Liza smiled. He was jealous? “It doesn’t have to be the Hotel Washington, but I should warn you, my dance card stays full.”

“Oh, I saw that. If you had Dorsey smiling from ear to ear, you must be able to charm a snake,” WIC said.

Thinking of Dorsey’s smile stopped her short for a moment to check her phone for more texts.

“Are you still there?” WIC asked. Lord, what has this man been saying?

“Oh, WIC, I’m sorry. My reception went out. Could you repeat that?”

“I actually wanted to talk to you about your draft proposal. Everyone was really wowed by your idea, and I’d love to see it expanded. If we raise enough money, we can buy Netherfield ourselves!” Liza smiled; his enthusiasm was catching. The proposal was pretty meaty work too. It would normally cost thousands of dollars to hire someone to write one of these up. And he trusted her to do it.

“Oh, I wanted to tell you. We’re going to this event in Philly soon. My granny won this garden competition, and I want you to hang out.”

“Cool. I’m there,” WIC said without hesitation.

“Wait . . . But it’s Dorsey Fitzgerald’s company party.”

Long, cold pause.

WIC cleared his throat. “I don’t think I’d be a welcomed guest there.”

“We don’t have to stay the whole time,” Liza said.

“You told Dorsey I was coming?”

“Not . . .”

“Did you tell him?” His voice had an edge of impatience.

“I’ll get to it. Do you want to go?”

He let out a muffled yes, and Liza smiled.

“What will you be wearing?” she said over the background noise. “I want to match—

“I’m sorry, the train is coming,” WIC said tersely.

The phone hung up abruptly, and Liza shrugged. Must be underground. Now this party wouldn’t feel like so much of a drag.

WIC sounded confident, and Liza wanted to feel hopeful with him. He was wary of being seen with Dorsey, she could tell, because he was a revolutionary down to his bones. This is what it looked like to want the same things. It wasn’t a drink for a moment; it was justice for all.

PLUS-ONE

How you doing, DC? We’re heading into the Christmas season. Who’s alone out there? Are you thinking about someone tonight?” Liza played the Jazzy Jingle Bells snippet.

“Call me on the loveline, and I’ll send a special song their way. I’m getting a request from a Datu Ramos online. He wants to hear some soulful Sam Smith, ‘Lay Me Down.’ Goodness, I wish somebody wanted me the way Sam Smith wants whoever they’re singing to.” Liza pressed the dials. “Coming right up for you, Datu. I hope she’s listening tonight.”