“Oh…” Lizzie was happy to help, but the idea of spending time anywhere near Will made her stomach tight. “Are we sure that Mr. Pemberley is okay with getting help from me?”
“Why would he care? Plus, he doesn’t usually bother with the logistics. I didn’t even see him the last two years.”
Lizzie exhaled silently. “Okay, yeah, maybe tomorrow you can show me the space before the event on Wednesday?”
“You got it,” Ignacio said, and after coordinating times, Lizzie hung up.
“¿Quién fue eso?” Abuela appeared next to Lizzie like a ninja, causing her to jump. (Who was that?)
“¡Jesusito!” Lizzie yelped. “What are you wearing your stealthchancletastoday?”
“Maybe lesscafé?” Abuela suggested.
“It was a guy from work about a charity thing they’re hosting on Wednesday for Thanksgiving.”
“Oh? ¿Cuándo?”
“I think it starts at like four. Why?”
“I want to make sure I’m ready,” Abuela said.
“Ready? Why ready?! Why would you be going?”
“Didn’t you say there was food being given out?”
“Yeah, but for like…”
“And it’s for a good cause,” Abuela added.
“Yeah, but not if you—”
“And I can seeel hombre delemail, no?”
“Well, he might not even be there,” Lizzie said, blushing and looking down.
Abuela came over and kissed her forehead. “Ok,mi vida. I’ll be ready by two.”
* * *
From the Desk of William Pemberley
Pemberley HQ Office- 4:45 PM
Lizzie’s coming to the charity event. I hadn’t seen her since that night on the roof. Since I told her.
She hadn’t spoken to me since. I may have gone overboard with the tape. I couldn’t help myself.
I’m nervous and excited. Anxious but also happy. And I have the sudden urge to have her meet Giana.
Giana wasn’t set to arrive until Wednesday night, but I can fly her in early. I hope that’s not too crazy.
I know that Lizzie isn’t interested in me, and that’s fine. But I want her to see the real me. The me that I am around the people I love. And Giana brings that out in me.
Giana squeals at the idea of coming in early. I hope I don’t regret this.
* * *
Only Miami natives know that if you head south and west, before you run into the Everglades, you’d run into an area known as the Redlands. Estate-like homes on acres of land, peppered betweenfields and nurseries; this is where you could find the Pemberley estate.
