On the Record (Record #2)(73)

“Yes, I think he’ll win. I have no idea if he will come to campus. And no,” Liz said in a sad, frustrated tone, “I won’t see him.”

Victoria shrugged. “Can’t hurt anything if you did.”

“Oh, yes, it could,” Liz murmured.

“Nothing besides your vagina.”

Liz rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I’m not going to sleep with him.”

“Not with that attitude.”

“Boyfriend,” Liz reminded her.

“Details.”

“Pretty important details,” Liz said, standing up and running her hands back through the tresses she had expertly put curls into. She had completed her hair and makeup for the Morehead scholarship banquet thirty minutes ago, but she wasn’t ready to slip into her dress until right before they had to leave. “Especially considering that detail is about to walk through our front door.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Victoria asked.

“I haven’t decided,” Liz said, her stomach dipping uncomfortably. She hated hiding it from Hayden, but telling him about Brady made her even more anxious. “Just don’t say anything, okay?”

“I’m sworn to secrecy.”

“Good,” Liz said over her shoulder as she walked into her bedroom.

She stripped out of her lounge clothes and tugged the boutique dress off of the hanger. She stepped into the dress and pulled the zipper into place. Strapping on silver glitter high heels, she looked herself over in the mirror once. Her hand moved to her neck and she sighed.

She wasn’t looking forward to her decision tonight. Should she tell Hayden? Her hand reached for the jewelry box on her dresser, and she gingerly removed Brady’s necklace from within. She walked across the room and took a seat on her bed. God, too many questions, and not enough answers.

She was still wavering with indecision when she heard a knock on the front door. “Liz!” Victoria called. “Get your ass out here.”

Liz set the necklace on her nightstand before walking back down the hall. Liz stopped where she was standing when she saw the guy Victoria was currently attached to. Liz cleared her throat softly and Victoria broke the lip-lock.

“Oh! Daniel, this is my roommate, Liz,” Victoria said as introduction.

Liz raised her eyebrows at Victoria. She hadn’t mentioned that she was even still talking to Duke Fan, let alone that he was going to be coming to the banquet with them tonight.

“So nice to finally meet you,” Daniel said, walking forward and extending his hand.

“The illustrious Duke Fan,” Liz said, taking his hand in hers and shaking.

Daniel chuckled and nodded. “I’ve heard that’s what you call me.”

Liz saw the look that passed between Victoria and Daniel. It made Liz smile. Victoria was clearly very happy.

Another knock on the door made Liz turn around and then Hayden was walking through the door. He was in a black pinstripe suit with a crisp white shirt and red tie. He pulled his hand out from behind his back and produced a bouquet of red roses. He smiled that heart-stopping smile, and Liz felt the wave of guilt wash over her all over again.

“These are for you, gorgeous,” Hayden said in greeting. He walked up to her and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

“Wow,” Liz breathed. “Thank you.”

“Let me help you find a vase for those,” Victoria said immediately, ushering Liz out of the living room and leaving the guys alone without an introduction.

Their heels clattered against the kitchen tiles as they strode into the room. Victoria plucked the roses out of Liz’s hands and went in search of a vase in a cabinet.

“Stop whatever you’re thinking right now,” Victoria said. “These flowers are no reason to freak out.”

“I’m not freaked out,” Liz told her.

“Uh-huh. I think you should just take a breath and then let it out.”

Liz did what she said as Victoria found a vase and started pouring water into it.

“So I really think you should tell him tonight,” Victoria said.

Liz squeaked. “Tonight!”

“It makes sense. He’s here, and then you can break up with him and go back to the politician.”

Her eyes bugged out. “You are insane. I’m not going to go back to him,” she hissed, glancing over her shoulder, “because he doesn’t want me. Now would you keep it down so that I don’t have to f**king explain myself before I’m ready?”

“Oh, please,” Victoria said, slipping the roses out of their packaging and plopping them into the vase. She turned and popped her hip out. “Any guy would be an idiot not to want you.”

“Well, you didn’t hear him. You didn’t have him look you in the eyes and say, ‘No more tears, because soon I won’t even be a memory, just like you want,’” Liz spat. “So stop bringing it up! I’m going to regret telling you.”

“Just like you wanted . . . not like he wanted. There’s a difference,” Victoria said, primping the roses into formation. She grasped the vase in her hands. “I just think that the fact that you haven’t told Lane is telling for your relationship. So why not find out how he reacts and see if it’s everything you actually want.”

“Just give me those,” Liz snapped, snatching the roses out of Victoria’s hand and walking out of the kitchen. She plastered on a smile as she walked back into the living room with the roses. “These look beautiful.”