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Chapter 17

The Sunday morning following Thanksgiving was crisp and full of snow. The sun shone brightly though it did little to raise the cold temperature. The ever famous Central Park was not exactly deserted but there were not many patronizing its paths. Among these few was a young brunette, dressed warmly in sweatpants and a jacket with gloves to keep her hands warm. She jogged swiftly, paying little attention to her surroundings, although this could be because of the ear buds blasting music into her ears. Her pace kept up with the quick tempo of the song on her iPod. Finally she swerved to the path on her right and made her way towards her favorite coffee shop.

Lizzy slowed her pace to a brisk walk and removed her glove before reaching out to open the door. She stepped in an inhaled the heavenly scent of coffee and fresh pastries. True her home was just a few blocks away but she could never resist the temptations at 'Via Quadronno'. Grabbing a quick breakfast of a chocolate croissant and cappuccino, Lizzy sat down at a small table by the window. She placed her gloves in her pocket and grasped her cup in her hands to warm them up. Slowly she savored her drink and pulled out her phone to check her email. Other than a few lines from Emma reminding her of their lunch date, there was nothing personal. Deciding that her work related correspondence could wait; she pocketed her phone and reached for her croissant.

"You know what they say about people who eat alone,"

Lizzy's head snapped up to see Will standing over her with a smirk on his face.

"They never have to share their treats!" She grinned at him. Giving him a once over she noticed his work out clothes and asked, "Where are you coming from?"

"The gym. Want some company?"

"Sure" He grinned at her and went to grab himself something to eat. He returned a few minutes later holding a coffee and what looked to Lizzy like a Panini with some sort of deli meat.

"What is that?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity. He sat down and showed her his sandwich.

"It's a Panini" wrinkling his eyebrows in confusion. Surely she must have had one before?"

"No you loser," she snorted, "what's in it?" She rolled her eyes at his stupidity.

"Oh. Okay yeah that makes more sense. Umm…" He paused to examine it again. "It has prosciutto and fontina cheese." He looked up to see a bewildered expression on his friend's face. "What?"

"You had to look at your sandwich to see what's in it? You just ordered it! How could you forget so fast?" Her companion just shrugged and took a bite of the sandwich in question.

"Wow," She shook her head at him, "If this is the level of your intelligence, I think we might need to reconsider your position at Bennet Corp. You know, maybe send you down to the mail room." She grinned at the sudden frown on his face. He chewed quickly and swallowed before protesting,

"Hey! I remember the important stuff!"

She crossed her arms and leaned forward, "Oh yeah, like what?"

"Uhh…well…I…shut up and drink your coffee." He ignored her burst of laughter and kept on eating. Lizzy reached for her cup and sipped before tearing into her croissant once again. Her eyes sparkled at him and Will found he couldn't help but smile at her. They sat in companionable silence for a while.

"Hey where's Jane? Usually you guys are joined at the hip. I mean, when she isn't with Charlie." Will spoke up

Lizzy chuckled softly, "She's at home. I was out for a jog and Jane, well Jane's more of a yoga kind of girl."

"You were jogging? In this weather?"

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?"

"Its too cold! Why don't you just go to the gym?" he looked at her incredulously.

"You're such a wuss." Lizzie countered, "It's not freezing. And besides, I like running when it's cold. I find it…refreshing." She drained her cup and put it down.

"Do you want a refill?" Will made to stand up but Lizzie reached out and stopped him,

"No thanks, I'm good."

"Here try this," He held his sandwich up at her. Lizzie shook her head and backed up a little. This did nothing to deter him.

"Come on, just take a bite!" Will leaned forward even more despite the fact that Lizzie was now grimacing and shaking her head.

"I don't want any Will!" She whined. Will made a face.

"Stop being a baby!" He held the Panini to her mouth and reluctantly she took a bite.

"There, that wasn't so hard was it?" he grinned at her triumphantly. She chewed and swallowed before answering him.

"It's not bad." She lied. It was actually really tasty but she didn't want to admit it to him.

"Not bad?" Will scoffed. "Admit it, it's amazing."

"You couldn't even remember what's in it!" Lizzie objected. Will shook his head at her.

"Doesn't mean it doesn't taste good. Swallow your pride Bennet." Will dared her. Lizzie scowled for a minute before caving,

"Fine, it's delicious. There, are you happy now?" She glared at him.

"Very." He beamed at her. Lizzie laughed at his victorious expression.

"What time is it?" Lizzie asked a still smiling Will. She didn't feel like fishing her phone out of her pocket.

"It's uh…" he glanced at his watch, "Oh wow, it's late, 10:15. I'm supposed to meet Chuck in 45 minutes. " He stood up, "Do you want a ride?"

"Will, I live a few blocks away, I think I can handle the walk." Lizzie gave him a sarcastic smile. He grinned at her before returning to the counter. She watched as he spoke to the waitress, handed her few bills from, his wallet and then quickly strode to the door empty handed. He winked at her and walked out. Confused Lizzie turned to see the waitress making her way towards her holding plate with a Panini on it.

"The gentleman who just left ordered this for you." It was the same one that Will had eaten; the one she had admitted was delicious. Lizzie chuckled to herself before addressing the woman in front of her who stood with a polite, detached smile.

"Can I get it to go please?"

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Will exited his apartment freshly showered with still damp curls. He rushed out glancing at his watch. Charlie would be waiting for him by now. Briskly, he walked the several blocks to the restaurant where he had arranged to meet his best friend. Sure enough, there sat the blonde young man, idly tapping his fingers against the table.

"Sorry I'm late," Will swiftly walked over to the table. He removed his jacket and draped it over his chair.

"Took you long enough. I'm starving." Charlie watched his friend sit down and pick up the menu. "What kept you? Usually I'm the one running behind schedule." He picked up his menu as well and began perusing the options available.

"I ran into Lizzy on my home from the gym and had a bite to eat with her." He examined the offered beverages, not noticing his friend's surprised expression.

"You already ate?" Charlie tone was disappointed. "I've been waiting for you to join me and you already ate?"

Will sighed, "Relax Chuck, I just had a sandwich. I can certainly make room for more."

Charlie visibly relaxed and the two friends continued to quietly examine the menu. The waiter made his way over to take their orders.

"I'll have the steak and eggs please" Charlie handed his menu back to the young man standing before them. Will did the same.

"I'll have the seared diver scallops."

"Anything to drink with that gentlemen?" the waiter looked at them expectantly.

"Yes I'll have fresh juice and a coffee please." Charlie spoke up.

"Make that two please." The waiter walked away leaving the men alone for the time being.

"So…you ran into Lizzy?" Charlie sat back and looked at his friend. Will nodded.

"I saw her through the window of a coffee shop and went in to say hi."

Charlie nodded, "Jane wasn't there?"

Will shook his head. Charlie, seeing that his friend wasn't following up, pressed on, "Why not? She's okay isn't she?"

Will nodded before glancing around casually at the other diners. The restaurant was full of people, young and old enjoying the delectable cuisine of the famous chef. When he looked back at his friend, Charlie was giving him an annoyed look.

"What?" Will asked in confusion.

"Umm a little more information would be nice." Charlie said sarcastically.

"What do you want me to say Chuck? I ran into Lizzy and Jane wasn't there. Would you have rather I stood you up so that I could go and check on your girlfriend just because she wasn't out with her roommate?" Will's tone was dry. Charlie frowned and hesitated before speaking up,

"Is there something you're not telling me? Do you have a problem with Jane?"

"What makes you think that?" Will cringed inwardly.

"Why are you avoiding the question? What's wrong with her? Why don't you like her?" Charlie frowned in concern.

"I do like her." Even to his own ears his answer sounded weak. Charlie raised an eyebrow at him. Will sighed.

"Look I don't have a problem with her. If you like her that's great."

"I DO like her," Charlie spoke forcefully.

"That's good."

"Yes it is. It is good. It's great." Will could hear the frustration in his friend's voice. They sat quietly for a minute, neither wishing to break the awkward silence.

"What's the problem, Darcy?" Charlie couldn't help speaking up. Will raised his eyes to meet Charlie's.

"Look, I really don't have a problem with Jane, I'm sure she's a nice person. It's just…" he hesitated.

"Just what?" Charlie sat up impatiently. Will sighed for what seemed like the millionth time.

"Do you remember how when you first started at Bennet Corp and Richard would take you out and women used to flock to you once they heard where you worked and who you were friends with?" Charlie nodded, his face pale.

"Well, you had to learn to be cautious with women, try to figure out the gold diggers and social climbers from the genuine ones. I'm just saying exercise that caution."

Charlie sat deep in thought for a minute before countering,

"But she's Lizzie's best friend. Wouldn't she know if Jane was in it for the money?"

Will hesitated once again, "Lizzy is…not infallible. She can make mistakes. This could be one."

"But she has connections. She lives with the Bennets. She doesn't need me. I'm nothing compared to them." Charlie grasped at straws, not wanting to admit that Darcy could have a point.

"A spouse is more permanent than a roommate. Divorce more profitable than a falling out with a friend." He paused to let his words sink in before continuing, "I'm not saying that Jane IS a gold digger. I'm just saying be careful. Don't make any rash decisions until you're absolutely sure."

The waiter returned and places their warm plates in front of them, "Steak and eggs for you, and for you Sir, the Scallops. Coffee and juice." He places their drinks down and stood straight, "Is there anything else I can get you?" Both diners shook their heads and the waiter walked away after smiling briefly. They began to eat quietly. Several minutes later, Will decided he needed to say something,

"So, what are you're plans for the rest of the day?" he stabbed a scallop with his fork and placed in his mouth. Charlie looked at him ruefully before replying,

"Hanging out with Jane."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

Silence again.

"Chuck, you don't have to break up with her anything drastic like that. I'm just saying go slow." He watched his friend nod slowly and together they returned to their meals which on any other day they would have relished but the topic of conversation seemed to put a damper on things.