The sharp ring of her phone jolted Esme from her reverie. She lowered her gaze to the illuminated screen, her eyes landing on Emma's name. A soft smile crept across her lips. She slid her finger across the screen and brought the phone to her ear.
"Hey, Emma," she greeted with warmth. "It's been a while since we talked last time."
"I know, right?" Emma's cheerful reply filled the air. "I've missed you."
Esme chuckled, teasingly. "Hmm… you seem quite cheerful. What have you done to earn Silas's praise?"
Emma's surprise was evident in her voice. "How did you know? Did he call you?"
"No, just a hunch," Esme replied, laughing lightly. "Wait, he actually praised you? Wow, I'm intrigued."
"He did more than praise me," Emma exclaimed with excitement, her heart jumping with joy. "He thanked me and gave me a few days off with an all-expenses-paid vacation."
Esme's jaw dropped in astonishment. "No way! Are you telling the truth?"