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“When I got your text saying you were here, I was responding to a raccoon situation—don’t ask. So, I reached out to Liza. And no, I didn’t call her. I’m not that out of touch. I texted her.” Captain Tate puffed out his chest proudly.
Liza looked between them. It seemed like she wasn’t sure what to say in the presence of the police captain. Instead, she played with a strand of her hair. After a moment, she reached for her purse. “Oh geez, you know what? It’s late. I should get going.” She gave a small wave and headed to the exit.
A flustered Liza is adorable.Miller smiled as he watched her leave.
“You’re a goner,” Captain Tate said, chomping on a complimentary pretzel.
Miller opened his mouth to refute the statement. He ended up just rubbing his jaw instead. The captain was right, but the fact wasn’t new. Miller was just finally letting himself admit it.
The next morning, after Miller fed the dogs, he texted Liza. “I didn’t get a chance to ask. How did the wedding shower go?”
Liza Eckland:Three words—peacock ice sculptures.
Miller Brooks:Sad I missed it. Do you still need a plus one for the rehearsal thing tonight and the wedding?
Liza Eckland:What about Abigail?
Abigail…Miller hadn’t thought about her at all since kissing Liza. It was the first time that he could remember not falling asleep wondering what he’d done wrong to lose her. Instead, his mind kept replaying the feeling of Liza’s lips on his.
Miller Brooks:I don’t think Abigail and I want the same things anymore. But most importantly, I said I’d be your plus one. So, I’m available if you still want me.
Three bubbles appeared and then disappeared multiple times before Liza finally responded.
Liza Eckland:Be prepared to salsa!
Miller chuckled to himself at Liza’s response. To give her a heads up he added, “I have to meet with my insurance agent this afternoon, but I should be back in time for dinner.”
Liza Eckland:Sounds good. You have a lot on your plate right now. Thanks for being willing to come!
Liza being understanding was a relief. Abigail would become passive aggressive if things didn’t go according to her schedule. Miller was beginning to realize there were so many things he liked about Liza—including being her boyfriend.
Chapter 23
Liza
Lizasteamedherasymmetrical,one-shoulder maxi dress. She smiled looking at the color blocking—a bright pink, contrasted with a deep purple. She had sewn the dress last summer but never had an event to wear it at. Now, she was grateful for what at one time felt like wasted energy because all her free time the last month had been devoted to her sister’s wedding gown.
As she turned off the steamer, her phone pinged. It was a message from Miller. She rubbed her lips together like she had just put on gloss, but instead she was remembering the shockingly perfect kiss they’d shared the night before. Singing to him, being ridiculous to cheer him up, and then being wrapped up by him… It felt so easy, natural, and incredible.
Normally, she would have immediately texted Parker and Gemma after such an exciting event. But, something about the moment felt so precious that she wanted to take time to cherish it for herself. Her phone pinged a second time. She clicked on Miller’s message and read, “Hey, I’m sorry. This insurance agent is long-winded. I’m probably going to be late to the dinner.”
Liza Eckland:No problem! Just come when you can.
Miller Brooks:I’ll let you know when I’m on my way.
Knowing Miller was coming, even if he would be a bit late, gave her comfort. She would only have to get through a small portion of the evening alone. Liza walked up to her floor length mirror and gave herself a pep talk.You can do this.You are an aspiring designer. You have a lot to be proud of. You can handle small talk and anything or anyone Deborah Eckland throws at you.
At that moment, her phone rang. Liza squinted at the caller ID—leary of someone choosing to call instead of text. She almost sent it to voicemail when she didn’t immediately see a name she recognized. But, the words scrolling said “Los Angeles Design.”It’s probably a scam, but just to be safe…Liza pressed accept.
“Hello.”
“Hello, is this Liza Eckland?” a friendly but posh voice asked.
“Uh, yes, I’m Liza Eckland.”
“Liza, my name is Serenity Banks. I’m an admissions officer at the Los Angeles Design Institute. You recently applied to our program, correct?” the woman paused.
In the chaos of the experiment, and then the fire and the wedding, Liza had totally forgotten she submitted the application. As her mind caught up to the question, she answered, “Ah, yes. I did.”
