Before twelve o'clock, Aurora was running out of the company. Claudia was busy reading updates on Twitter on her phone when a knock on her table drew her attention.

"Aurora?" she called in surprise.

"Why did you come here so soon?"

Aurora put down her bag and sat down.

“I saw that it was going to rain. So I thought I'd take work off early. How is your father? When will he get the surgery?"

"The results of his physical examination came out this morning. The doctor said he would set up the date for his surgery one of these days."

Aurora nodded and said, "He will be fine after the heart bypass surgery. So, don't worry too much."

“I know. But I think my father is hiding something from me."

“What is this about? The phone call?"

“Yes." Claudia sighed, taking the menu and choosing two dishes. She held it out to Aurora and said, "Order the dishes you want."

Taking the menu and doing as told, Aurora said, “Indeed, your father's reaction is actually a little strange. He isn't always so mysterious."

"That's what I'm saying. Something is wrong."

Suddenly, the phone Claudia had dropped not long ago lit up.

Supporting her chin with one hand, she used the other hand to open the phone.

It was a message from Bennett asking if she had gone home already.

Outbreaks of rain were expected at about one o'clock.

In reply, Claudia took a picture and sent it to Bennett. She accompanied it with a few words.

“I'm having lunch with Aurora."

“Okay. Be careful on your way back."

Claudia replied with an emoji and kept her phone back down before looking at Aurora.

“What was that? Was Bennett asking what you were doing?"

Claudia flushed slightly in embarrassment and shook her head.

“He was just reminding me to go home early to avoid the heavy rain that is coming."

"Oh my God! I have to admit that I'm envious of you."