“Did you see Lucas this summer?” Liz asked, diving in.

Savannah’s cheeks colored, but she clearly tried to play it off. “Yeah. Some. Over the Fourth of July my family goes to Hilton Head, and his family came with us this year.”

Liz already knew about the Fourth of July, of course. Brady had postponed going to Hilton Head last summer to stay with her an extra day. She was glad Savannah had had a good time.

“Right. And you still like him?” she asked her friend.

“I don’t really know. I’ve known him . . . forever. I don’t think he feels the same way about me.”

“Have you looked at you recently? He would have to be dumb or blind or both not to be interested in you, Savannah,” Liz said. She knew Lucas had to be into her. The guy was related to Chris, Brady’s best friend, so he couldn’t be stupid.

Savannah laughed. “Thanks for the ego boost. He’s dating someone else, though.”

Liz deflated. Damn. Savannah seemed so happy about him. “Really? That sucks.”

“I mean . . . don’t tell anyone,” Savannah said, biting her lip conspiratorially. “He kissed me on the beach.”

“Oh my God, really? What happened? When did it happen? Did you kiss him back? Did it go further?” Liz asked, going into full-on girl mode in a matter of seconds.

“We kissed in the sand for like two hours at sunset. It was incredibly . . . insane. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“So, why isn’t he interested in you? I’m so confused.”

Savannah shrugged with a sigh. “He said that he didn’t think we should keep doing what we did that night. He goes to Vandy, so he probably wouldn’t want to do the distance thing. And the part where he has a girlfriend . . .” She trailed off.

“You’re Savannah Maxwell. Said girlfriend might as well not exist.”

“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.