"So... how did it go?" Mara asked warily when she felt Angela was composed enough to answer questions.

"Whew," her boss sighed. "It wasn't perfect, my dear, but it went quite well. I believe I tried my best to be as convincing as I could. I just hope and pray and wish he was convinced, otherwise I'm ruined."

"I'm sure he will be. It will all be okay. Everything will be fine soon."

"No, Mara," Angela disagreed, shaking her head emphatically. "Look, you don't understand. At least, you have a boyfriend, but I have nobody. So many people have me, but I have nobody."

Mara nodded in understanding, but before...