Chapter 65

Charlene ate toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast on a sunny morning the following day and went to work as normal. She was halfway through her meal at lunch when her phone rang. For the first time since she had sneaked out of Sapphire Springs Resort, it was Jasmine calling. In response, Charlene said, "Hey, sweetie." Jasmine's gentle, slightly wary voice said, "Hi, Mommy." "Eaten yet?" "Just did!" Vesta called Jasmine at Sapphire Springs Resort that morning. Vesta claimed that Thorne had invited her out and inquired if she would like to go. She hurried off without thinking twice and without informing Charlene. They only got back to town late yesterday afternoon, but they had a great time.

But the previous evening, they did not return home. Jasmine called this morning because she was feeling bad about returning to school and was afraid Charlene might be unhappy. However, Jasmine was comforted when she heard Charlene inquire casually about her lunch, giving the impression that she wasn't upset over her sly departure. She was aware that Charlene couldn't continue to be angry with her! Jasmine has recently observed a change in Charlene's conduct, including fewer daily calls and less curiosity in her location.

Jasmine was grateful for her newfound independence. For the last two days, Charlene didn't inquire. She had no interest. When Stewart came over, Charlene hung up and went back to her desk after a brief conversation about Jasmine's school life. "Tomorrow is the Future Tech Expo. Should we get together at work to go over jointly?" "Sounds good," Charlene concurred. Charlene's automobile broke down a few minutes after she left the house the next morning, resulting in a fender bump that turned into a traffic nightmare. Concerned about arriving at the expo on time, Charlene called for roadside help and apologized to the other drivers amid the honking and annoyance. A familiar figure approached her from across the street as she waited. "Car trouble?" Granger spoke quietly.

Charlene, a little taken aback to meet him, gave a quick explanation of her predicament. Stewart advised her to wait for a company-arranged pickup after she told him, but Granger volunteered to give her a ride instead. Five minutes later, they were seated awkwardly apart in the backseat, heading out. Charlene said, "Thanks," and Granger said, "No problem." For the most of the voyage, Granger was occupied with calls, providing Charlene with a break from the awkward silence. When they finally reached the exhibition, Charlene thanked Granger and hurried inside. A sleek black automobile drew up next to Granger's as soon as Charlene had departed. Vesta approached Granger with curiosity and astonishment after spotting the automobile and confirming it was him.

After a short conversation, Henley and Laverne recognized Granger and gave him a kind greeting. Following a phone conversation, Granger excused himself, and Vesta's group proceeded to the fair. Charlene caught up with Stewart and the group inside. "Our mentor is also here," Stewart muttered. Fortunately, you arrived on schedule. Being late would not have pleased him. With a sigh of relief, Charlene expressed gratitude that her day had not begun with a lecture from a mentor who was notoriously rigid about being on time. Even years after graduation, the near miss only served to highlight how crucial first impressions are.