By the time Olivia was ready for Lilli, it was four-thirty on Friday. Lilli was jumpy because, as the minutes ticked by on the clock, it was getting closer and closer to date time. She wasn't sure what to expect or how to be with Zach. Was he going to act differently because he was out of the office? She had been with him very little outside of a work capacity. When he stopped by her apartment and when he asked her out and kissed her. Other than one kiss on her forehead, he hadn't kissed her since she ran from the bar. Would he kiss her over the weekend?

To make the whole thing more stressful, Olivia was riding to his parents' house with them. Lilli would finally meet Mrs. Steele, which she looked forward to. Did he tell his mother his date was his assistant?

Olivia attempted to give Lilli a few pointers, but everything she mentioned Lilli already had a system in place, often better than what the office manager was suggesting. After about ten minutes, Olivia gave up.

"Are you excited about the wedding?"

Lilli shook her head. "I don't know why I'm going."

Olivia laughed. "Because Zach wants you with him. You are so much better than his last girlfriend."

"Last girlfriend. Did they date long?"

"Maybe two years."

"Two years. I've never dated for longer than two weeks. Seriously, why am I so nervous? It will be over in eleven days. Oh right, because then I'll need to find a new job."

"You won't need a new job. If it doesn't work out, I could move you to another agent, probably Leo."

Lilli shook her head. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely. You can't get fired over a breakup. It's not legal."

"Even if it's the boss's nephew."

Olivia laughed. "Especially not if it's the boss's nephew. Come on, shut down, it's five." She walked to Zach's door. "Let's go."

Going meant dragging Olivia's luggage to the parking garage next to their building. Lilli had a small tote and a garment bag with her change of clothes, just like she carried the two blocks on the day of Ann's party, so she could change out of her work clothes. She wondered if Zach would change or wear his work suit to the rehearsal and dinner.

There were a few things she was excited about. The first was supporting Ainsley through her sister's wedding. Second was seeing the Sumner house, or was it called an estate? Third was meeting the superhero. She added a fourth, meeting Mrs. and Mr. Steele. Secretly, she wanted to meet the former assistant who married her boss and became an agent.

Zach had the job of pulling the large suitcase, and he complained the whole time. They reminded her of the way her friend Lily and her brother interacted. Maybe she was wrong to feel jealous. Zach grumbled about fitting Olivia's luggage in his trunk, but he managed it and even fit his and Lilli's garment bags flat across the top. Lilli smiled when Zach walked to the passenger door and opened it for her. Olivia climbed in the back.

Everything was strange. She had never driven with him before. She watched his hands and his profile as he navigated the congested streets onto the turnpike. Did she even know him well enough to date him? His radio was off. What kind of music did he like? Did he listen to talk radio? Lilli hated talk radio. When she drove to Maine, she streamed music from her phone using an aux cord because her car was ancient. Zach could probably turn on music from all the buttons on his steering wheel. Her steering wheel had one button, the horn.

Her anxiety reached the boiling point, and she interrupted Olivia, who was babbling from the backseat - to her, not Zach. Regardless, Lilli couldn't concentrate on anything she said. "Does your mother know I'm coming?"

Olivia answered, "I told her."

"Did you?" She looked at Zach, who was smirking.

Zach nodded. "Yes. Are you afraid to meet my mother?"

"I'm afraid of everything about this weekend, except hanging out with Ainse."

Olivia said, "Not Zach."

Zach laughed. "I make her nervous, but she has no reason to be." He emphasized the 'but'. He reached his hand over and took Lilli's hand and squeezed it. "It'll be okay."

Every time Zach touched her, she wondered if she was dreaming. He took an exit, and she felt her anxiety grow. Suddenly, the nerves that made her unable to speak were blurting every thought.

"Most people go out alone first before they take their date home to meet their family."

Zach laughed. "I tried taking you out, but you ran away."

"You freaked me out. You are still freaking me out."

"Lill, I want you by my side this weekend. Only you."

Olivia said, "Yeah, believe me. He has liked you forever. Everyone knew but you."

"Everyone?"

"Not everyone. Not my mother, but JJ and Violet and Ann and Olivia."

Lilli's voice came out higher than usual. "Ann knew."

"Since your first day at Dwyer Mitchell."

"Stop teasing me. Please promise you won't tease me even when I trip, spill, and choke."

Olivia said, "You won't."

Zach said, "She will, but will look adorable doing it. Except maybe the choking, because it scares me when she doesn't breathe."

Olivia said, "You just told her you wouldn't tease her."

"He's not teasing. He knows me too well."

Zach smiled. "See Lill, I know you and I still want to date you."

Lilli threw up her hands. "Ugh, is it Sunday yet?"

Zach turned into a residential area with large homes, definitely compared to the one she grew up in. They looked older but well kept, and every lawn was manicured.

"It's not Sunday, but we're here. He pulled into a driveway. There were no other cars. Maybe no one was home, but a tall brunette stepped out. Lilli didn't know what she expected, but she didn't expect Mrs. Steele to look youthful. She looked like an athlete. Lilli sat as Olivia slid out of the car to receive a greeting and a hug. Zach hugged his mother before dashing to the passenger side. He opened the door, but Lilli didn't move. He stuck out his hand.

"Come on, Lill. You can't sit in the car."

She reluctantly stood up, but Zach hadn't moved, so he was right next to her and put his arm around her.

"Lilli! Zach, she's beautiful."

"Hello Mrs. Steele."

"I feel like I know you already." She hugged Lilli without warning. "Zach, she knows my voice just from hello."

"Mom, I don't doubt it, but we have caller ID."

"Come in, please."

"We have lots of luggage." Zach's voice held an accusation.

She waved her hand. "You and Olivia can take care of it. Lilli, come with me."

She followed her on wobbly legs into the house. It was spacious and beautiful. Lilli's house fit her family of four comfortably, but it felt like a cottage compared to this home. She looked at the details new houses lacked, even the staircase rails looked hand carved. She knew Zach came from money. Ainsely's family had money too. Lilli's parents both had professional jobs, but they didn't live like Zach.

Mrs. Steele asked, "A cold drink or wine?"

Before she could answer, Zach came in, pulling Olivia's suitcase. "I'm not carrying this upstairs. I'll get mine and Lilli's things."

"Lilli dear, are you going home tonight?"

"I could, but I'm staying at my roommate's house. I just have a change of clothes."

She reluctantly agreed to an ice tea while waiting for Zach. Olivia had disappeared. When Zach came down the stairs, he stood next to her.

His mother smiled and shook her head. "You are a striking couple. My son is good looking, if I may say so."

"Only because he is." Lilli's mouth kept surprising her.

"I'm here." Lilli had never seen him blush before.

Zach's mother asked, "What time is rehearsal?"

Zach looked at his watch. "Seven, we should change."

"Okay. Lilli, come with me." She followed her up the wide staircase. She pointed to a door. This is my sitting room. The bathroom is across the hall. Do you need anything?"

She shook her head. "I'll just freshen up and change into my dress."

Lilli tried to hurry, but she wanted to look good at the same time. She expected Zach to be calling for her. When she emerged, he was downstairs and looked at her and smiled.

"I love that dress."

She blushed. "Shush. Women aren't supposed to wear the same dress, but I..." How could she admit she couldn't afford another dress after buying the one for Ann's party?

Mrs. Steele said, "Nonsense, if a dress looks that good on you. I say you should wear it as often as you can."

Zach said, "It's just us. The rest will meet at the house for dinner."

Lilli followed Zach to his car. She still felt awkward alone in the car with him. At least Ainsley would be at the rehearsal.

Zach cleared his throat. "JJ doesn't know my assistant is Ainsley's roommate."

Lilli smiled. "So he'll be surprised."

"Unless someone has told him."

"Why am I feeling more nervous than less?"

He took her hand again. "It will be fine."

He parked at the country club where the wedding would be held. He turned to look at her. She tried to smile, but she was sure her lips were trembling. Her belly churned. She needed Ainsley to pull her in off the ledge.

Zach reached for her chin and turned it to face him. "You've got this." He leaned over and brushed his lips against hers. It was lighter and quicker than the first kiss. A tease. "Soon we won't be in a hurry and I'll kiss you the way I want to."

Once again, Zach had his arm around her waist as she walked with trembling knees. They stepped inside and all eyes turned to them. Ainsley smiled and walked towards her.

James said, "Zach, you dawg!"

Another man said, "You owe me, brother. I knew Zach would pull through."

Lilli looked at Zach wide-eyed. "You bet on me?"

Zach shook his head, but Lilli pulled away. Ainsley put her arm around her and glared at all the men standing around, staring.

Lilli wanted to disappear.

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