She took a step back and glanced behind her at an amused Jeff, watching from the doorway. She pulled on his arm and made him stand next to her. “Let me introduce my friend, Jeff Wickham.”
Collin gave him a hearty shake. “What do you do, Jeff?”
Jeff caught Elsie’s eye before turning back to him. “I’m a day trader.”
Collin’s eyes lit up. “Fabulous. Wonderful. So, do you follow a certain software or get tips from someone? How are you picking stocks? I, for one, have always been terrible at it, but I don’t have to worry about that now. My financial advisor handles everything. I’m so fortunate to have her.”
“Her?”
“Oh yes. Catherine De Bourgh of De Bourgh and Associates. She’s a true gem. And she doesn’t stop at financial advice. Her motto is ‘no detail is too small.’”
Jeff bit back a grin. “She sounds amazing.”
Collin missed the teasing in Jeff’s voice. “She’s extremely thorough. Catherine rearranged my apartment, including my pantry and clothes closet. Everything’s so much more spacious and tasteful now. And she knows where all the best restaurants are and recommended I change dry cleaners. Nothing is below her notice.”
Mr. Bennet gave Elsie a wink, much too amused by something so ridiculous. “Tell them about your goals, Collin.”
And he did. For the next forty-five minutes. By the time Jane arrived, Elsie knew all about Collin’s dream to become a life-planner like his mentor, Catherine De Bourgh. He also wanted to create a video series, write a book, and go on tour, teaching people how to own their dreams and reach fulfillment. Somehow he never mentioned the extreme luck that had factored into his recent “fulfillment.”
Chapter 8♥Blue Eyes and Limbo
Will got back from the food pantry and slipped in the door, listening for Gianna. The sound of a basketball dribbling alerted him to her location, and he went into the ballroom, watching her practice for a minute until she realized he was there.
“Are you really leaving today?”
“Yep.”
She followed him down to his bedroom where his half-packed suitcase sat on the bed. He threw a few more pairs of clean socks in and took out a few shirts he wanted to leave behind.
Gianna watched him from the doorway. “You’re so restless, Will. I hope one day you find whatever it is you’re looking for.”
Will sighed. “Who says I’m looking for anything?”
She shrugged but decided not to pursue their old argument. “I just miss you when you’re gone, that’s all.”
Will reached out and gave her blonde ponytail a tug. “You’re too busy to miss me. Brumhilda will be back any minute now, cracking her whip. And then after killing it in physical therapy, the two of you will pretend you weren’t just hating each other and go out shopping, or charity-causing, or whatever it is you two do all day. I’d be a third wheel.”Like I am with Charlie.
“Brumhilda? Really? I’m telling Becky you called her that.”
Will closed the lid of his suitcase and slowly pulled the zipper around. “I hope you do. I’ll be too far away for her to doing anything about it.”
Gianna wheeled over to his dresser and shut all the drawers he’d left open. “How was the food pantry this morning?”
“The same as always. Busy. I wish I could do more. I feel like we’re trying to fix a symptom of something that’s so much bigger.”
“But that’s why we have The Darcy Foundation, Will. There are so many people who have you to thank for their steady job. You can’t save everybody.”
“I know. Let’s talk about something else. How’s Dallin?”
Gianna groaned. “No way. Why don’t we talk about pizza girl? When are you seeing her again?”
Will picked up the suitcase from off the bed. “Tonight. There’s a birthday party for her sister, Jane. The one currently dating Charlie. And he’s hosting it.”
“Do you have a gift?”
Will’s shoulders dropped. “Dang, I’m expected to bring a gift, aren’t I? Gift card?”
Gianna started to shake her head, and then shrugged. “That’s probably best. But not for too much. You’ll make Charlie look bad.”
