THE PERFECT PLAN

Emily sat across from her friend, Dre in a coffee shop that was a few buildings away from Greenwood Estate where she worked. Dre had insisted on going on a lunch break with her and even though Emily had protested, she'd had to give in in the end. Dre was not ready to give up.

The waiter wandered to her side and flashed her a genial smile. Emily shaped her head towards him at once.

"I'm not ready to order yet," she said.

The smile on the waiter's face faded. He turned to Dre and asked, "What about you, ma'am?"

Dre shook her head.

"I'll call you when I need you."

Without another word, the young man passed her a tight-lipped smile. His face quickly registered his displeasure. He turned and moved to another table.

"What is it?" Dre asked, after the waiter had moved out of earshot.

"What?" Emily asked, raising her eyes to meet Dre's.

"The look on your face, Emily," Dre said. "It's obvious there's something wrong with you. Spit it out."

Emily heaved a deep sigh.

"Is it that obvious?"

Dre n