She could only stand there, watching the ripples spread across the once-calm surface of her heart. Watching new shoots sprout from dead wood.
She took the torn paper, deliberated for a moment, and tucked it into her phone case. Then she composed herself and called for a departmental meeting.
Jennifer Shaw arrived in the afternoon. Noreen discussed business with her for a bit, and once Claire Chase showed up, the three headed out for dinner.
Claire had been bored out of her mind on vacation, constantly messaging Jennifer. Their conversations usually boiled down to: 'Come visit me, I'll take you to see all the hot guys in Rivercrest City.' So Jennifer had been flying in quite frequently.
Claire planned the entire itinerary today. First, a feast at The Titan's Table. Then, over to the Karaoke Bar to sing their lungs out.
Claire had an amazing voice, and Jennifer was just as good. For two straight hours, Noreen didn't get a moment of peace. To make matters worse, Claire forced her to mute her phone, forbidding her from working while they were out having fun.
After singing, Claire was hungry again, complaining she was too busy checking out the waiters at The Titan's Table to actually eat. So the trio moved to the Street Food Stalls for barbecue, crawfish, and beer.
Influenced by the two extroverts, Noreen, the classic introvert, finally let loose and drank with them. Even though the weather was awful and the rain hadn't stopped, it didn't ruin their mood. It actually felt quite cozy.
Claire and Jennifer went all out, knocking back a lot of drinks. Noreen paced herself better, but her mind still felt pleasantly fuzzy.
She had the driver drop Jennifer at her hotel first. When they arrived, Claire was still full of energy and insisted on keeping the party going in Jennifer's room.


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