Page 116 of The Roommate Lie

Have I mentioned she’s the perfect girl?

ALICE

I’m standing alone in an orange gondola at Ponderosa Falls Aerial Tramway, but there’s no line of other people waiting to get inside. I’ve booked this little coffin of doom so we can have it all to ourselves, and I’m only a tiny bit nervous about the ride up to Four Pines Peak. Mostly, though, I’m just looking forward to standing on the observation deck where Charlie and I had our first kiss; it feels like hallowed ground.

Besides, this tramway is one of his favorite things in Ponderosa Falls. What better way to celebrate Charlie’s big day?

“Tramway Tours by Carrots, huh?” He leans against the open doorway like he’s every romance author’s dream. Pausing, he reads the company slogan I put on his fake tramway ticket. “The worst kind of gondola. The best kind of view.”

I shrug. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

That boy doesn’t tell me anything. He just boards the tram and scoops me into his arms, backing me against the window while we wait for our tram conductor to show up.

I can’t prove it, but something tells me Charlie paid him to take his time.

I’m still wearing my old-west costume—I hurried straight here from the museum to meet Charlie after his first day at work—and he traces the calico pattern on my sleeve, drawing a soft line all the way up to the high neck of my blouse.

“I’m not going to lie,” he says with a very wicked, very Charlie smirk. “This outfit is kind of doing it for me.”

I laugh, nudging him in the ribs as he pins me against the wall of the gondola a little more. Then all that wickedness fades. His dimples deepen as a softer smile lights up Charlie’s face, a better smile. After kissing me gently, he rests his forehead against mine.

“You getting stranded here is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he says softly.

“Me too.”

And I mean that, every word. My trip to Ponderosa Falls changed my life in all the best ways. I wouldn’t change any of it for a second, not even the hard stuff.

“I’m glad you stayed.” His voice is husky and low as our eyes meet. “I’m glad you’re here, and I’m glad your mine. Stay forever, Carrots?”

“Forever, Blythe.” I rise up on my toes to kiss him. “Always.”