It wasn't the best timing, but Shay worked hard, too. "Don't worry about it. Enjoy the time with Kyle and his parents. That's important, too."
"I hope they don't hate me."
"They won't hate you. They'll love you. You're always a big hit with the guests. I don't think they'll be any different."
"It's just that Kyle is their only child. And I think they're going to be pretty picky when it comes to who's marrying him."
"It doesn't matter what they think, only what you and Kyle think."
"I really love him, Lizzie," Shay confessed. "I never thought I'd feel this way. I couldn't imagine it happening. I had so many bad dates for so long. I figured I'd just eventually have to settle for someone who was all right. But Kyle is so much more than that. Sometimes, I feel like I should pinch myself in case I'm dreaming."
"It's all real," she said, feeling a little jealous. This past year for her had definitely been the bad date stage, not that there had been that many dates.
"So, was everyone at Adam's party?" Shay asked.
"Everyone but Hannah. She was working."
"Is your brother dating anyone?"
"Not that he's told me, but he keeps that kind of information to himself."
"He's so good-looking. I can't tell you how many of my friends have their eyes on him. But he doesn't seem to hit the single spots up much."
She shrugged. "Like I said, I have no idea…"
"You know who else is good-looking? Justin Blackwood."
"He is attractive," she agreed, trying not to let on just how handsome she found their guest.
"He was looking for somewhere to eat earlier."
"He made his way to Micky's."
"Oh, you saw him then?"
"Yes. I actually asked him to join us. I hated seeing him eating alone."
"That's interesting. What's he like when he's not in work mode?"
"He's more charming than I first thought," she admitted. "When we first met, he was so upset about his phone and his computer, he couldn't think about anything else. But, apparently, he's gotten over not being tethered to his electronics, at least until tomorrow when he can replace them."
"Is he single?"
"I think so." She realized she didn't really know Justin's status, although hopefully he wouldn't have kissed her the way he had if he was dating someone.
"Maybe you should get better acquainted," Shay said with a wicked glint in her eyes.
"He's leaving on Sunday. I don't think we need to get any closer."
"That's almost a week from now. A lot can happen."
"I don't want anything to happen. I'm busy."
"You need to make time for a relationship, Lizzie."
"Maybe, but I don't need to make time for a man who's leaving in a few days. And now, I really need to focus on some paperwork. I have bills waiting to be paid."
"All right. I'll leave you to it."