Nicholas caressed Elizabeth's chin. We'll just go to sleep Liz. No pressure.
Nicholas! You know very well that if I spend the night with you, we won't just sleep. What will your parents think? And your aunt?
Well, my parents won't care. But you're right. My aunt will. We'll just have to leave there and drive back to the city after dinner.
No, I don't want you to go through all that trouble. I spoke to Mrs Wexford the other day. I called her to see if she wanted to donate to the Christmas party that we're having, and she wanted to know what I was doing for the holidays. She did invite me again to her house. She said that she'd probably stop by to your aunt's house, with her son and his wife.
Lance's parents?
Yes. Maybe I can stay over there for the night? I'll call her up and ask.
You're sure it's OK for me to come?
Come on Liz, Nicholas smoothed her hair away from her face. Say yes.
Well….. I do still have to go home.
You mean to Sweet Valley? When?
Elizabeth bit her lip. Well, not on Christmas day. But I do want to go to California, before the end of the year. There's something important I have to take care of.
What is it?
Well, there's an inheritance waiting there for me.
An inheritance? Nicholas raised his brow.
It's about eight million dollars.
Nicholas stared, obviously taken aback. Who…..I mean what? Who left it to you?
His name was Devon. Devon Whitelaw.
Who was he?
He's a boy I met in high school. Was a boy. A man really. Elizabeth sighed loudly. It's just so sad to talk about. He died earlier this year. It's still so hard for me to think of him as the past.
You must have made quite an impression on him, for him to leave you all his money. So he's dead? How did he die? Were you in a relationship with him?
I was very briefly. Not recently though.
So what happened?
My sister happened.
Nicholas shook his head. No need to explain that one.
It wasn't all her fault. I was still with Todd. We were chemistry partners, back in high school. Devon was brilliant, and I was very taken with his intelligence.
Among other things?
Elizabeth giggled. Well, as much as my sixteen year old self could be. He was from Connecticut actually, and then he moved to California. The last time I saw him he told me he was sick, but that he was getting better. We made plans to see each other the next day. But the next day, he was dead. He wasn't getting better and he knew it. Elizabeth's eyes clouded over.
Did he….? Nicholas asked, understanding her meaning.
Elizabeth nodded. He took his own life.
Nicholas laced his fingers through hers and kissed her palm.
That money would be amazing right now. But….
But….? Nicholas prompted.
I won't claim it. I just can't. I have to walk away from it. He has some relatives out there and I'm going to tell his lawyer to track them down and give it to them. I would keep it if they didn't exist, but they do.
I'll never feel at ease if I have something that should be rightfully theirs. She looked into is eyes. Am I crazy? Am I crazy to give it up?
No. I really respect you for that Liz. It's a lot to give up. It's a lot to walk away from. Most people wouldn't.
I know. I've been going over it ever since I found out. And it is hard. Especially as I already fantasized about the things I was going to do with it.
Things like what?
I would have a lot more time to dedicate to writing. Elizabeth giggled. And well, buy a new king sized bed for one thing. One as comfy as cotton. And maybe an apartment that it would fit into. One with air conditioning and at least a washing machine.
What would you do with a king sized bed? Wouldn't it get lonely in there? He pulled her closer and laid soft kisses along her forehead.
Not if I have someone to share with me. Someday…. She blushed, burying her face in his neck.
Someday? Nicholas asked, his eyes full of anticipation.
Soon. Elizabeth promised.
How soon? Nicholas' voice was husky.
Next year, Elizabeth teased, as she looked at him with sparkling eyes.
Well, I've waited six years already, what's another one right? He grabbed a lock of her hair and ran it along her chin. You're not afraid of being with me are you Liz? I mean, I assume that you and Todd...
No, Elizabeth shook her head adamantly. Todd and I never. Uggghh. The thought of it makes me ill. He actually broke up with me when I wouldn't have sex with him first semester of freshman year at SVU. Elizabeth paused. It wasn't Todd who I first slept with. It was someone else.
Who then?
It happened when I was in England. He was a Viscount. I worked in his father's mansion.
You mean, the son of the Earl? Liz, he took advantage of you! Nicholas' face darkened.
No, it wasn't like that. We really liked each other. She buried her face in the collar of his shirt. Nicholas, I'm so embarrassed. He was engaged.
How long were you together?
Not long. Elizabeth grimaced. We only did it once, she admitted. And then I left the country with Jessica. It would never have worked. The son of an Earl and his scullery maid. She looked deep into Nicholas' eyes. You don't think less of me do you?
No Liz, not at all.
I'm glad I waited. And I'm glad I was cautious.
Has there been anyone else? Nicholas asked.
No, it was just that one time with Max.
Max?
Yes, that was his name. Nicholas, I can't just give myself away like that, she said. I just want to take things slowly. I don't like feeling used.
I could never do that to you. You know that don't you? I want you to trust me.
Elizabeth nodded, shutting her eyes,and inhaling his scent.
Nicholas smoothed the fine hairs along her forehead.
Elizabeth giggled. That tickles. She sat up and eyed him pensively. I think I'll go home the day after Christmas.
How long will you stay? I'm thinking about taking you somewhere for New Years.
Where? Elizabeth was intrigued, as she lay back down on the small bed, facing Nicholas.
It'll be a surprise, Nicholas' eyes were radiant. I've been thinking about it for a while. It's something I think you'll like…a lot.
Elizabeth pouted prettily. You won't give me a hint?
No. Nicholas gazed at her questioningly. You don't want to go to Times Square do you?
Elizabeth shook her head. Not really. It looks like it would be fun, but the thought of being surrounded by a million strangers doesn't appeal to me.
Good, cause neither do I, Nicholas agreed.
I'll have to fly back then, maybe on the thirtieth? My parents won't like it. I can almost hear my Mom now, guilt tripping me about not spending the holidays with them.
So we're on then? Nicholas' face lit up.
We're on, Elizabeth said,running her finger along his lips as she leaned in for a kiss. She smiled dreamily. The holiday season was certainly going to be fun this year…..
Can you believe that Jess? Lila said, as she rubbed some tanning lotion on her shoulders. This is the best new product from Nice. You tan, but you're protected at the same time.
What exactly did he do? Amy Sutton asked as she concentrated on buffing her thumb nail.
Why exactly do you care Lila? Jessica moaned lazily, staring at the blue water of the Fowler's large swimming pool. You never cared about his opinion anyway.
You're right, I don't care, Lila said, her nose in the air.
Since when does what Bugs says bug you so much,? Jessica added, giggling at her own joke. And he only said two words to you.
Hmmmm! He doesn't bug me. He just thinks he's better than me. And it's not only what he said, it's how he said it. He looked at me like I was some kind of… I don't know, some kind of roach or something. "Watch it." That's what he said Amy. "Watch it."
So Bugs used his words and squashed you like a bug? Jessica giggled again.
He scolded me like I'm a child,! Lila muttered, under her breath.
Well you did almost hit him, Jessica said.
The most damage I would have done is a tiny scratch on the car. The nerve of Roger Barrett, buying the same car that I have. He probably bought it just to copy me, Lila declared.
It's Patman now. Jessica corrected Lila, as she rolled over to have the sun work on her back. And Roger's always been kind of cute, she said, thinking of Roger's serious grey eyes and deep brown hair.
Ha! Lila said.
Amy pulled out her manicure kit from her purse. It's been Patman for a few years now, hasn't it?
I don't care what his last name is, Lila smirked. He's still the same nerdy Bugs from high school.
Amy raised her perfectly arched brow. That's actually not what I heard. She lowered her voice, almost as if they had an audience.
My Mom told me they might feature Roger in one of those Valley Youth Success stories. You know, the TV show about people who've done great things before they turn twenty five. He's supposedly made a lot of money recently.
Oh? Lila said, a bored expression on her bronzed face. He got that money from his father. There's no accomplishment there, they just handed it to him.
Jessica rolled her eyes out of her friend's vision. Lila was the last person who should be talking about someone being handed something.
No Li. Amy continued, as she moved her bikini straps off her shoulders. He's managed to increase his inheritance, tenfold! His father left him a lot of money, but he really made an effort to make it grow. And it has.
He went to Princeton didn't he? Jessica said. At least that's what Liz…..
Jessica's expression sobered. An awkward silence surrounded the three friends at the mention of Elizabeth. I mean. I'm pretty sure he went to Princeton.
Amy glanced at Jessica. She was dying to ask about what Liz was doing in New York City, and if Jessica had made any headway in improving their relationship. But the saddened look on her friend's face told her that the twins were nowhere near melting the huge iceberg that was floating between them.
So how's Jake Jess,? Amy changed the subject. I can't believe how slim you look. I mean, it's not even two months yet, since you had him.
He's great, Jessica said. You know, I practically had to start dieting before I even gave birth. I left Jake with Pilar, his new nanny. She's a godsend. I don't know what I would do if I didn't get a break from him sometimes. She yawned again.Taking care of a baby is so hard.
Tell me about it, Lila agreed. At least George is past his three in the morning crying stage. He actually sleeps for most of the night. But he puts everything in his mouth. If someone's not watching him, he'll swallow everything in sight! I'm not having kids till I'm forty.
That's probably the time it will take for you to get a new guy anyway. Jessica giggled.
Lila shot her a dirty look. Nice Jess. Really nice.
Come on Lila, I was only teasing.
Hmmmm! At least I don't go around stealing and marrying my sister's boyfriend.
It was Jessica's turn to be offended. We already went through this. Todd and Liz were not together when he and I got involved.
That doesn't make it right. Lila challenged.
The two friends stared coldly at each other.
So who wants to go to the Jingle Ball? Amy asked, trying to smooth things over. The proceeds are going towards the pediatric center at Fowler Memorial this year.
Lila stretched her tanned arms over her head. Are you selling tickets Amy,? she asked.
Well, they handed them off at the volunteer's office last week, and as junior volunteer coordinator, Amy said, referring to her job, I'm trying to get as many people involved as possible.
The Fowlers already gave a generous contribution to the children's wing, Lila stated smugly. Besides, it's our name on the hospital, she said, her expression haughty. I already did my part.
Come on Lila. A little more funding won't hurt. The tickets are only twenty dollars. And, it is for the same good cause. The money goes towards extras for the kids who can't afford them. Things that insurance won't pay for. You know, toys, books, crafts, things like that. The Jingle Ball will be fun, Amy insisted. Ken already asked me to go.
Lila shook her long brown hair. I can't believe you're dating Ken Matthews Amy. I mean he's cute and all. He's actually more than cute. But….didn't you dump him after he had that accident in junior year? After he went blind?
That's not my proudest moment OK,? Amy defended herself. I was really shallow back then. But Ken's forgiven me.
Amy shallow? No. Jessica thought with sarcasm. Ken is really sweet. And still so cute. If I wasn't already taken…
You'd date him again? Lila scoffed.
Sure. Jessica said. Why not? He's a fun, really nice guy. And the two of us do have history.
You Jessica, have history with half the guys in Sweet Valley, Lila wanted to say, but didn't speak aloud, knowing that Jessica was already not too happy with her earlier remark.
Todd and I might go to the ball. That is, if he's in town. If he's not there, I'll still go. It's at the country club this year isn't it?
Yeah it is. You'd go without him Jess? Amy queried.
Of course. I'm married, not dead.
Well, I'm not going, Lila examined her fingernails.
Jessica eyed her. Why not?
I don't know. The Jingle ball is sooooo… tacky.
What's so tacky about it?
Lila shrugged. I don't know, Jess, it just is.
Amy twirled her dark blonde hair. You just don't want to go because you don't have a date. Is that it Lila?
No. I'm not one of those sorry women who needs a man for her self esteem. She rolled her eyes. Fine, I'll go. But I don't want any lame guys hitting on me. She held out her arm, satisfied with the darkened color.
With my luck, Bugs will be there…..
