Chapter 6
Lizzie devoted the day to painting, and William devoted his to football. Occasionally, for commercials and time outs, he would hurry to the third floor to check on her. Every time he went up, she seemed fine. He brought up food (mostly chocolate), but she still looked like her world had shattered.
Sunday came and went much the same way and then it was back to work.
Monday was slow, and William's mind kept drifting back to Lizzie and his reaction to Bruce's untimely death. He wanted to make it up to her somehow. He missed the dog, and the way Lizzie was around him.
He began researching breeders in the city area, and when he found one that had a dog that looked almost like Bruce, he decided to get it. The breeder told him he would have to wait two months to pick up a puppy, and he did. Those two months passed in a flash, with none of his projects being stalled and more clients coming to the firm. Denny seemed to be recommending all of them as well. Finally the Friday to pick up the puppy came he left the office early. He came home and found Lizzie, still entranced in her art. Every time she saw he was there, she covered up what she was doing, and he had never caught a glimpse. That Friday when he knocked on her door she told him to come in. He put the puppy down and opened the door. Her reaction made him feel like a new person, a better person. He hadn't seen her that happy in months.
Then William noticed a new look in Lizzie's eyes. She put the puppy down and walked up to him so that the tips of their shoes were touching. She stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. A jolt went down his spine, a new feeling came over him. Something he had never felt for any girl he had dated. Something wonderful.
The next week was a dinner party and Lizzie wore the same style dress in a dark green, but it was a little tighter. They were happy, and he didn't want to screw things up, but their was a problem. William realized that he was in love with Lizzie, and that confused him to no end.
Halfway through the night his phone rang, and when he came back, he saw George Denny backing Lizzie into a corner. The look on her face was one of terror and disgust, and William reverted back to his high school protector mode. He wove his way through the crowd. When he got to Denny and placed his hand firmly on his shoulder. "I think its time you mingled, Mr. Denny." Denny turned around and stared at William. This guy wants trouble. This guy is trouble.
"Why should I? You aren't giving your wife any attention, and somebody has to." William noticed his words were slurring and gently took the scotch glass out of his hand.
"I think you've had enough of that. Lizzie, you okay?" He looked at Lizzie with an apologetic expression. She nodded and slid out from under Denny's arm. She didn't run though, all she did put a hand on William's chest.
"I think we should go." William didn't move. "William, leave it."
William sighed then turned his attention back to Denny. "Your lucky, Denny. If Lizzie wanted me to hit you, you would be out cold." Denny stumbled away and started on the next woman that he saw. The ride back to his place was silent, and when they entered the home, they were greeted by Charlie, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. William and Lizzie said goodnight, she kissed him on the cheek, and they headed to their separate rooms.
Ten minutes later, William heard a knock on his door.
AN:
More angst coming up. Sorry. I guess thats just the way the story is going. I'm trying to lighten it up, I promise...