Norah sipped her milk with a smile, "A change of scenery really does wonders for the mood and spirit!"
Henson, sitting nearby, glanced at her and suppressed a laugh, choosing not to burst her bubble.
Janice nodded, "See? Staying cooped up at home just drains your energy. Feels much better to get out, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, yeah!" Norah nodded enthusiastically. "Thanks, Mom!"
Seeing her daughter's uplifted spirits, Janice smiled and went upstairs.
Norah caught Henson's mocking look but didn't mind. Instead, she offered him a shrimp dumpling, "Come on, little bro, eat up."
Henson said, "Maybe if you'd been nicer to me sooner, you'd already be with Gonzalez by now!"
"Shh!" Norah gestured for silence, looking around before whispering, "Let's not bring him up at home."
Henson rolled his eyes and shoved the dumpling into his mouth.
*
Over at the Hanson residence, just after breakfast, a servant announced the arrival of the Lamont siblings. Mr. Hanson and Hannah were surprised but went to greet them together.
Norah and Henson greeted them politely upon entering the living room.
Henson cheerfully asked, "Grandpa Hanson, is Gonzalez around?"
"He's upstairs. Why do you ask?" Mr. Hanson replied with a gentle smile.
"I was thinking of taking my sister to the movies and wanted Gonzalez to join us," Henson explained.
Mr. Hanson laughed in surprise, "Gonzalez? I thought you'd be asking for Yvonne."
With a modest expression, Norah stayed seated, internally scoffing at her brother's antics. "Oh, brother, thank you so much!"
"Really?" Hannah looked at them in surprise. "You want to watch Gonzalez's blind date?"
Mr. Hanson laughed heartily, "They're still kids at heart! Let them stay; it's good for young people to mingle. Might even prevent Gonzalez from being too quiet and making things awkward."
Hannah nodded in agreement, "Mr. Hanson's right. The last date didn't go well because Gonzalez hardly spoke, scaring the girl off."
"Exactly. With Norah and Henson here, it's bound to be a success," Mr. Hanson said cheerfully.
Exchanging glances, Henson and Norah felt a bit guilty about the praise.
With them around, success was the last thing they wanted for Gonzalez's date!

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....
This a HOT MESS for them both....