âFannie.â
âHmm? Whatâs up?â Fannie responded, her attention shifting from the relentless glow of her computer screen to Mayerâs face. Mayer swallowed, his Adamâs apple moving visibly.
âNot much. Would you like to head home together?â
Aware that they lived in the same neighborhood, Fannie considered the rare opportunity to walk home with him. âHave you wrapped up your filming for today?â
Mayer nodded, a spark of hope lighting up his eyes, making it nearly impossible for Fannie to decline his offer.
âJust give me ten minutes, and Iâll be good to go,â she said with a quick smile.
âSure.â Mayer took a seat on the nearby sofa, waiting patiently.
Ten minutes passed before Fannie shut her laptop with a purposeful click and reached for her handbag. âAlright, letâs head out.â
Together, they exited the office, their conversation flowing easily, oblivious to Judie, who had been dozing quietly in the darker corner of the room. The elevator dinged softly as they stepped inside; the bright interior light stirred Judie.
Her eyes fluttered open just in time to catch the sight of Mayer and Fannie, deep in conversation and laughter. With a jolt, Judie sprang to her feet, but it was too late. The other elevator would take a while to arrive, so she could only watch helplessly as Fannie and Mayer got into a car together.
She pulled out her phone and dialed Bobbyâs number. âBad newsâMayer and Fannie are going home together!â
Fannie had barely stepped into her apartment and was still fumbling for the light switch in the dim entryway when the elevator doors across the hall clanged open. Bobby and Judie burst forth, a flurry of energy in the quiet corridor.
Bobby quickly scanned Fannie from head to toe, his eyes conveying a wave of relief when he realized that Mayer hadnât followed her inside.
âWhat are you guys doing here?â Fannie asked.
âWeâre here to celebrate your newfound freedom, Fannie!â Judie chimed in, her voice bubbling with excitement.
âCelebrate? Really, you two need to find better hobbies. Donât you have jobs to attend to?â Fannie retorted, changing her shoes and walking inside.
Judie exchanged a knowing glance with Bobby before slipping through the door just as Fannie attempted to close it. âFannie, last time I left your place, I noticed Mayer lived in the same building. Is that true?â
âYeah, thatâs right,â Fannie replied, pouring herself a glass of water and taking a hearty gulp before setting it down with a sigh. âLook, I just got out of the hospital and have been at work all day. Iâm honestly too worn out to play hostess. Hang around for a little while, but then youâll need to head out.â
âNo worries, Fannie. We donât need any entertaining. Weâll just keep you company and make sure youâre alright,â Judie assured her, settling comfortably onto the sofa with a reassuring smile.
Bobby was about to sit down when there was a knock at the door. His gaze suddenly grew stormy, and before Fannie could hold him back, he strode ahead with relentless determination.
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