Page 39 of Love Under Review

“I was in LA right before Becca’s wedding and saw a few papers.”

Danielle blinked several times, not sure what to say. “Did you tell everyone?”

The girl shook her head firmly, and Danielle sighed inwardly. “No, I wouldn’t do that. I know how much your job meant to you, and if you were protesting against the city, you probably had a good reason for it.”

Danielle searched Susie’s face, surprised to see her smile genuine. Danielle had sent the evidence to the competing paper after getting fired but hadn’t been checking the news enough lately to know what had come of it.

Reaching over, she patted Susie’s hand. “Please don’t say anything. I’ve only told my mom, Liam, and Becca, and that was tough as it was. It’s just hard being seen as someone who had big dreams and then having those dreams crumble.”

Susie pouted. “I get it. Don’t worry. Mum’s the word.” She acted as though she were zipping her lips, even though a half-second later she was speaking again. “So, what were you working on?”

Danielle looked at her, trying to decide whether or not to tell her the full story. She hadn’t even told Liam yet, and for some reason, she wanted to tell him before anyone else.

“I’m trying my hand at writing a fiction novel.” She made her lips go wide with pretend shock.

Susie laughed. “I think you’d be great at it! I remember reading your stuff when you worked on the paper here and loving your wit and humor. I always wished I could be like that.”

“But look at all the talents you have that I would be awful at. Figuring out how to decorate for bridezilla? Not my forte.” Danielle had never had a heart-to-heart with this girl a few years her junior. She and Becca had always thought Susie a bit dim, but it seemed like she had a lot more depth to her than they originally thought.

Susie chuckled. “Honestly, I feel the same way sometimes. If I ever get married, I hope I have someone like you around to keep me grounded.”

Danielle gave her a disbelieving look, her eyebrows cinched together. “Me? If anything, I caused more trouble for Becca’s wedding.”

“Yeah, but you were there. You helped get Becca’s wishes to come through. I can only hope to have someone like that supporting me.”

Danielle could see the panic in her eyes and scooted closer, pulling the taller girl next to her small frame in a side-hug. It was awkward, but Susie seemed grateful. From the little Danielle knew about her current situation, Susie’s parents had moved to a bigger city long ago and rarely contacted or visited Susie in Sage Creek.

“Dreams come true, even if we have to change them a few times. If I’m here, I’ll be your bridesmaid. Just don’t make me wear tulle.” Danielle gave her a close-lipped smile and leaned back against the bench, watching the water fall over the edges of each level on the fountain.

Susie smiled, wiping away a tear that was about to fall. “Thank you, Dani. I know we’ve never been close, but that means a lot coming from you. My advice to you is to go for it.”

“Go for what?” Danielle asked, shifting her attention back to Susie.

“Liam. The way you two look at each other, it’s like there’s a magnetic field pulling you toward one another. I would’ve guessed you’ve known each other for a lifetime.” Susie grinned.

Danielle turned back to the fountain, blinking. “We’re not a couple, and we’re not dating.” It sounded so final, more final than she wanted it to be.

Susie stood, sliding the strap of her purse over one shoulder. “I didn’t say anything. Just what I observed. I’ve got to head to the bakery. I’ll see you around.” She took a few steps and turned back around. “And Danielle? Thanks for the talk.”

As she walked away, Danielle thought about her words. Should she go for Liam? But the whole thing about MK Malone was hanging over her head. He’d specifically said he’d broken up with his girlfriend because she’d lied. She wasn’t committing any felonies by writing a book, but that might not be different in his eyes.

What was the best way to tell him both about being the author he’d emailed and attempt to tell him she might be developing feelings for him? Where was Becca when she needed her? A two-week honeymoon was far too long when so much was happening in Danielle’s life. She was glad they’d finally be back later that day.

Ugh. She needed to keep her words to the page and hope she could just show him she liked him without crashing hard.

A text message sounded, and she pulled out her phone, smiling when she saw it was from Liam.

I’m so sorry. I had to head to Grand Junction for a bit, and I’m not sure when I’ll be back. Pick a topic, and I’ll work with it. I hope you’re doing well, and I’ll see you soon.

And like that, all the feelings she’d had for him were put in limbo. With such a vague text message, she wondered if she’d been imagining his feelings and intentions toward her. Was this just another friend-zone situation? She’d been friend-zoned a few times, and while it hadn’t crushed every part of her, this general text could’ve been sent to anyone. She’d have thought that if he was about to kiss her, there would be more sentiment, more flirting.

Why didn’t he tell her when he was leaving town? He’d see her soon? He’d been the one to initiate the date. Did that mean nothing? She wished he could have been more specific, but there she was, acting like some of the girls she’d always vowed to avoid. She didn’t need to overanalyze it. The best way to play this was to act like she had when they’d first met, like he was just another guy in her path.

That’s what she would do. She’d be nicer than the first time they’d met, but she wouldn’t worry about dating him, let alone kissing him. It would work, and then she’d be back to the real Danielle Holloway, taking her dreams and bringing them to life. In a way.

Chapter 24

Liam had closed up the shop on Friday morning, knowing Kara would be getting her next treatment that day and wanting Cari to be there with her. They’d spent the weekend with his sister, and when the doctor said they were seeing some small improvements, his hope returned. They still weren’t out of danger yet, but at least there was something positive to go with all of the heartache of it.

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