Page 90 of Appointing

“She’s free now,” Ingrid said. “She wants to know ifshecan callme.”

“Tell her yes.”

Ingrid stood up.

“Where are you going?” Sarah Anne asked.

“I’m not talking to her out here withyoulistening in,” Ingrid told her.

“Ingrid, you’re not having phone sex with the woman; you’re arranging a date.”

Ingrid laughed, walked into her own room, typed her response, and nervously waited. A moment later, her phone rang.

“Hi,” she said, smiling wide.

“Hi,” Elin greeted her back.

CHAPTER 26

“Is this too much or not enough?”

“It’s too much clothing, if that’s what you mean,” Lillian replied. “This is a Queen’s dress; you need a first-date dress.”

“It’s a dress,” Mari said.

“Well, it’s blue and matches your eyes, so I guess it’ll be okay,” Lillian gave in.

“What are you guys doing tonight?” Mari asked.

“I don’t know,” Elin replied. “I told her I’d pick her up. That’s as far as we got.”

“You can’t justnotplan your date, Elin; you’re the Queen,” Lillian remarked.

“She said she had a plan for something. I just didn’t ask what it was. I was honestly still surprised she wanted this with me.”

“Well, she does, so don’t mess it up,” Lillian teased.

“You look beautiful,” Mari told her.

“Yeah?”

“Yes, you look great. The dress is perfect. Don’t listen to Lillian; she’s single.”

“Hey, I haveoptions. I prefer it that way,” Lillian retorted.

“What if it doesn’t go well?” Elin asked, feeling nervous all over again.

“Elin, it’s going to be fine.”

“I’m not out yet. What if someone sees us?”

“Then, don’t make out with her in public,” Lillian stated the obvious.

“What if I trip over my feet or spill something on her?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time, Elin – you drop stuff around her all the time. I think she’s used to it by now.”

“I haven’t… I mean… It’s been a long time since I’ve…”

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