CHAPTER SEVENTY–SIX–What If He Never Returns?
The next day at Sivarra Tech, Laura’s good mood carried over into the department meeting. She confidently presented the progress on her Integration project, feeling a surge of pride as Bo Chen nodded approvingly.
“Excellent work, Laura,” Bo said as she concluded. “This is exactly the kind of innovation we need. Keep it up.”
From the corner of her eye, Laura caught sight of Kira Volkov’s face, her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. But Laura refused to let it dampen her spirits.
After the meeting, Laura headed to the break room for a much–needed coffee. She was just adding cream when Kira’s voice cut through the air like a knife.
“Must be nice, being the teacher’s pet.”
Laura turned slowly, facing Kira’s hostile glare. “Excuse me?”
Kira crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. “Oh, come on. We all see how you’re kissing up to management. It’s pathetic, really.”
Taking a deep breath, Laura set her coffee down. “I’m not kissing up to anyone, Kira. My work speaks for itself. If you have a problem with that, maybe you should focus on improving your own projects instead of criticizing mine.”
Kira’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Watch yourself, McKenna. You’re not as untouchable as you think.”
Before Laura could respond, Zaya Patel walked into the break room, her presence immediately diffusing the tension. Kira shot Laura one last venomous look before stalking out.
Zaya approached Laura, concern etched on her face. “You okay? That looked intense.”
Laura sighed, picking up her coffee. “Yeah, I’m fine. Kira’s just… being Kira.”
“Don’t let her get to you,” Zaya said, squeezing Laura’s arm supportively. “Your work is fantastic, and everyone knows it. Kira’s just jealous.”
Laura smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Zaya. I appreciate that.”
As she headed back to her desk, Laura pushed thoughts of Kira aside. She had more important things to focus on, like the surprise Justin had planned for her birthday that evening
Later that night, Laura found herself in a dimly lit dance studio, Justin’s hands on her waist as they attempted to master the basics of salsa.
“Okay, so it’s quick–quick–slow, quick–quick–slow,” the instructor demonstrated. “Now you try.”
Laura bit her lip in concentration, trying to match her steps to Justin’s. “Like this?”
“Almost,” Justin chuckled as they stumbled slightly. “Maybe we should stick to slow dancing.”
Despite their initial clumsiness, they gradually found their rhythm. By the end of the lesson, they were moving more confidently, hips. swaying to the Latin beats.
“This was a great surprise,” Laura said as they left the studio, hand in hand. “Though I’m not sure I’m ready for Dancing with the
Stars just yet.”
Justin laughed, pulling her close. “Maybe not, but you looked beautiful out there. Happy birthday, Laura.”
Back at Laura’s apartment,
ent, Justin put on some soft jazz. He held out his hand, a soft smile on his face. “May I have this dance?”
Laura stepped into his arms, swaying gently to the music. As they moved slowly around the living room, she rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent,
“Thank you for making this birthday so special,” she murmured.
Justin pressed a kiss to her temple. “You deserve it. You’re pretty special yourself, you know.”
As they continued to dance, Laura felt a swell of emotion in her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly, deeply happy.
The following weekend brought a whirlwind of energy In the form of Laura’s sister, Jen. Laura walted anxiously at the airport, scanning the crowd for her sister’s familiar face.
“Laura!” Jen’s voice rang out, and suddenly Laura was engulfed in a tight hug. “God, I’ve missed you!”
CHAPTER SEVENTY–SxWhat If He Never Returns?
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Laura laughed, hugging her back just as fiercely. “I’ve missed you too, Jen. How was your flight?”
“Oh, you know, the usual. Cramped seats, crying babies,” Jen shrugged, linking her arm through Laura’s as they headed for the exit.” But who cares? I’m here now! So, when do I get to meet this new man of yours?”
Laura rolled her eyes fondly. “Tomorrow at brunch. And please, try to behave.”
Jen gasped in mock offense. “Me? Misbehave? I would never!”
The next morning found them at a trendy brunch spot in Williamsburg, Laura fidgeting nervously as they waited for Justin to arrive. “Relax,” Jen said, sipping her mimosa. “If he’s as great as you say, I’m sure I’ll love him.”
Just then, Justin walked in, his face lighting up as he spotted them. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, sliding into the seat next to Laura and giving her a quick kiss. “Traffic was a nightmare. You must be Jen. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Jen grinned, shaking his hand. “Likewise. So, Justin, tell me everything Laura’s too modest to say about you.”
As they ordered and began to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Laura watched in amazement as Jen and Justin fell into an animated discussion about their favorite true crime podcasts.
“No way, you listen to “Unsolved Mysteries Unraveled‘ too?” Jen exclaimed. “What did you think about the latest episode on the Somerton Man?”
Justin leaned forward, eyes alight with enthusiasm. “It was fascinating! I love how they brought in that cryptography expert to analyze the code.”
Laura shook her head, amused, “I can’t believe you two. Most people bond over normal things like movies or books.”
Jen laughed, throwing a napkin at her sister. “Please, like you’re one to talk about normal. Remember your obsession with that weird German board game?”
“Hey, Catan is a classic!” Laura protested.
Justin raised an eyebrow. “You play Catan? How did I not know this? We definitely need to have a game night soon.”
As brunch wound down, Laura excused herself to use the restroom. When she returned, she found Jen and Justin with their heads together, speaking in low voices. They quickly straightened up when they saw her, innocent smiles on their faces.
“Do I want to know what you two were whispering about?” Laura asked suspiciously.
Jen winked at Justin. “Just sharing embarrassing stories about you, sis. You know, the usual sibling duty.”
Later that evening, after Justin had gone home, Laura and Jen sat on the couch in Laura’s apartment, wine glasses in hand.
