When Catherine stepped out of the conference hall, she spotted Lawrence waiting for her. She grinned as she walked over. “All done with work?”
“All done,” he replied.
She held up her phone for him to see. “Did you get an invite to tonight’s banquet?”
Lawrence glanced at her phone, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. “No, I didn’t.”
Catherine frowned. “Then why did I get one?”
“Do you want to go?” Lawrence asked, watching her closely.
She shook her head, still smiling. “If you’re not going, I’d rather skip it, too.”
He hesitated, then said quietly, “It’s a great chance to meet new people. You shouldn’t miss out.” There was a softness in his voice, almost like he wanted her to go.
Catherine hesitated. “But…” She really didn’t want to leave him behind just to attend some fancy dinner.
Suddenly, Lawrence reached out and gently rested his hand on her head. “Don’t worry about me. Go.”
She thought it over. Networking could open doors, and maybe she’d make some connections that could help her career. The only thing she needed was a dress, and she could probably work something out—maybe borrow one from Nettie.
“Alright, I’ll go,” she said, nodding.
“I need to make a call. Meet me at the entrance in five minutes,” Lawrence told her.
“Okay, go do your thing,” Catherine replied.
Five minutes later, she was wandering through another company’s exhibit when her phone rang. She picked up. “Hello? Magee?”
“Catherine! Don’t miss tonight’s banquet. I want you to meet some important people in the industry.”
“Thanks, Magee. I’ll be there.”
“By the way, the company arranged an evening gown for you. I’ll text you the address. Don’t be late.”

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