Page 85 of Tangled Up In You

"Is that your business?" she countered.

He frowned, wanting to make it his business. "If he did, you should say no."

"It's not your call."

"I'm just watching out for you, Molly."

"I don't want you to watch out for me. I'm not your sister."

"Oh, I know that, believe me," he said forcefully.

She flushed. "Well, I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for a very long time."

Lizzie came over to the table, interrupting their conversation. "Last call for trash?" She held open a half-filled garbage bag.

"This is all that's left," Molly said, stuffing the paper into the bag. "Sorry, I was just going to bring it over."

"No biggie." Lizzie turned to him. "Did you have fun, Adam?"

"Best birthday ever."

"You say that every year."

"Because you top yourself every year."

"I am a good party-giver," she said.

He gave her a smile. "Mom would be proud."

"Did you talk to Mom today?"

"Yes. I also spoke to Dad and Grayson. Nathan sent me a text. I even heard from a bunch of our cousins, including Hunter."

"I was hoping Hunter and Cassidy would be able to come. But they're taking a long vacation in San Francisco. Keira was sad to miss it, too."

"I also heard from her and Dante," he admitted. "Everyone checked in."

"Well, good. That's how it should be. It's your special day. I kind of hate that it ended so early, but it's getting too dark out here."

"It was perfect."

"I got a chance to talk to Drew," Lizzie continued. "He seems like a good kid. I think you're doing right by him. I wasn't sure it was a good idea, but maybe it was."

"I don't know why you always doubt me," he said. "I knew it would be good for him to come to the mountains, change his environment."

"I always agreed with that. I just didn't know if it would be good for you, bringing the past back into the present," she said pointedly.

"It's all good."

"If you say so. Anyway, I think we're done." She smiled at Molly. "Thanks for your help. I know it was a busy weekend with the festival and the sidewalk sale and this party, but you better get used to it, because Whisper Lake loves any opportunity to throw an event and bring everyone together."

"I'm beginning to remember," Molly said. "And you seem to be right in the middle of it all, Lizzie."

"I'm a social person, and events are good for my business. It keeps people coming back, even during the off-season. I hope you met some new people."

"I did. I'm not sure I remember everyone's names, but I'm sure I'll see some of them again, hopefully in my store."

"You will. We're all going to head out," Lizzie said. "Adam, do you need a ride? I couldn't help noticing how many drinks you had tonight."

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