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“Well, I wanted to call you because we had a student drop out last minute for our upcoming semester. We received your application and wereveryimpressed by your designs and social media presence. Would you be interested in joining us for the spring semester? Classes begin January 3rd.”
“Oh… wow…” Liza sat down on her bed, trying to comprehend what the woman was saying.
“In case you aren’t aware, we are one of the top design schools in the country. Our students go on to become successful designers with many even showing at the Big Four—which I’m sure you know are the fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, New York, and London. Attending LA Design Institute could be life-changing for you and set you on a path of anextremelysuccessful career.”
Liza swallowed.
“Ms. Eckland, we need to know if you are interested as soon as possible. I’ve emailed you the enrollment verification forms. I’ll need those along with a deposit to secure your spot. I can give you twenty-four hours to decide, or we will have to move on.”
“Okay,” Liza said meekly. Her heart was pounding in her chest. The moment didn’t feel real. It was like she was floating on a cashmere cloud. “Thank you. I will let you know.”
Slowly, Liza set the phone down next to her. She shifted uncomfortably and was suddenly sweaty.Note to self: get stronger deodorant.Closing her eyes, she threw herself back onto the bed. There was no denying that the stars were aligning.First, Ada invites me to live with her. Then, I apply and somehow get accepted to LA Design Institute for the upcoming semester. It’s all so perfect. I could be one step closer to achieving my fashion dreams… but why do I feel hesitant? Nerves? Definitely… I just don’t know what it will be like to actually leave Oakville. To go somewhere completely new. To leave Oliver and Everette. To leave Miller.
A knot formed in Liza’s throat.Miller. He’s just starting to trust me, to let me in, to have fun.The way Miller pulled her close was exhilarating. The fact that he was comfortable enough in her presence to make a move proved that he’d let her cross the moat around him. As a high school student, she didn’t let herself acknowledge her attraction to Miller… but now… it was undeniable. Liza blew out a breath.I like him. I’ve always been intrigued but now… he might actually like me back. And… I’m gonna leave.
“Banjo, stop throwin’ the pillow. You gotta hold it nice, bud.”
Liza tried to stifle a smirk as she stood in Pleasant Valley chapel at her sister’s wedding ceremony rehearsal. Maggie’s fiancé, Chase, had an adorable niece and nephew as the flower girl and ring bearer. Delilah, the flower girl, elegantly floated the petals onto the floor, one by one. Ten minutes later, it was Banjo’s turn. He was seeing how high he could toss the ring bearer pillow while his mom, Jade, coaxed him toward the altar.
Finally, it was Liza's turn to walk down the aisle with Chase’s brother, Cam. Cam was nice, but it was awkward to be so close to him. It made her think about the time she had grabbed Miller’s arm at the Senior Center when she introduced him as her boyfriend. Pretending to be dating had been a blast.The fact that their friendship, and possibly more, was getting cut short made Liza sad. Telling Miller that she was leaving—thatwas going to be heart-wrenching.
Liza was in a daze while the pastor explained the order of the ceremony. Excitement and anticipation about her decision to enroll in the LA Design Institute coursed through her. She never imagined looking forward to anything school related. But, hopefully design school would be different. Her first semester classes would include pattern making, garment construction, and fashion illustration. Those were subjects she had poured over and watched countless videos on. To be taught by some of the top instructors in the country? She couldn’t help but feel giddy.
“Ready?” Cam stood holding out his arm for her once again as they made their exit down the aisle.
Liza nodded and followed him out. She sat in a small wooden pew at the back of the church waiting for Maggie and Chase to practice their exit. Sighing, she thought,I just have to find a way to tell Miller…
“Liza! Maggie showed me her dress. It’s to die for!” Ada slid into the pew next to her.
“Thank you. She really does make it look amazing.” Liza smiled over at her.
Ada held her hands up in front of her. “Whoa, what’s wrong?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing’s wrong.” Liza tried to reassure her.
“I’ve been around your sister long enough to know that a lack of perkiness is cause for concern. So, spill. What’s up?” Ada put her arm across the back of the pew and turned toward her.
“Well, I found out last night that I got into the LA Design Institute. So, I would like to take you up on your offer to be roommates—which I’m super excited about.”
“But?” Ada raised an eyebrow.
“There’s a guy—his name’s Miller—that I’ve been getting to know. I really like him.”
“Miller is the guy your sister told me you were pretending to date, right? To help him get his ex-girlfriend back?"
Liza smiled meekly. “Yeah… but it sounds like things are over between them now. And we’re just starting to…” she trailed off.
Ada let out a dramatic sigh and murmured, “Why am I always surrounded by romantics?”
Liza looked over at her and saw that she was grinning.
“Just because you’re moving to LA doesn’t mean it has to be the end, right? It will obviously make it much more complicated, but as I once told Maggie, if you really like him I don’t think you should give up.”
Liza’s eyes brightened. She felt a sliver of hope. “Thanks Ada. I really am excited to move in with you.”
Ada stood. “You should be excited. I’m an excellent roommate and LA tour guide. I’ll pass along all my wisdom to you.”
Liza laughed. “I can’t wait.”
