“An investigation will uncover the truth,” Jeff said, then leaned toward Elizabeth. “Will told me he offered you the CFO job.”
Ryder looked her way. “What? Another permanent Dorsey in town? Aren’t we over our allotment?”
Will laughed. “She didn’t say yes. Yet.”
“I’m flattered, but that offer is outside my plan.” She motioned to Ryder. “You guys should get him home. He’s going to fall off his stool.”
After the first bite, he never took another. She boxed up his dinner along with a dessert while Jeff cashed out with Lucy. Then she wiped down the counter and watched them go.
“You’ve got it bad for him,” Lucy said as she collected the condiment bottles.
“I’m concerned for him. He was hurt.”
“I think Tina’s right. You’ve moved to Denialville.”
“How can I deny something that’s not true?” What was with small-town people who liked to be in everyone’s business?
At ten, she locked the front door and turned off the lights. In the office, she tallied the receipts and worked up the deposit slip for Tina. She liked doing the extra things for a boss she admired.
“Everything’s done. Cade is dumping out the mop water.” Lucy leaned against the door. “Hey, Elizabeth, about Ryder. I’m just teasing. I really do admire your drive and determination. I wish I had it in me to go to a fancy college and get an MBA.” She smiled softly. “But I’m a country girl. I’m okay with attending UT and working here in the summers.”
“If you’re doing what you love, that’s all that matters.” Elizabeth tossed the money bag in the safe. “We’re not all called to change the world the same way, Luce.”
“I feel like I’m changing the world when someone walks into the diner, hankering for some good food, the best sweet tea in Tennessee, and a friendly face. Lonely, hurting people will never tell you they’re lonely and hurting, but I can offer a smile and good service.” She shrugged. “It’s not getting into Wharton, but it’s?—”
“Something I should bear in mind,” Elizabeth said. “You may do more for people than a thousand with an MBA.”
“Will you visit when you’re Miss MBA, working for some high-powered consulting firm?” Lucy said as they walked to their cars.
“Well, I might grace you with my presence.” Elizabeth tried to sound light and confident. “If I’m not, say, in Tokyo presenting marketing strategies to Toyota.”
“Sounds exciting.” But Lucy didn’t sound excited. Her reply felt more like placating Elizabeth. Because there she was jumping into D’Angelo’s arms, who caught her up and swung her around before setting her down for a kiss. In the parking lot, he opened her car door, and while Elizabeth folded inside of her VW Bug, alone, Lucy drove away with a jolly toot of her horn, D’Angelo following in his truck.
Elizabeth spent her entire drive home arguing with herself about her life choices. They were just as valid as Lucy’s or Jeff’s, or Will’s or cousin Ethan’s, who headed up Dorsey Furniture’s Business and Compliance Office and was married to a teacher, Julie.
Or Ryder, who returned to Hearts Bend to protect nature and wildlife.
Dad found love while getting his law degree. He had a family with Mom while building his career. While raising children and designing her dream home, Mom excelled as Director of Technology for a shipping company. They managed to chase their dreams and find love.
There was cousin Will, who didn’t have a girlfriend but wanted one. His twin, Bobby, was married to Mila. Again, more Dorseys who found love and a career, right? There was no reason Elizabeth couldn’t do the same. Two years of grad school wouldn’t knock her out of the romance race.
Yet watching Lucy with D’Angelo?—
“Let it go,” she whispered to herself, shifting her car into gear. “You have plenty of time.”
At home, the kitchen was bright and lively, cozy. Granny and Pops were at the table sharing their pre-bedtime toast and hot tea.
“Can I get you to join us?” Granny said.
“I’d rather have pie and coffee, but we can’t do that anymore.” Pops made a sad face. “Who invented heartburn? I want to know.”
Granny motioned for Elizabeth to sit. “Have you eaten? I made chicken and rice.” She paused by the fridge, waiting for Elizabeth to answer, knowing full well it was one of her favorite dishes.
“A small bowl.” She lowered her backpack to the kitchen floor. “Did you hear about Ryder? Jeff and Will brought him into the diner for something to eat, but he looked beat up.”
“Yeah, Bill Yerkes from the TWRA headquarters called,” Pops said between sips of tea. “They’re having a real issue with armed loggers illegally cutting down trees.”
“Is Ryder all right?” Granny said.
