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“More like you,” I corrected with a sh “I’ll keep an eye on her if she does decide to stay here Meanwhile, I’ll encourage her to consider going back to you for Christmas”

“You’ve always been such a good friend, Gabriel Bless you” A o, but let’s catch up soon I’”

“Talk with you soon”

I spent the drive to the office in silence while I tried to wraphad happened, all right I doubted Penny’s reasons of just wanting to live her own life, but I wasn’t sure it was my place to push any further I would make myself available if Penny wanted to talk et involved

I parked in the parking garage next to the building ainst the snoind, I hurried into the lobby to take the elevator to the tenth floor Neil Morrison greeted me when the elevator doors slid open

“Surprised to see me?” he asked wryly

I stepped out of the elevator with a shrug “A bit I didn’t think you were going to be co in today”

“I thought we could celebrate your new research,” Neil said

We crossed the lobby that was still quiet and dark A few of ement when I passed by them

“Celebrate?” I repeated and unlocked my office door “How do you propose we do that?”

I set about opening the blinds to ht to coh

“Yes,” he said “I have soht What do you say?”

I was tempted to remind Neil that Alyssa was home for Christmas break, but I re that she would be busy on Wednesday night with Penny Getting a few drinks did sound good Maybe I could find a wo feelings Penny awoke in me

“You’re on,” I said, nodding “Wednesday night it is”

CHAPTER FOUR - PENNY