Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
I lean my elbows onto my desk and rest my head in my hands. “I’m fine,” I mutter.
She scoots closer. “Okay, so first of all, you’re only supposed to work mornings, and it’s almost closing time and you’re still here. Second, Hudson has been in and out of the office all day, and each time he’s looking at you like he’s about to pick you up and carry you out of here over his shoulder. Third, you’re sad. Like really sad, and I’ve never seen you like this before.” She rolls a few feet away, holding her hands up. “You don’t have to tell me, but if there’s anything I can do, I’m here for you.”
I lift my head and look at her. Lilian has been amazing to me since I got here. But she is going to be Hudson’s sister-in-law soon. “Lilian, I do want to talk to someone, but he’s your family. I can’t put that on you.”
She doesn’t hesitate and interrupts me. “Yes, he’s going to be my brother-in-law, but you’re my friend, Elle. You can talk to me.”
I sigh and try to smile. “I just thought… I hoped….”
When I stop, she rolls back to my desk and leans her elbow on the edge. “You hoped what?”
“I thought he liked me. I thought he wanted something more with me, but he doesn’t.”
She looks taken aback. “You think he doesn’t like you?”
I shake my head. “Not the way I want him to.”
She holds up one hand. “Okay, this is just what you’ve told me and I’ve witnessed myself.” She holds one finger up. “One, he fixed your car. He did that so you’d be safe when you’re driving.” She holds up another finger. “Two. When he found out you may go out to work in the plant with Austin, he shut that down with quickness. He didn’t want you spending time with another man.”
I shake my head. “You don’t know that.”
She lets out a breath. “Honey, it’s plain to everyone except you. That man is crazy for you.”
I lean back in my chair and cross my arms over my chest. “I can’t tell you how I know, but I know. He’s just not into me. Not like that.”
Lilian does a whole eye roll that even includes her head. She’s fed up with me, and the theatrics are strong as she gets exasperated with me. “Okay, we’re going to prove it.”
I should just give it up. I need to finish the design for his house, and hopefully my apartment will be ready soon and I can get out of his hair. “There’s nothing to prove.”
She gives me a measured look and then jumps to her feet. “Come on.”
She grabs my hand to pull me up, but I’m not budging. “Where are we going?”
She yanks harder until I’m standing up. “Ford and Ollie are watching some kind of soccer game on TV tonight. You and I are going out. I’ll see if Isabella, Ally, or Natalie want to go too. We can have a girls’ night out.”
My instinct is to say no. I’m used to being on my own, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if maybe this is a good idea. I hope to stay in Whiskey Run, and I know I should try to make friends while I’m here. “Okay… I’m in.”
She looks at me with surprise. “You’re in?” She doesn’t wait for me to answer. Instead, she reaches for my purse under my desk and practically throws it at me. “Forget it. I’m getting you out of here before you change your mind.”
We’re halfway out the door before I cut in. “Where are we going?”
“Shopping. Dinner and then the Whistler.”
I curl my nose up at her. “The bar?”
She puts her hand on her hip. “I’ll have you know the Whiskey Whistler is a fine establishment. You’ve never been inside, have you?”
I shake my head, and she threads her arm with mine. “Well, you’re in for a treat. Let’s go.”
We leave and go straight to a boutique downtown. Lilian pulls dresses off the rack and leads me to the dressing room. She hangs them inside. “Try those on. I’m going to text the girls and see who can meet us.”
I close the door behind her, but I hear her call out, “I want to see them on, Elle.”
I pull out the first dress and hold it up. It’s a short dress with flowers, and it’s actually kind of cute. At least I think so until I get it on. It’s fitted at the waist and way too low-cut. I’m about to jerk it off when Lilian hollers through the door again, “Let me see.”
I crack the door open. “There’s no way I’m wearing this, Lilian. It’s too short and”—I point to my chest—“too low.”