Page 54 of Betting on Lizzie

She couldn’t deny the extra pep in her step while walking Charlie. Thoughts of what to get him for Christmas ran through her mind, along with how she should act the next time they saw each other. This was a step in a relationship she hadn’t taken in a very long time. In her mind, it was more serious than the sex.

Her updated attitude called for an updated look. It required something drastic. Something long overdue that her sister would be more than happy to help with.

“Luce? What are you doing today? Can you come to the mall with me?”

Lucy choked. “Who is this?”

“Ha. Ha,” Lizzie said. “I know it’s been a while, but I need some new clothes.”

“Jack. I have an emergency. Can you watch Connor?”

“An emergency?” Lizzie heard Jack say.

“Lizzie wants to go shopping,” Lucy said.

“And that’s an emergency?” Jack said.

“A-hem,” Lizzie said, coughing into the phone.

“Trust me, honey,” Lucy said to her husband. Then to Lizzie, “I’ll pick you up in twenty minutes.”

An hour later, Lizzie remembered why she hated shopping. “This was a terrible idea. The mall around Christmas? I must have been insane to suggest it.”

“Let’s just get you something cute to wear, and then we can have lunch.”

“Define ‘cute.’”

“Not black.”

Lizzie looked down at her outfit—black skinny jeans, black sweater, and black boots. “Fair enough,” she said. “But nothing too crazy. No flower prints or dresses.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Lucy said, holding up a plain red sweater. “How about this? Or in the light blue? It would really set your eyes off.”

“The blue’s all right I guess.”

This went on for an hour or so. Lizzie purchased two new sweaters—one red for Christmas and one periwinkle that Lucy insisted on, several three-quarter-length sleeved blouses—her favorite for work, a new pair of jeans, and some brown boots.

“That’s enough for now. How ’bout lunch?”

“Yes. I’m starving,” Lucy said. “Pour House?”

“You read my mind.”

“Of course I did. I always do. Which makes me wonder why you haven’t mentioned the real reason for your mall visit.” Lucy emphasized the comment with a pointed stare.

“Huh?” Lizzie said.

“Spill it.”

“Fine. I think I like Ben. It’s weird. I thought maybe I should get him a Christmas present. But I don’t know. It’s still really new.”

Lucy played it cool, but Lizzie could feel the excitement rolling off her sister. “Well, let’s see. Nothing too personal. Didn’t you say he liked photography? What about something in that field?”

“That’s a good idea,” Lizzie said. “I’ll check it out.”

The Pour House was a popular place. This time of year, it had spillover seating that stretched out into the food court.

As they approached, Lizzie caught sight of the back of a man’s head and did a double take. It seemed familiar. When the man spoke, she froze. It was Ben. With some woman. Having lunch together.

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