Chapter 13

As Elly was driving out of the office parking lot, she spotted Jen walking and offered a ride. "Jen, where's your car?" Elly asked.

Jen replied, "Oh, it's in the shop. I dropped it off for some repairs."

Elly wanting to help, suggested, "I can drop you off at your place.'"

Jen glanced over, shaking her head. "No, it's fine. The bus is about to pull up. And, I'm actually heading to my parents' for the weekend."

Elly smiled, insisting, "I insist. After that long drive to the waterfalls, what's one more stop?"

Jen hesitated. "Are you sure?"

Elly, not wanting Jen to say no, grinned. "Come on, just put your address in the GPS. I'll take you."

"Okay," Jen said, hopping into the car and quickly entering the address. As the app synced with the car's monitor, Elly fell silent. The change was subtle, but Jen noticed it—something about the way Elly's posture shifted, as if a quiet shift had taken place in the air between them.

Elly's focus was fixed on the road. Jen didn't press, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

After a beat, Elly spoke again, "So, what's the best part about visiting your parents? What makes it so special?"

Jen smiled, though there was a slight hesitation in her voice. "Well, I'm there to visit my mom. She's always excited to see me, and my younger sister too."

Elly's gaze stayed focused on the road. "And your dad?"

Jen's fingers tightened around the seatbelt, and for a moment, she didn't answer right away. Her dad was a touchy subject—alcohol, temper, things she didn't feel like getting into.

"He's around," Jen replied, her voice carefully neutral. "But, honestly, I go there mostly to spend time with Mom and my sister."

Elly noticed the small shift in Jen's mood and, rather than pressing the subject, offered a more neutral change of pace.

"How about we stop by a shop on the way?" Elly suggested, keeping a casual tone. "Pick something up for your family. A little treat, maybe."

Jen's expression softened, and she smiled, grateful for the distraction. "That's... actually a good idea. Thanks."

Elly nodded, her eyes briefly meeting Jen's with a knowing look. "I know a place", and a few minutes later, they pulled into a small pastry shop. Elly went in and picked out an assortment of baked cookies and bread

As they got back in the car, Elly handed Jen a small box of brownies and cupcakes. "I bought some for us too, I figured we'd both be starving."

Jen chuckled and took the box, surprised but pleased by the thoughtful gesture. "You're not wrong," she said, unwrapping a cupcake. "These look amazing, Elly. Thanks."

Elly smiled, "I know a good snack when I see one."

As Jen ate, she couldn't help but feel a little more relaxed, the easy camaraderie between them filling the car with a quiet warmth. She offered Elly a cupcake and a playful smile. "You want one? Or should I just feed you?"

Elly shot her a playful, exaggerated pout, her lips full and tempting, as if she were a child asking for a treat. "Feed me," she said, her voice light with mischief.

Jen laughed and handed a bite, feeling more comfortable than she had in a while. The drive was easy now, and the tension of the day had melted away.

As they pulled into Jen's town, the familiar sight of their childhood neighborhood greeted them. Jen's dad was sitting outside with his friends, laughing and drinking in the afternoon sun. The sound of their chatter filled the air, mixing with the peaceful atmosphere of the town.

Before Jen could react, her younger sister, Lily, spotted the car and ran toward them with a wide grin. "Jen!" she called, her voice full of excitement.

Jen smiled, rolled down the window, and got out of the car to pull Lily into a quick hug. "Hey, Lil! You're getting so tall!" Jen teased, stepping back to look at her.

Lily laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Stop it! You're the one who's been away." She pulled back from the hug, grinning as she stepped back.

Just then, Jen's mom appeared on the porch. Her face lit up when she saw Jen, and she rushed over, pulling her into a warm hug. "Sweetheart!" she said, her voice full of affection. "So happy to see you!"

Jen hugged her back, feeling comforted by her mother's embrace. "Hi, Ma," she murmured softly.

Elly, who had been quietly observing from the car, was called over by Jen. "Ma, this is Elly, our COO."

Jen's mom paused for a moment, studying Elly with a faint look of recognition. "You look familiar," she said, squinting a little, as if trying to place the face.

Jen quickly interjected with a lighthearted smile. "Ah, you must be mistaken, Ma," she said, flashing Elly a quick look to signal for the conversation to move on.

Elly smiled and nodded politely. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Carlos. Sorry, I should get going before it gets dark," Elly said with a light tone.

Jen smiled, "Thanks again, Elly."

As Elly turned to head back to the car, Jen's dad and his friends caught Elly's attention once more. . Elly's gaze flickered toward them for a moment, and Jen noticed the brief change —a subtle hesitation. But Elly quickly looked away, returning the focus to Jen and offering a small, reassuring wave.