“She hurt me.” I take another sip of tea. My mom and sister’s sympathetic eyes make me uneasy. “I don’t know what I want to do.”
Pray apologize to him for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he overlooks it.—Pride & Prejudice
25
She may be the best roommate, but Char cannot resist the chance to say, I told you so. “Who told you to cut the mistletoe kiss?” she asks, not waiting for an answer. “And you should have told him months ago. Then he would have been prepared for the fallout, and you two could be fighting these rumors and the world together. And I’d be getting that hospital wing.” I groan, and Char passes me a Cheeto.
After work, my roommate found me curled up on her couch, weeping. She took one look and ordered me to take a bath while she purchased my favorite take-out and snacks. When I emerged from the tub, feeling clean and warm but still completely gutted, she had everything necessary to cheer me up—except Liam. The coffee table is piled with snacks and my favorite Thai food, a true concession since Char always wants pizza. She listened as I recounted the whole sad story. She also called a towing company to pick up Jane’s car, which I nearly forgot about. When I first got home all I could think about was Liam and my book. I logged into my author’s account to see why my changes hadn’t gone into effect. In my hasty edits I totally forgot to hit the submit button. I fixed that immediately but the changes could take more than 24 hours to go into effect and longer for the print book. I feel sick about the whole thing.
“I know I should have told him. But what can I do now?”
“Um... that’s obvious. You need to clear his name. Only you can do that.”
“You’re right.” I sit up. “I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I’m not the one wronged here.” I stand and start looking for my phone. “I’ll call April. She has some experience with stuff like this.”
“That’s my girl!” Char grabs another spring roll.
April proves to be far more sympathetic than Char. She sounds like she might start crying herself when I tell her what happened.
“Lettie! Oh no! Right when everything was going so well. I can see why he was angry. But do you think he might change his mind?”
“He might. But whether he does or not. I need to make this right.”
“Okay, I do have an excellent PR person I can set you up with, and I know exactly who would want this story. Let me make a few calls and get back to you.”
***
Three days later, I’m headed out oftown. I just finished an interview with a local TV station. Local publicity is critical since most of the board live near and around Sacramento, and it’s their opinion I need to win over. Yesterday, my cousin September, a rising influencer based in LA, posted her interview with me explaining how Liam, while never doing anything inappropriate, inspired me to make him the villain.
Ms. Book Boyfriend immediately shared September’s interview. I also gave her an interview, happy to do anything and everything to set the record straight that Liam Darcy is a great boss and all-around wonderful person. I spent most of yesterday fielding phone calls, most for interviews but a few from agents who want to represent me. I’m not considering any of those offers right now. My sole focus has been clearing Liam’s name, but now, if I’m going to make it back in time for Gretta’s birthday, I need to drive home as fast as I can.
The interview with the local news went well and ended a little after 8 a.m. And now I’m on the road in the green Audi for Gretta fitted with four brand-new snow tires. I figured I might as well splurge since I’ll drive over several mountain passes on my way home. Not to mention that I want my little sister to be safe, and we get plenty of snow and ice in Iowa. Besides, I have the money to spend.All’s Fair in Lovemay have ruined my love life, but it has made me a wealthy woman.
As the scenery changes, I’m beginning to feel the Christmas spirit. Snow dusts the pine trees on either side of the road and my radio plays, “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” I’m singing with all my heart and getting a little teary-eyed. Because lately, anything and everything makes me cry. A call comes through. Caroline Bingham flashes across the screen in the car. Why would she be calling me? I feel some trepidation answering.
“Hello!”
“Lettie!” She sounds out of breath. “Are you still in Sacramento?”
“Uh . . . no, I’m almost to Truckee.”
“Get your butt back here. Liam needs you!”
“Is he in Sacramento?”
“No, jolly old England. Much good it will do him. Carmen found out that there’s going to be an emergency board meeting today while Liam and his mom and sister are out of the country. We need you to clear his name.”
I turn on my blinker and change lanes, headed to the next exit.
“I’m on my way.”
“Good girl! I’ll meet you at Pemberley in two hours with a change of clothes. What’s your shoe size?”
“Eight.”
“That’s what I thought.” I wonder how often Caroline has been looking at my feet.
“Do you need my other sizes?”
