A/N: Post Episode 78. If this gets a good response, I will continue.

Second Chances.

Chapter 1

Lizzie was sore all over. The hills in this city really were unforgiving. She had enjoyed having dinner at the Marina with Dr. Gardiner. It had kept her from obsessing about her encounter with Darcy.

Now she was sitting in her bedroom, and since she was alone, there was nothing to distract her from thinking about Darcy all over again. Their encounter had been different from the countless others they'd had. It hadn't been unpleasant. True, it had been about ten different kinds of awkward. However, in retrospect, it was the best interaction they had ever had. Darcy hadn't been rude at all. In fact, he had been kind, casual, considerate, if not slightly nervous and uncomfortable. She couldn't blame him for that. She had said some awful things about him, both to his face, and on video.

A wave of regret suddenly hit her full force. Ever since his letter, she had begun to reevaluate her opinion of William Darcy. She had gone over each of their encounters time and time again. She had begun to see that Jane and Charlotte had been right when they'd told her that Darcy liked her. Of course, she hadn't seen it then, because she had stubbornly decided that she hated him. It was a difficult realization. Lizzie was shocked at her poor judgment on Darcy's character, and even more dismayed at her hard-headedness.

Well, it would be different. If Darcy wanted to spend time with her, while she was shadowing his company, then she would let him. She would meet him with an open mind. She would get to know the real William Darcy. At the very least she owed him that. If their relationship grew into something more than just acquaintances, she would not fight against it. Although she did not yet know her own heart, she did know this: she would give William a second chance. He deserved one.

Lizzie sat at her desk going over a stack of papers that Dr. Gardiner had given her. She was trying not to think about the CEO of Pemberley Digital. Of course, it was a pointless effort. Every so often she would wonder when she would see him again. Every time she heard footsteps in the hall, she imagined it was him. It never was. Despite the distraction provided by these thoughts, she did manage to get some work done, until Gigi entered the room around lunchtime.

"Hi Lizzie," said Gigi brightly.

Lizzie looked up from her papers. "Hi, Gigi. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with me today."

Lizzie smiled and said that she would love to. After all, she did want to make new friends. "Just the two of us, right?" asked Lizzie, with a raised eyebrow, remembering how capable Gigi was at throwing her and Darcy together at the drop of a hat.

Gigi smirked. "I make no promises."

Lizzie shook her head. She hoped that Darcy wouldn't join them unexpectedly. She put on her jacket, grabbed her purse and followed Gigi out of the office.

"How was dinner last night?"

"It was good. Dr. Gardiner spent the entire time giving me advice about how to make the most of my time shadowing Pemberley."

For some reason, this elicited a giggle form Gigi. "I think I might have some tips for you in that department as well."

Lizzie turned a surprised glance at the younger girl. "Gigi, your brother isn't going to be joining us at lunch is he?"

Gigi shook her head. "He said that he didn't think he had time today. But we are meeting up with another old friend."

Lizzie wondered to whom she was referring.

"Fitz is in town too," said Gigi, when she noticed Lizzie's confused expression.

Lizzie's discomfort faded at Gigi's words. After all, she really liked Fitz. Perhaps she could enjoy this lunch after all.

Lunch was great. Lizzie had enjoyed seeing Fitz again as well as getting to know Gigi better. She could honestly picture herself becoming good friends with both of them. Another positive was that they didn't walk to the restaurant. They had taken a company car, which Lizzie was extremely grateful for, due to the fact that she was sore from walking to the Marina last night.

Lizzie felt that she was far more productive after lunch, then she had been before. It was nearly quitting time, and Lizzie was preparing to go home when her cell phone chirped. Lizzie looked at it. It was a text from Gigi.

The CEO would like to see you in his office. ;)

Lizzie couldn't help but smile, as she put the phone in her purse and left her office.