On the Record (Record #2)(55)

“Well, she exists, so it doesn’t matter. Let’s talk about something else. Lucas is like a distant summer memory,” she said entirely unconvincingly. “How about a big thank-you for putting me as the coleader for the Washington division!”

Liz knew Lucas was far from a distant memory, but she knew that she wouldn’t get any more dirt now. She hoped that Savannah figured out what was best for her.

“You totally deserve it,” she told her.

“I’m excited to get started. I have some big shoes to fill.”

“I don’t have that big of feet,” Liz said, glancing down at her high heels.

“Knock-knock!”

Liz groaned as Savannah turned to see who was entering the office. Meagan appeared around the corner with an oversize Vera Bradley bag on her shoulder and a big smile. She ran the kvetching column, which was essentially gossip and complaining, but the majority of the student body really loved it.

And with Meagan’s introduction the fun girl time officially became the paper division meeting. Savannah gave Liz an amused look as they turned to listen to Meagan talk about her summer.

Nearly every day Liz and Hayden had left the paper and walked together to his car parked in the space reserved for the editor—which was now reserved for her. It felt so strange walking out of the newspaper building that evening having just completed her first-ever paper meeting and walking down to her car without Hayden.

Victoria had planned a back-to-school party at their place that night, and Liz anticipated it being in full swing before she even got there. And in all honesty she just wanted to take her time getting home. Maybe she would call Hayden and see how he was doing.

He seemed to like his new job. They didn’t push him enough, and she knew that he wanted to do more, but he always wanted to do more. He just wanted a break to prove himself, but as with most people in an entry-level job, Hayden was suffering from the problem of having to work his way up the company ladder.

Hayden answered on the third ring. “Hey, gorgeous! How was your first meeting? Do they all love you as much as I do?”

“I miss you,” she murmured softly into the phone.

“I miss you too, Lizzie.”

She sighed heavily and then tried to let the feeling pass. Long distance sucked. It was why she and her last boyfriend hadn’t worked out. Of course, her last boyfriend hadn’t really cared either. She didn’t think this was even close to the same situation, and she wasn’t worried about Hayden. But it still sucked.

“The meeting went well,” she told him. “Everything is in place and now I just have to be there to make sure it runs smoothly.”

“I’m sure it will. You had a pretty good mentor.”

Liz reached her car and slipped inside. “I’m just glad I now have my mentor’s parking spot.”

Hayden laughed through the line just as she turned on the car and backed out. “I wish I were there to drive you to and from school. I’m going to miss that.”

“Me too.”

“And our secretive smiles across the office.”

“Mmm.”

“And having you curled up against me when you sleep.”

“Hayden . . .”

“And whispering your name when we make love.”

“You’re not making this any easier,” she groaned.

“Come visit.”

Liz shook her head even though she knew he couldn’t see. “I just left.”

“I’ll come visit you then.”

Liz giggled. “You have to work tomorrow.”

“I just want you in my arms. Is that too much to ask?” he asked.

“Never,” she murmured as she pulled up in front of her house. The ride was too short. She barely got any time with him, and as she had suspected, Victoria already had the party going.

“Wow, it’s loud wherever you are,” Hayden said.

“Victoria is throwing a back-to-school party. I didn’t realize it had already started. She knew I wouldn’t be back until late.”

“Well, have a good time and tell Vickie I said hi. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”

“Will do. I’ll call you later. Love you,” Liz said, popping the door open and exiting the car.

“Love you too.”

Liz hung up the phone and sauntered into her house. The music was blasting and a crowd of people took up her living room. She was nearly tackle-hugged as soon as she walked in the door. She screamed as she was picked up and spun around.

“What the f**k!” The guy who was holding her just laughed louder as she tried to get free. “Put me down!”

“All right. All right,” he said, catching her and setting her down on her feet. She smacked him on the arm when she regained her balance.

“Justin!” she yelled, throwing her arms around him. “What are you doing here?”

“Such a kind welcome. I haven’t seen you in months and you’re already smacking me around,” he said, laughing at her still-shocked expression.

“You deserved it. Picking me up like that! I had no idea who you were.” She just shook her head as Justin smiled down at her. “What are you doing here anyway?” Liz nodded toward her room, and Justin followed her back there as they continued talking.