"Understood, Dr. Bennett. Absolutely," Vance promised earnestly.
Ten minutes later, Simone walked out of the revolving glass doors of Bellmont & Avery into the bright afternoon sunlight. The air was crisp and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of roasted nuts from a nearby street cart. She held the elegant silver shopping bag securely in one hand, stepping smoothly down the broad granite steps toward her waiting black sedan.
Her phone vibrated in her coat pocket. She pulled it out and saw a fresh text message from Maya: Did you get it?? Please tell me you got the blue dress!!
Simone smiled, her heart warming as she typed back a response: I got the dress, sweetheart. And it's perfect.
Settling into the plush leather seat of her car, Dr. Simone Bennett placed the shopping bag carefully beside her, adjusted her rearview mirror, and started the engine, leaving the chaotic noise of the city behind as she drove home.