She struggled to remember how the fight had started. She and Ryan and some friends had been watching a movie and she commented on how cute the lead actor was. “Cuter than me?” Ryan asked. Lizzy jumped into damage-control mode and attempted to diffuse the situation. “Of course not,” she replied. “Then why did you say he was cute?” Ryan continued on the attack. “I meant in a different sort of way,” Lizzy explained, her …showed first 75 words of 1761 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1761 total…her. “That’s how strong people shake hands,” she told him. “My dad taught me that. He says a good firm handshake is like a window to someone’s soul. It shows confidence and self-esteem.” She tightened her grip, knowing that things would be all right. Maybe when the time came, she would take Jason up on his offer, but for now, she wasn’t ready for Prince Charming. She had to fix things herself.