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Feeling the rumble in my stomach that reminded me I hadn’t eaten much that day, I headed up to the bar to order so came up beside me, and I patted him on the back

“Enjoying your celebration?” I asked

“Absolutely,” he told et used to this”

“Well, if you keep on perfor like that, you’ll have the chance to,” I replied “You had a great run today Keep it up”

“That’s the plan,” he said with a smile

A short-order cook ca a basket of fries in one hand and one of ave a nod toward Greg

“Relax and enjoy yourself We’re not going to be getting started at work until after lunch toover the speakers

Greg grinned and nodded happily before disappearing into the crowd The late start was going to ot a little bit of sleep after all this, but it was also just so everybody could kick back and have fun rather than worrying about having to get into the office early the next et some much-needed rest

Carrying the food withmembers of the team as I went There were a few other crews there, and Ia co, but there was no point in bitter rivalry We all loved the saht cross paths down the line Events, autograph signings, and exhibitions often featured multiple teaood sport, even if the others didn’t always follow suit

When I got through the ht of avethe back wall Merry andacross the table from each other but leaned close as they chatted It see faes on her tablet She pointed at the screen and looked at Dad They laughed together and I smiled as I made it up to the booth

“What’s so funny?” I asked

I wasn’t sure where to sit, but Mo into place next to Dad I sat beside Merry, worn-out and happy, if feeling slightly aard being so close to her while h a series of emotions