Chapter 26
SALEM PLACE
Joey was sitting at a table in Salem Place. He saw Lilith walk by and got up.
JOEY: Lilith!
Lilith stopped and turned around.
LILITH: Hey.
JOEY: Hey, what's up?
LILITH: I'm on my way out of town.
JOEY: Seriously?
LILITH: Yeah. Coming here was a mistake.
Joey looked puzzled.
JOEY: How so?
LILITH: Well, I only came back here to be with Ceri. Now, I'll never get the chance.
JOEY: Oh, gotcha.
LILITH: Yeah. I've got a flight in a little while.
JOEY: Do you have a ride? I could drive you, if you want.
LILITH: Thanks, but I'm okay. I've got a ride.
JOEY: Okay, if you're sure.
LILITH: Well, thanks for everything.
Lilith went to leave, but Joey called to her.
JOEY: Wait.
Lilith turned back.
LILITH: What?
JOEY: So, that's it? You're just gonna walk away?
LILITH: What else were you expecting?
JOEY: I don't know. But, I thought we had something going on here.
LILITH: What would make you think that?
JOEY: You. You've been all over me for the last week or two. Or, was that just a rebound thing because you finally realized you can't have Ceri?
LILITH: No, it wasn't like that. I just...I wanted to see if there was something there. There wasn't.
JOEY: Well, there was to me. And, that's really sucky to do something like that.
LILITH: Look, I'm sorry for leading you on, love.
JOEY: Whatever.
Joey turned around and went over to the table.
LILITH: Joey...for what it's worth, I really am sorry.
Lilith left. A little while later, J.J. came by.
J.J.: Hey, man. How's it goin'?
JOEY: Not great.
J.J.: Why, what's up?
JOEY: Well, Lilith just left.
J.J.: Oh, gotcha. You really liked her, huh?
JOEY: Yep.
J.J.: I'm sorry, dude.
JOEY: Hey, you know, it just wasn't meant to be. Anyway, you don't wanna hear my problems. How are you?
J.J.: Not bad. So, I was wondering if you could help me with something?
JOEY: Depends on what it is.
J.J.: You know what we did for Ceri and Sydney's wedding?
Joey nodded.
J.J.: How would you like to do that more regularly?
JOEY: What? You mean, form a band with you?
J.J.: Me and, when we need a piano, Rhiannon. We talked about it, and she's cool with it. Plus, it would be a good way to make money between semesters at college, if we get some good gigs.
JOEY: Sure, why not?
J.J.: Awesome!
J.J. and Joey high-fived.
J.J.: But, that's not the only reason I need your help. But, maybe now's not the best time since Lilith's just left.
JOEY: Look, whatever it is, I'll be happy for the distraction. What have you got in mind?