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That wasn’t true Plates were being cleared away

“Kate already explained,” Charlotte intervened “My family and I knew she and Jude would have to skip out early It’s all right,” she assured Kate “You being here with us before your flight was so kind of you”

“Of course ouldn’t miss it,” Kate told her “I’m so sorry to say that I have patients and Jude has clients—so back hoal assistance”

“We completely understand,” Charlotte avowed as she placed a hand over her heart “Everything you two are doing to help those poor victims is—”

“Not supposed to take over your lives so that you can’t even spend tinant

“Mother” Denny gazed at her, quite sternly, while giving a slight shake of his head to cut her off

The gesture took Kate by surprise He was co on his need’s brunch? Was Charlotte rubbing off on him?

“We don’t mean to inconvenience anyone,” Jude announced as he pushed back his chair

“Charlotte’s right, dear,” Mrs Kensington said “It’s been so lovely to have you here, Kate and Jude We look forward to seeing you again But we understand you have professional responsibilities and a civic duty to uphold That’s quite admirable”

Okay… Now Kate was experiencing flashes of Alice as she navigated Wonderland But then her brother John raised his chalass and wished them safe travels, and Kate realized that perhaps the stateht in Kate’s apartment when she’d stood up for her choices had resonated

Hmm

She suddenly felt a twinge of guilt over having

But across the table, her aped, presuations elsewhere—and at her audacity for not obediently re at the table

“Again,” Kate reiterated, “We’re so sorry for the early departure We’ll see you all soon, though”

“I’ll walk you out” Charlotte jumped up, before Denny could even assist her She looped her arm with Kate’s as they headed toward the oversized archway leading out of the for room