“Lizzy,” Jane repeated, resting a hand on Lizzy’s arm. “It’s fine. Really.”
Lizzy knew that tone. It was the one Jane reserved for when Lizzy was trying to control too much. When she needed to let go just a little bit.
“Okay,” she replied.
Jane nodded. “Okay.”
But then she didn’t move.
Lizzy’s eyes narrowed on her. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing, just… I’ve been hanging out with Charlie allmonth, but I haven’t really spent much time with his sisters.” Jane kept her eyes glued on the looming house, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth.
“And?”
“What if they decide they don’t like me?”
Lizzy let a small smile turn up her lips. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
“I’m serious, Lizzy. What if—”
“I’m serious, too,” Lizzy replied. “You’re kind and thoughtful and you have no idea how gorgeous you are, which is a little annoying, if I’m honest, but it’s not enough for them not to like you.”
Jane didn’t look convinced.
“But more importantly, who cares if they don’t like you?” Lizzy continued, her voice softer. “Charlie likes you. As long as he’s there, how bad can it be?”
“Right.” Jane seemed to consider. “And if it is bad?”
“Then I promise to come save you so we can live the rest of our lives in an old mansion, where we’ll collect cats and hide from the outside world until they make a documentary about us.”
Jane fought her smile as she pretended to look exasperated. “Are you describingGrey Gardensagain?”
“Of course not,” Lizzy replied. “They were mother and daughter. We’re sisters. Totally different.”
Jane laughed, then leaned across the truck’s console to give her sister a hug. “Love you.”
“Love you, too,” Lizzy whispered. “Now, go in there and blow Charlie away with your extensive knowledge of damasks.”
Jane groaned as she pulled away and opened the car door. “They’re called Daleks.”
“That’s what I said!” Lizzy yelled just before the door slammed shut behind her sister. Then she watched through the windshieldas Jane threw her bag over her shoulder and started up the front steps to the door.
Jane was halfway there when Lizzy’s phone rang in the pocket of her overalls. She grabbed it and found her mom’s photo on the screen.
“Hello, Mom,” she answered.
“Did you drive your sister to Charlie’s?” Mrs. Bennet replied in greeting.
Lizzy sighed. “Yes, I drove her. Is that a problem?”
Mrs. Bennet tutted, as if the sound were the epitome of disgruntlement.
“Where are you right now?” Lizzy continued.
“Me? Oh, I’m… shopping. Grocery shopping. And errands. I’m very busy.”
Lizzy could clearly hear Donna Donato in the background, which meant she was actually at Donna’s and probably on her second round of margaritas. The sound of a blender coming to life a moment later only confirmed it.
