Chapter 20

Macchiato was indeed a sweet drink, just like Laurel, while I was as bitter as black coffee. I looked at her from time to time, counting down the days to the day after tomorrow, when Laurel would meet Henry. The business summit in Avonopolis started at 9:30 a.m. As a part-time receptionist, Laurel would be waiting at the entrance of the auditorium. Henry would be struck by a cupid’s arrow the moment he entered the door. “Laurel, do you want another part-time job? I can introduce you to a job as a private tutor. You can start tomorrow, and it pays well.” I asked in a soft voice while Laurel was clearing the table next to me. Laurel gave me a grateful smile and rejected my offer. “Zena, thanks for thinking about me, but I’m starting school in a few days. The day after tomorrow, I have a part-time job as a receptionist and will go back to school right after.” I was taken aback to learn that the semester was about to start. I was one step too late. If I had spoken to Laurel a few day