Walking hand in hand to the car, Julian and Leslie conversed quietly. The sun was up, and Leslie adjusted the straw hat on her head and peered up at Julian, pouting.
"Why are you always stuck at meetings? I wanted you to join Betty and me for lunch."
Julian smiled and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You know I'd love to, but this meeting is with a senator, and I don't want to keep him waiting, you know."
Leslie sighed. "I know, I know, but I—"
"Leslie! Hi!" a voice squeaked. With a whoosh, Leslie felt herself being squeezed tightly in a hug. Okay, maybe too tightly.
“I—can't—breathe," she struggled until she felt the body pull away. Julian was holding Vanessa by the shoulder to stop her from crushing Leslie.
Leslie rubbed the side of her arm muttering to herself. "God, it feels like my rib was about to be cracked."
"Oh my God, are you okay? I was just so excited to see you! You're just so weak and pale. I'm sorry," Vanessa said innocently.
"It's oka—" Leslie's words d
