99 Onto Seattle

"Mom, I'm going to Seattle for the weekend. We are going to have to postpone that picnic."

Hearing this, Mary, who was currently fussing over some mac and cheese in the kitchen, looked up with one eyebrow raised.

However, just as she was about to say something, a sad voice came from the stairs.

"No picnic?"

It was Derek, who was biting his lip sadly and had his eyes wide open.

These were definitely the cutest puppy eyes in the whole world, and Liz's heart melted when she saw them.

Walking over to him and bending, she patted his head before saying, "Yes, Derek. A very nice lady invited me for an important event of hers. I'll definitely have a day off later, though, so don't worry, it's just postponed. Hey, maybe we can even plan something grander!"

As tears appeared in the cute little kid's eyes, Liz sighed and said, "I'm sorry, little champ. I PROMISE that we will have an amazing picnic later, OK?"

Derek had never been a very difficult kid. Seeing his sister promise and knowing that she was someone who definitely kept her promises, he looked down and nodded before saying, "OK. But Luke was going to bring so much food."

"Why change those plans? I'll ask him to bring it over anyway. I'll talk to him; I'm sure he will understand."

At this, a small smile came on the little kid's face before he suddenly hugged Liz's neck and ran up, laughing.

Chuckling and feeling glad that she had such an awesome bundle of joy in her life, Liz picked up her phone and dialed a number.

"Hey, Liz! What's up?"

"Work as usual. How are things at the diner?"

"The usual. Business is great, but you didn't call about that. What is it? Craving for something?"

This made a smile appear on Liz's face, as before, she really did call sometimes because she wanted to eat something made by him.

"Not right now, but that pot roast the other day was excellent! I wouldn't mind more of it…Anyway, we are going to have to postpone that picnic. My boss's sister invited me to her casino's opening in Seattle. I'm planning to take a day off later to-"

"Oh? Are you sure it's sudden? Because it sounds to me like this is that guy's plan to cancel the picnic."

Hearing the harsh tone with which these words were said, Liz was startled.

Luke had always been the sweetest friend who had never changed his tone with her, but now, clearly, something was wrong.

"Don't be absurd. That's not possible! Why do you think so, anyway? And why do you sound…off?"

"Hmm. Just find out if it's true, and you'll understand. Fine, the picnic is postponed. And I hope it's postponed, and not canceled? I'll bring over the food I promised Derek in the weekend, the kid must be disappointed."

"Yes, postponed. OK."

"OK. Bye."

Hanging up the phone, Liz couldn't help but stare at it, puzzled.

Ridiculous! How could the CEO change the date of a casino's opening so that she wouldn't go to a picnic?

Still, no matter how absurd it sounded to her, Liz decided to ask anyway just to honor her friend's request.

Besides, he was family, and he wouldn't speak out of turn without reason. Just from the fact that she hadn't had to ask him to bring the food for Derek showed how much he understood them.

With a slightly unsettled expression, Liz turned to Mary and said, "All right mum, I'll go fresh up. Were you saying something before?"

Mary, who had been standing nearby during the entire conversation, opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something.

However, as if deciding against it, she shook her head and said, "Nothing, Liz. Be careful. And call me if you have any problems, or doubts."

Problems or doubts? Why would she have those?

Wondering why everyone around her was behaving strangely, Liz made her way to the room.

...

The flight to Seattle was scheduled for Saturday morning, and it was a beautiful day.

As Liz and Will drove to the private air hanger, there wasn't much talking as it seemed as if the former had something on her mind.

Will, on the other hand, was also trying to decide his plan of action for the weekend.

His goal was to spend more non-professional time with her, but so far, he didn't know how.

After they reached, Liz smiled sweetly when she saw the field of flowers with dew on them, looking so beautiful that they took her breath away.

However, the next second, she literally had her breath taken away as she was enveloped in a full hug by someone.

"LIZ! I missed you!!!! Wow, you really have some…OK, girl talk later! Now, on to Seattle!"