Page 36 of A Lesson for Laurel

“Got it,” Lily said. “It’s hard when you’ve got preconceived notions. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I had some things I wasn’t honest about in my life too. Not lying, just not volunteering. Sometimes it was because it was no one’s business. Other times, it was my choice and I didn’t think it was a big deal. People are going to judge you regardless of the facts anyway. I think it’s better to know the truth yourself and be the bigger person.”

“I’m the small person on this. I need to apologize and it’s hard. I like him. I want to go on another date.”

“Do you think he’ll be receptive to the apology?”

“I hope so,” she said. “If not, it’s all on me.”

“There is only one way to find out,” Lily said. “But that step can usually be the hardest.”

“Yep. Crow tends to stick in my throat.”

Lily laughed. “I developed a big appetite for that when I was dating Zane.”

“No one would know it looking at you two now.”

“Because when someone is willing to put the work in, things always fix themselves in the end,” Lily said.

“Good advice to have. Thanks.”

“Any time,” she said. “And I’ll keep quiet about this. Once Poppy finds out, she’ll be in here telling you the ways to seduce him to get him where you want him.”

“I don’t need help with those things. I don’t like those games, though they can be fun.”

“Then certainly can,” Lily said and then left.

Laurel pulled her phone out and sent a text to Easton to see when they could talk before she lost her nerve.

13

MEASURING STICK

The doorbell rang at seven and Easton walked to the front of the house to get it.

Laurel was standing there looking unsure of herself, but he wasn’t feeling so confident either.

He put it in her court and wasn’t begging anyone for anything. He didn’t with his ex who he dated for four years and wasn’t going to do it with someone he’d only gone on two dates with.

“Thanks for agreeing to see me,” she said.

“I’m only working,” he said. “Come in.”

“Sorry,” she said. “I thought you’d be done by now.”

“I am for the most part. I’ll be going to bed soon. I’ve got international projects going on right now so I’m dealing with time zones. I’ve been up since two.”

“That stinks,” she said.

“I’m used to it. It helps working from home.”

“And helps with your cousin’s business too. I bet you can take a few hours off to do what he needs to be done.”

“That is a benefit,” he said. “Did you come over here just to talk about that?”

“No,” she said. “I wanted to say I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I had about your career. I was going to be surprised regardless because I thought one thing when it ended up being something else.”

“Which happens in life.”

“I always thought I was good at pivoting. I didn’t this time.”

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