Page 44 of Statler

The only impulsive action she’d ever taken was to choose Holden. And as fulfilling as that had been for a while, even their relationship had gone sour.

She squared her shoulders.

It was long past time for Eliza to reach for what she wanted.

Whatever that turned out to be.

A picture of Statler popped into her head, and Eliza immediately shook it away.

No.

If she let herself think in that direction, not only could she get hurt again, but Statler might find himself on the wrong side of her father.

Dangerous.

Though she’d never admitted as much out loud—even to Granny with whom she’d shared the inequities at the factory—she knew that Holden’s death was somehow connected to William Flazer.

She just couldn’t prove it.

And with the constraints she was constantly under, she’d probably never be able to tie her father to Holden’s demise.

Seven-o-one.

Eliza sighed and turned to head to her room when⁠—

—the chime on her phone went off.

Her breath caught.

Eliza picked up her device with shaky hands, and sure enough, Statler’s name was splashed across the screen.

“Hello?” she managed, after clearing her throat.

“Hey, Eliza. It’s Statler.”

Of course it was.

“I’ve been thinking about you,” he said in his warm, rich tone.

Isn’t that a coincidence, she’d say if she were braver. I’ve been thinking about you, too.

He continued. “I had such a great time hiking the trails behind the cottages today, I wanted to call and thank you again for pointing them out.”

Eliza sunk to her sofa, her trembling renewed.

“That’s what I’m here for,” she managed, holding her breath while waiting to see if he’d stumbled across anything he shouldn’t have.

“Yeah,” he expounded. “It was a gorgeous day. I actually did my run in the morning, then went back up with a picnic lunch and ate while overlooking the valley.”

It was a magical place, and part of her loved that Statler was sharing in that splendor.

And since he hadn’t mentioned her sanctuary, Eliza relaxed a bit.

“That’s nice. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”

“What did you do today?” he went on, and it sounded as if he really was interested.

Eliza was happy to share. “I spent the day with Granny Edith.”