Claudia wasted no time and dialed her up. “When's your flight? Didn't you say you were leaving in a few days?"

“I'm heading to the airport now. Don't bother coming over."

Claudia scrunched her brows. “How could you spring this on me Like this, Aurora?"

“Why? I'll be back for Christmas. I just didn't want to trouble you with the farewell. Plus, it's my first gig in a new city. I'm nervous as heck."

After a pause, Claudia sighed. “Okay, fingers crossed everything goes smoothly. Give me a shout once you're there."

“Sure thing. Bye, I'm off," Aurora said.

"Okay."

Once she hung up, Claudia stared at her phone, feeling a bit down.

But it was still a good thing. She shook off the sadness after a brief moment and took a swig of water as Bennett walked in through the door, swapping his shoes.

The weather was lousy today, with the temperature dropping. Bennett walked in, shivering from the cold.

Claudia handed him a steaming cup of coffee, saying, “It's freezing out there.”

Taking the cup, Bennett glanced at her. “Did you venture out today?"

She nodded. “How'd you guess?"

She hadn't spilled the beans about meeting Aurora.

Bennett motioned to her lip and Claudia touched it, suddenly remembering she'd swiped on some lipstick before heading out.

“Yeah, went out for lunch with Aurora. Just got back," she confessed.

“Why the sudden lunch date?"

“The company moved her to Fordsburg."

“Okay," Bennett responded, leaving it at that.

Just then, Marcia popped in, reminding them dinner was almost ready.

Glancing at Bennett, Claudia announced, “I'm going to go wash up.”

“Let's go together," he replied, setting down his cup and following her to the bathroom.

Claudia had completely forgotten that Aurora had left town a few days ago.

It didn't dawn on her until Breck called.