#Chapter 100: Change of Heart

Ella “Well,” I said, offering my colleague a warm smile. “How about we go together?” As I made the suggestion to Sarah, her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Lunch, together?” she echoed, a touch of incredulity in her voice. I shifted slightly, wondering if I had made a mistake. It had been a spur of the moment decision, partially fuelled by the pains in my stomach caused by a distinct lack of lunch. “Well, yes,” I responded, trying to maintain a casual air. “I mean, if you don’t want to come, that’s—” “No,” Sarah interrupted, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “It’s just… unexpected, that’s all. Sure, let’s go.” Relief washed over me, and a small smile played on my lips. “Great,” I said, genuinely pleased. We decided on a cozy bistro just a few blocks away from the law firm. It was on a nice street, with metal tables outside and coffee served in real cups instead of the usual cardboard takeout cups. We decided to sit outside beneath a yellow birch tree