But Zachary wouldn’t hear of it. “You’re carrying <i>so </i>much, and trying to hail a cab in this wind? You’ll freeze before you even get a ride–not to mention catch a cold. Let me take you home, it’s no trouble.”


    Noreen couldn’t refuse his thoughtfulness, so she epted the ride.


    Inside the car, the heater was turned up, chasing away the chill from


    outside.


    A familiar scent of woodsy cologne mingled with the warmth, wrapping


    around her.


    Noreen frowned without even thinking. Why did it smell like Seth in here?


    Then it dawned on her–of course it did. She was sitting in Seth’s car. Why


    wouldn’t it smell like him?


    She nearlyughed at herself for being so irrational.


    At least she didn’t catch a whiff of anything else–like women’s perfume.


    Zachary nced over. “Where to, Noreen?”


    <i>She </i>gave him her address.


    “You’re still as driven as ever, Miss Gilmore.”


    She smiled wryly. “Maybe I was just born for the grind.”


    The drive wasn’t far, and they made only small talk before arriving.


    Zachary got out first to fetch the cake they’d just bought from the trunk.


    Before Noreen stepped out, she reached up and took down the small lucky charm hanging from the rearview mirror.


    She’d gotten it for Seth, after climbing ny–nine steps at a church, praying for his safety.


    20.02


    When she’d given it to him, he’dughed, called her superstitious, said he didn’t believe in that sort of thing.


    Truth was, Noreen hadn’t been a believer either–until Seth’s ident. He’d escaped with minor injuries, but his car was totaled.


    When she arrived at the scene to help, her heart had nearly stopped.


    While looking after Seth during his recovery, she’d worried constantly, even dreamed of losing him.


    She knew there were no gods or spirits watching over them, but seeing him in that hospital bed…


    She’d found herself kneeling, step by step, praying for someone, anyone, to keep him safe.


    Because she finally had someone she couldn’t bear to lose.


    Now, she was taking that prayer back.


    If love couldn’t earn love in return, then maybe it was time to give it to


    someone else.


    Noreen had always believed in Carman’s abilities, and she’d been right.


    Even their first lightweight prototype performed beautifully–better than she’d hoped.


    Her confidence soared.


    “You’ve all worked hardtely, I think it’s time everyone took a well–deserved break.”


    “Hooray for Noreen!” someone shouted.


    The team erupted in cheers.


    They’d started out calling her Ms. Gilmore, but Noreen had insisted on dropping the formality to bring everyone closer–though, truth be told, some of them were older than she was.


    <b>213 </b>


    20.03


    “You too,” she said, pointing at Carman.


    “No way. I need to handle the next round of updates and tweaks.”


    “But you haven’t taken a real break in ages.”


    “I can handle it,” Carman replied, determined as ever.


    Noreen knew better than to press further.


    When everyone else had cleared out, Carman came up <i>to </i>her with something else on her mind.


    “My old mentor calledst week. There’s an Al Leadership Summiting up in Harborcrest City–AGI Innovation & Global Expansion. It’s a big deal, with top minds from around the world. Tons of opportunities.”


    Noreen perked up. “You’re thinking we should go?”


    “If we could get in, it’d be huge for our project. Problem is… we don’t have


    an invitation.”


    They’d just finished their first product. No reputation, no recognition–there was no reason they’d be invited.


    “I’ll see what I can do,” Noreen said.


    She asked around. The summit invitations were like gold


    dust–impossible to buy at any price. Only the most qualified individuals andpanies could get in.


    Finally, Jennifer pulled her aside. “Why not ask Mr. Harcourt? He might be able to help,”


    20:03


    <b>3/3 </b>