“Yes, but just so I can tell him about Iowa. I should really do that in person.”
“Good, I’m glad you’re going. I hope he talks you out of that plan. And... ” Char’s face breaks into a slow, sly grin. “And maybe you two can reconnect.”
“Obstinate, headstrong girl!” —Pride & Prejudice
14
“Where are you going?” my mother asks as I head out the door to meet Lettie. Pleased as I am that my mom is spending more time in the States and less time overseas, I could go for a little more privacy. It’s annoying to be 31 and peppered with questions every time I leave the house. I’m beginning to think it’s time I move back to the ranch house. Or get my own place in the city.
“To meet a friend for coffee.”
“Whichfriend?” she asks sweetly. I don’t need this interrogation today. I’m already on edge. I kissed Lettie last night, and honestly, it surpassed all expectations. Which is saying something since I’ve been dreaming of kissing Lettie Benson for months. But when she said good night, after Colin left in a huff, it felt permanent, as if she were ending things before we even had a chance to start. That’s why I need to see her this morning.
“A friend,” I say.
“Caroline?” my mom asks, hope gleaming in her eyes.
“Not Caroline.” I’ve been stringing Caroline on for too long. We had an okay talk last night. I need to do the same with my mom. I sit on the ottoman near where she’s reading. “It’s never going to work with Caroline.”
“But you two look so good together. And she sang that song to you last night.”
“She did not sing that song for me.”
“Liam, don’t be obtuse. Of course, she did.”
“Fine, maybe she did but... I like someone else.”
“Is it Lettie? The one you went to the gala with?”
“Yes, it’s Lettie.” Just saying her name, my mouth turns up in a smile.
“You never told me what happened at the gala.”
“I’d rather not. We had a misunderstanding.”
“That’s my point. You and Caroline never fight.”
This is true. When I talked to Caroline last night, she took everything in stride. She was even excited for me when I told her I was interested in Lettie. She said she was certain Lettie was into me—something I want to believe, but I have my fears.
“What does she do? How do you know she’s not after your money?”
“Lettie teaches writing as well as writing fiction herself.”
“Really? What sort of books.”
“Romance. She’s working on a book right now.”
“Hmm...” My mom looks at the cozy romance she’s holding. “There’s money in that.”
“Yes, I think she’ll do well. And I’m positive she’s not after my money. I wish she were.”
“What? How can you say that?”
“If she were just a little more greedy, it would be easier to convince her to give me a chance.”
“Of course, she likes you. I have eyes. She couldn’t stop looking at you.”
“Mom, you think everyone is in love with me.”
