—Pride and Prejudice
9
Lettie Benson stands in the sunlight in a red dress, laughing. When the Cybertruck parked in my driveway, I immediately despised the owner, just on principle. But when he opened the passenger door and Lettie stepped out in that dress, looking all innocent and sexy, I despised the man even more.
I know; I said I never wanted to see her again. But I was out of my mind with hurt, anger, and disappointment. For the last few months, whenever I hung out with Charlie and Jane, I hoped she would be there and give me the chance to apologize. I got carried away with the debate and was insufferably rude.
Caroline hurries down the steps to act as hostess. “Lettie!” She hugs her. “I cannot get over this gingham dress. It’s another one of April’s, isn’t it? I think she wore it on a date years ago with Timothée Chalamet.” Do I see a flash of annoyance on Lettie’s face?
“You have a good eye. This is my cousin’s dress. Though I don’t think she ever dated Timothée.”
“Lettie,” says a nasally self-important voice. “You haven’t introduced me.”
“So sorry, Caroline, this is my date, Colin Funkhauser.”
“Dr. Funkhauser,” Colin amends.
“Ah yes, I believe Colin works with your esteemed aunt.” Lettie’s eyes flick to mine. Though her words drip with sarcasm, they’re still music to my ears. She’s actually speaking to me. I wasn’t certain she’d acknowledge me.
I put my hand out to this Colin guy. “Liam Darcy, pleased to meet you.”
“Colin Funkhauser, MD.” His sweaty hand grips mine tightly. He shakes my hand with too much enthusiasm, then looks up at my house. “This your crib?” he asks.
“I do, in fact, live here.”
“I imagine this property is worth a fair chunk of change.” As Colin speaks, I see Lettie wincing behind him. I can’t say how much it pleases me that she’s embarrassed by her date.
“What exactly do you do?” Colin persists.
“I’m a farmer.”
Caroline steps forward. “You may have heard of Pemberley Almonds. Pemberley Almond Milk. Pemberley Almond Butter.”
“I can’t stand almond milk,” Colin says. “I prefer the real thing.” He fixes his lecherous eyes on Lettie’s chest. Did I mention I hate this guy? “Besides almond trees are bad for the environment? Don’t they require a lot of water?”
“No more water than what is needed to grow the food for the dairy cows that produce the milk you drink,” says a miffed Lettie. It feels good to have her stand up for me.
“Thank you,” I mouth. She looks away, embarrassed.
I’m distracted for a moment by the arrival of another group of guests. Jane’s Aunt and Uncle Phillips. Caroline leads Lettie and her date to the backyard. I’m left to make small talk with Jane’s aunt and uncle.
“Darcy! There you are.” Charlie meets me on the path. “Great party! Thanks again for doing this.”
“Happy to. I would host your wedding if you wanted.”
“Jane is set on a snowy wedding. We’re looking at a place near Yosemite.”
“I’m never going to complain about going to Yosemite.”
“Right.” Charlie agrees.
“Hey, have you seen... ” I begin to ask Charlie.
“Lettie?” he says with a knowing grin. I’m not sure why Charlie insists I still like Lettie. After our fight, I’m over her. I only want to find her to apologize.
“No, why would I be looking for Lettie?” I ask. “Have you seen Caroline, you know, my date, your sister?”
“She was with Lettie and her date.” He punches me on the shoulder. “Fierce competition there. But then they wandered off.” I start to walk off, but Charlie sticks by my side.
