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“I’ married” She paused “Or the Zeta Society”

“Rafe’s offering you an opportunity to see for yourself”

In the corner, the Colonel finished eating and started dipping one paw into her water bowl and licking the drops away The distraction gave Hope a est you call me?”

“Darling, I don’t allow myself to be manipulated”

Because she trusted Celeste’s answer, Hope confided her greatest fear “I’m scared, Celeste”

“Because of your father? Your mother’s inability to move on?” As always, her mentor filled in the blanks of what Hope had left out “You are er than Cynthia I’m not one to meddle—”

Much

“You’ve closed yourself off In fact, I’m not sure you’ve ever allowed anyone inside your little clamshell”

As they spoke, Hope paced, and the Colonel glared at her, as if her peace were being disturbed “There’s the whole sub too”

“Life is filled with risks Adapt and overcome”

Hope sighed at her nature phrase

“Perhaps I’ll see you this weekend?”

Hope gave a nonco the call

Rafe’s dinner invitation was still on her phone’s screen, waiting for her answer Yet she couldn’t give it

Her phone chiain

Where’s my latte?

Realizing she’d taken over an hour when she’d given herself thirty minutes, Hope hurried to dress and head out

She arrived at work and jerked to a halt when she walked in the door The biggest bouquet of flowers that she’d ever seen sat on Skyler’s desk The arrangement was so tall that Hope couldn’t see her assistant behind it “Hello?”

“Coffee!” Skyler popped up with her hand extended Zo the lattes

“Wait!” Hope cautioned If Skyler plucked out a cup, the other two ifts on the edge of Skyler’s desk

“Did I hear coffee?” Tony shouted