Page 62 of Betting on Lizzie

Under “Why limit happy to an hour?” hung a family photo of Kate, Adam, baby Abby, and Duke and Luna—their dogs. “I have mixed drinks about feelings” held up Jack, Lucy, Connor, and Mr. Snuggles—their cat. That picture dangled next to the wedding invitation for Noah and Daisy, which was right beside the birth announcement for Hannah, Emma and Dirk’s little one. Lastly, a Christmas card picturing Nana, Bella, her parents, and their cat Oliver hung under “I’m not slurring. I’m speaking in cursive.” Everyone was moving on. Everyone but her.

Lizzie never thought about getting married. Never really felt the urge to settle down. But turning thirty and seeing all her sisters wed had done a number on her. She could no longer just call one up and say let’s hang out. Gone were the days of lounging by her parents’ pool all day before Sunday dinner or meeting for lunch on a whim during the work week. Now, her sisters only worked part time, and any sneaking away for lunch or coffee was done with their husbands.

Normally, being alone didn’t bother her. But as the last Parker standing, alone was starting to feel lonely. Was Lucy right? Should she give Ben another shot? Assuming he wanted one. Catching him at lunch with someone else was a bummer, but not a deal breaker. She could see a scenario where he went only to appease Maya, and if that was the case, she could get past it.

If she was ever going to let down her guard and give a relationship a go, Ben was as good a bet as any. He was also the only one who’d ever made her consider such a thing. She would wait until he called—if he called—and see where things went from there.

Charlie nudged her thigh. “I know, boy. It’s bedtime.”

She took a quick shower and came out to find Charlie had made himself at home on one side of her king-sized bed.

“Oh, really?” she said, climbing under the covers. “Well, maybe just tonight.”

Charlie filled a void. Not the way a man could, but at least he would never break her heart.

“Merry Christmas, buddy.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

It was New Year’s Eve. Another week had passed, and other than a “Merry Christmas” text, Ben still hadn’t reached out. Lizzie had picked up the phone to call him several times, but she chickened out each time, unsure what she’d say if he answered.

During the day, she worked with Adam to plan The Drop’s remodel. Working at the bar kept her busy at night. In her spare time, she hung out with Charlie and evaluated her life choices.

Lucy had insinuated she self-sabotaged. Was that true? Was she opposed to being happy? Embracing her independence started out as empowering, but had it morphed into something habitual and detrimental?

If she looked at it rationally, she could admit that assuming every man would eventually break her heart wasn’t fair to Ben. She’d projected her insecurities onto him and ruined something that might have been great.

She had just walked in the door after walking Charlie when her phone rang.

“I have good news, and I have great news,” Kate said.

“Sweet,” Lizzie said. “I could use some of that. Lay it on me.”

“Adam found a lawyer that will commit to renting your space downtown. They offered a long-term lease or to buy it outright.”

“That’s awesome. Since Adam hasn’t started the repairs yet, he can work with them to do exactly what they want.”

“Yes,” Kate agreed. “The timing is perfect.”

“Was that the good or the great?”

“You decide. I also found your dream house. Three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, newly remodeled kitchen, indestructible laminate floors.”

“You know what I care about.”

“I’m saving the best for last,” Kate said. “Fenced backyard on two acres! It even has a small barn. It’s only five miles outside of town in a subdivision with a dozen houses. Everyone has a couple of acres, and there’s about a mile of sidewalk around the whole neighborhood. Perfect for walks with your man-dog.”

“It sounds amazing. What about price?”

“Very competitive. I talked to Emma, and if you sell your condo, you could use the proceeds for a good-sized down payment. Even more if you sell the old bar. You can easily afford it. There’s just one thing.”

“Of course. What?”

“Someone else is very interested. You’ll have to move quick. Can you come look at it today?”

“It’s New Year’s Eve, so the bar will be packed, but I’ll make time. Can we do it soon?”

“Sooner the better. I’ll text you the address and head over now.”

---