“Every future is a fantasy until you make it happen.”
Mia released an exasperated sigh. “Okay, thanks, Mom. God, you’re really making me regret running into you. Do you know what you’re making me give up right now?”
“Making out with Ross in a back alley somewhere?” Lizzy guessed with a smile.
“How about we talk about you and your life? Give me a chance to offer you some advice. Are you still doing graphic design work?”
Lizzy’s gaze drifted away. “Yeah, I’m mostly freelancing. It can be a real drag some days. I’m currently doing some design work for a new tech startup called Garbandzo, it helps small bands set up local gigs. Oh, I’ve also been working with a nonprofit group.” Her eyes brightened. “You should look into them. They advocate for justice reform measures. They’re a really great group although a bit disorganized. I’m pretty sure they could use someone with your skillset. I mean, there isn’t any money or national prestige but, you never know, they might be your people.”
Mia paused. Maybe Lizzy was right. Maybe she had been looking for her people but had been looking for them in all the wrong places.
“Your man friend has returned.” Lizzy nodded her chin to the door.
Mia glanced behind her in time to observe Ross’s handsome form strolling through the threshold.
“That was fast,” she said.
He took a seat beside her. “Was it? It took me at least an hour. You two must have had a lot to talk about.”
Mia peered at her half-empty drink. It wasn’t her favorite and she no longer had the desire to finish it.
“I was just telling Mia that I think small-town life suits her glowing complexion, and she should consider sticking around. Why mess with a good complexion?” Lizzy said without an ounce of subtlety.
Ross’s eyes met Mia’s, and they warmed to burning embers as he slipped an arm along the back of her chair. Mia resisted leaning into him, knowing if she gave in to the warmth, she might never crawl out again. It would be like trying to leave the coziest of beds on the coldest of mornings.
“Hopefully, she listens to you more than she listens to me,” he said.
“Did you get your business taken care of? Did you buy all the jewels?” Mia asked, eager to change the subject.
“Jewels?” Lizzy’s eyebrows jumped on her forehead. “What do you do?”
“I’m a jeweler,” Ross said with minimum fanfare.
“To be more specific, Ross designs and makes jewelry. He made these earrings.” Mia swept her hair away to flash the sparkling pendants dangling from her ears.
“Ah, I love them. Do you have a business card or a website? My mom’s birthday is coming up and she loves unique jewelry,” Lizzy said.
Ross reached into his pocket and removed his wallet.
“I thought you didn’t have business cards,” Mia accused.
“I never said that. I saidyoucouldn’t have one.” Ross dropped a small white card on the table.
Mia snatched it up. “How old are these? You really should get new ones with the Etsy shop address.” She pulled a pen from her purse and wrote the web address on the backside. “You should check out his online shop, Lizzy. I’m not the designer here, but you’ll at least love the jewelry.” Mia handed the card to her cousin when she finished writing on it.
Lizzy’s brown eyes studied it. “Have you ever considered re-branding?” she asked Ross.
Oh, god.She knew the exact point of destination Lizzy was heading. Is this what Ross had to deal with when Mia came bounding in with her ideas? Was she still doing it? A tinge of shame seeped into Mia’s bones.
“Uh, no,” he responded. “It was started by my grandfather, so it’s been the same for a long time.”
“I see,” Lizzy replied. “Well, I don’t mean you should get rid of the family legacy or anything but maybe consider adding the legacy to your brand. What’s your grandfather’s name?”
“Victor Lanza.”
“I’m sure El Dorado Jewelry has been a part of your family for a long time, but the name is pretty generic. Something like Lanza Fine Jewelry identifies your shop as something unique and special while honoring your family. People like that. It’s putting a family history behind the place, which is great for an old town like Placerville. I’m willing to put in a little work into helping you out if you’d like to redesign your brand.” She tapped the edge of the card against her chin. “I do like those earrings and I’m a person who likes things nice anduncomplicated, especially when it comes to friends and family.” She winked at Mia. “Also, I’m sure you’re not like the nightmare customer I currently have. Speaking of which, I really should get back to work.”
Mia stood as Lizzy did. “I’m glad we were able to catch up, Lizzy. Don’t let Aunt Sylvia get too angry with me. I promise to plan a special trip and see everyone before I leave for school.”
