CLAIRE

Friday morning arrived and I woke up feeling lighter than I had in weeks, the Vivienne situation was resolved. Nordstrom was moving forward, production was scaling smoothly.

Everything was actually working out. "You seem happy," Julian observed over breakfast.

"I am happy," I confirmed. "For the first time in a while, I feel like I can actually breathe."

"Good," Julian said, smiling. "You deserve to feel that way."

"What are you doing today?" I asked.

"Meetings mostly," Julian replied. "Some investment reviews, nothing exciting."

"When will you be home?" I asked.

"Probably around six," Julian estimated. "Why?"

"Just curious," I said. "Maybe we can have dinner together?"

"I'd like...