Liza stood up. She was in full swagger. “I’m so glad you mentioned that, Gigi, because HUD offers a little-known funding program known as HOME that can be combined with LIHTCs that would give you a respectable twenty percent profit margin. It’s hella tricky, and we’ll definitely need a housing attorney, but we can convert Netherfield Court into all low-income housing and turn a nice profit.” Liza clapped her hands.

Dorsey looked at her in awe. His capable Liza had a solid plan to save his mother’s foundation. My Lady of Perpetual Help. He was completely hers. She had to know that.

After arranging a plan to meet with the board the next week, Dorsey closed the call with the senator and ushered Gigi out, then turned to Liza, who looked exhilarated but exhausted. “Liza, you should go get some rest.” He motioned toward the bedroom upstairs.

“My mother’s going to have a fit. I should go home.”

Dorsey’s brow creased. Foolish of you to think she was yours too. “Oh of course. I’ll drive you.”

“Dorsey, you have a lot to figure out here.”

Dorsey held Liza’s shoulders. “There’s not a lot to figure out.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“We’re going to run this by Finance and Legal. Put a finer point on some of the numbers. It’s a damned good idea.” He needed her here. Doesn’t she see that?

“I should really go,” she said.

“Let me call my driver.”

As he watched her drive off, her words echoed in his head: You have a lot to figure out.

REFINING FIRE

Make way for the new queen of social media! There’s a new Bennett in town. And I’m not here to bore you about social issues unless it affects my makeup tutorials!” LeDeya bounced on the bed as Liza held the phone at what LeDeya called her best angle. Liza mouthed the words “watch it” to her sister, and LeDeya cleared her throat.

“Now, before I review this life-changing eyebrow stamp, I have a small announcement. For any of you that donated to the Netherfield cause, here’s a hotline set up by Pemberley Development to help get your funds replaced up to a thousand dollars. I want to apologize for my part in that. Y’all trusted me, and I led you astray. I was legit fooled. But you better believe it won’t ever happen again.” Deya winked into the camera, and Liza’s arm flopped down. “Hey, I wasn’t done!” Deya protested.

Liza put her hands on her hips. “I’m done. My arms hurt. And I’m tired.”

“When did you get so old?” Deya shouted down the hallway.