Chapter 50: CHAPTER 50: Secrets and Uncertainties

　　Stepping out of Alexander's office, the weight of his pronouncement settled upon me. Prague. A private jet. This weekend was no longer just about work – it was a whirlwind of unexpected possibilities and unwanted complications.

　　The first complication? Shawn. The image of his hopeful smile in the elevator flashed in my mind. I couldn't just blow him off after the tentative steps we'd taken towards something…more.

　　Reaching for my phone, I dialed his number. "Hey Shawn," I said, my voice surprisingly steady. "Any chance you're free for a quick bite right now?"

　　A delighted chuckle came through the receiver. "Always free for you, Evie. What did you have in mind?"

　　"How about that Italian place on Elm Street?" I suggested. "The one with the killer pesto."

　　"Sounds perfect," he replied. "Meet you there in fifteen?"