Page 29 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“It’s perfect. Eloise was the character in one of our favorite books who always had a knack for finding adventure. She’s already proved she’s adventuresome too, wanting to join the baby shower.”

Flo chuckled. “It makes for a cute story.”

“Has Hudson seen her?” asked Lori.

“Not yet. Blake is going to bring him tomorrow. He wanted to be sure both Eloise and I were rested before Hudson arrived. He’s a ball of energy, and I’m pretty sure he’ll want to 'hold' the baby, as we’d talked about.”

“Sounds like a wise decision. I’m glad I got to see her. She’s precious. I promise to be a loving auntie to her.”

“Her auntie and godmother,” Flo said.

“Really? Thanks. That’s very sweet of you and Blake,” said Lori, leaning down and kissing her sister on the cheek.

Later that day, Lori sat in the living room sipping a cup of tea and thinking about the children she and Nick had wanted. They’d even started a list of names for them. Seeing Flo with Eloise, the green-eyed monster of jealousy took a chunk out of Lori’s goodwill. She realized then that part of her vow to start dating was so she could someday have a family of her own.

###

A few days later, Guy called to ask her out to dinner. “The Country Club is having a dinner dance for Valentine’s Day, and I wondered if you’d be my date.”

Lori’s heart sank. She wasn’t part of the country club crowd, and she usually didn’t like to dance. Then, an image of dancing with Griff entered her mind, and she remembered how much she’d actually enjoyed it.

“That sounds like fun,” Lori said, reminding herself that accepting the unexpected was all part of the process of moving past her grief and accepting her loss.

“I had a great time the other night, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again,” said Guy almost formally. “I know dating is something you’re adjusting to.”

Relieved he understood, Lori said, “How’s your house coming? Are you going to be able to move into it sometime soon?”

“Renovation is something that always takes longer than one would think,” he said. “But I’m comfortable in my condo and won’t push too hard and mess things up.”

“You’re getting more settled?” she asked.

“Yes. It’s been an enjoyable move for me,” he said. “How’s your sister? Did she have her baby yet?”

“It happened a few days ago. She’s a beautiful little girl, they’ve named Eloise. I’m her godmother,” said Lori with a note of pride.

“Congratulations,” said Guy. “I’ve got to go, but I wanted to be sure you’d come to the dinner dance with me.”

###

When she went into work the next morning, Cara met her in the cloakroom. “Guess who’s telling everyone that she and Guy are dating?”

She recalled Cynthia Walters’ threatening looks at the restaurant where she and Guy had dined and sighed. She didn’t want any trouble.

“Cynthia is broadcasting it to everyone,” Cara continued. “But I don’t believe it. I remember what it was like when we were in high school. She had a big crush on him, but he wasn’t interested. I can’t believe he is now.”

“I’m not sure they’re dating at all,” said Lori. “I just promised to go to a Valentine's Day dinner dance with him. At the country club. I said yes because this is the year I’m going to make changes in my life.”

“Oh, hon, I know you don’t like that crowd,” said Cara.

Lori’s back stiffened with determination. “That’s true, but I’m older and more settled now. There’s no reason I should be put off by the girls who used to be very mean to us. Right?”

“You got that right,” said Cara.

“I’m not going to worry about any of those times,” said Lori. “Besides, it’s just a simple date.”

“What are you going to wear?” asked Cara.

“I’m not sure. But I think a trip to ReNew is in order,” Lori said.