah rolled her eyes and leaned toward Tyler. “I don’t actually want a tattoo anymore, but it’s on The List, so I’m committed to doing it. All I know is, I’d better get it over with before I chicken out.”
    Tyler imagined Lilah stretched out at the tattoo shop, her jeans pulled low, exposing that golden skin at the base of her spine. “This sounds like a very important, not to mention permanent, decision. I think I’d better come along as a consultant.”
    â€œReally? You want to watch?” she asked.
    â€œYou bet.”
    â€œOkay, I could use the extra moral support.”
    â€œLet me see this list.” Tyler reached for the sheet of paper that was still sitting on the table in front of Angie. “Maybe there are other things I can help with.”
    As Tyler scanned through The List, he couldn’t resist glancing up at Lilah. He saw a blush tinge her cheeks as she