Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
“Well, I’m happy for you. I really am.”
“Thanks.” Faith smiled. “Now about you?”
Liza nodded, knowing she’d have to divulge some things. The easy things. “Not much to tell. I went to New York University and lived in the city for four years, got my degree, and came home to join the family business.”
“That’s a good thing, yes?”
Liza thought about it and nodded. “Actually it is. My parents retired to Florida, which leaves me to run the place as I see fit. I love restoring old buildings, finding ways to keep their history while modernizing them at the same time.”
“Well, good.” Faith glanced down. “No ring, so you’re not married?”
Liza shook her head back and forth quickly. “No, not me.” To get married would mean she’d have to trust a man to get close to her again, to potentially break her heart, her spirit, and maybe even something more.
Not ever again.
“I’m more of an affair kind of girl,” she said, knowing how that sounded and not giving a damn.
Faith raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Liza kept quiet too. She’d long since stopped apologizing for who she was and what she wanted. If it was fear of making another major mistake in judgment driving her, so what? She certainly didn’t act like she was afraid nor would she admit it out loud. Which meant she was able to enjoy her life and brief relationships with men, have fun, and stay safe. Nobody got close and she liked it that way.
“Hey, whatever floats your boat,” Faith said lightly. But those golden eyes were too perceptive, making Liza squirm. “You know, I was married before Ethan,” Faith said, taking Liza off guard. “The guy was a self-centered jerk who used me for my father’s connections and cheated on me, probably from day one.”
Faith’s sudden admission cemented Liza’s certainty that Faith saw much more than she said aloud.
“I’m sorry,” Liza said, not mentioning she’d read Faith’s history in the magazine article.
Faith smiled. “I’m not. It made me stronger and I found Ethan.”
Liza admired the other woman’s attitude.
“Listen to us, talking so easily, like no time has passed,” Liza said, grateful her old friend hadn’t changed.
“I’m not surprised. I was looking forward to meeting you today. I’m glad the committee got us back in touch again.”
“Me too. Speaking of the committee, how’d you wrangle the fund-raising chair? Not that I’m complaining. I’d much rather work with an old friend than an old biddy any day.”
Liza grinned and Faith burst out laughing.
“Caroline Bretton, the president of the Beautification Committee, is a client and an old friend of my mother’s. The committee was dying to have the fundraiser at the mansion and they knew better than to think Ethan would open his house to the upper crust of Serendipity just because they asked.” Faith wrinkled her nose, her disdain for those particular people evident.
Knowing the Barron brothers’ past, growing up on the wrong side of town among other things, Liza could understand that. “So what made you want to talk him into it? Never mind take on such a huge responsibility?”
Faith sighed. “You know, I’m not sure. I do know Caroline was good to me when I first opened my business. She was one of my first clients, taking a blind leap of faith. No pun intended.” She chuckled at her own joke. “And she stood by my mother when, frankly, she didn’t deserve the friendship.” Faith shrugged. “I guess I thought it was the right thing to do.”
“And Ethan? How does he feel about opening his house for such a huge gala?” Liza asked.
Faith cringed. “He hates it. But he’s doing it for me.” And suddenly the warm, dreamy look entered her eyes once more.
Watching her, goose bumps rose over Liza’s skin, making her not just envious but even a little sad at the thought that she’d never have that kind of connection with a man. She’d never have someone who’d do anything just because she’d asked. But that was a choice she’d made, and in as much as it kept her free and safe, Liza was content.
“So ready to get down to business?” Faith asked, oblivious to Liza’s thoughts.
“You bet. I don’t have enough clout with the committee to land any kind of chairmanship, but I really wanted to help with the fundraiser.” Liza spread her hands out in front of her. “I’m yours, so put me to work.”
“Well, I can’t tell you how grateful I am.” Faith pulled a notepad from her large purse and Liza did the same. Obviously, they had organization in common too.
Liza knew she’d have to broach her main idea sooner rather than later, and since she and Faith were getting along so well, she decided not to waste any time. “I have a question about the proceeds. Has there been any talk about which projects to fund this year?”