Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

As the meeting wrapped up, the conference room slowly emptied.

"Mr. Johnson."

"Mr. Johnson."

"Mhm."

Gilbert stood by the door, greeting each person with a polite smile.

Sherilyn slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way out. Catching a glimpse of him surrounded by a crowd, she quickly diverted her gaze and sped up her pace. "Sherilyn!"

Gilbert hurriedly excused himself from the group and caught up to her, leaning in with a grin. "Heading off without me? Didn't you see me?"

Feeling a bit defeated, Sherilyn admitted, "I did. That's exactly why I walked faster."

"Ouch, that's harsh."

Gilbert looked at her, his laughter low and slow. "Come on, my car's just outside. Can't leave it there too long or it might get towed."

Half-dragging her, they headed to his car, bound for Sunset Ridge Community.

leaned back in her seat, silent as she

should be home by now, right?" Gilbert glanced outside. "Weather's not looking

Sherilyn hummed,

Gilbert switched topics. "Sophia's cooking is

"Don't tell me you're planning to

paused, then with a cheeky tone, replied, "Why, worried you

for words. The

got plans today. Maybe

Sherilyn just stared...

smile faded

off at Sunset Ridge Community. I

Flying out now?

wondering. A trip abroad this close to the holidays might mean not making it back to Sunhaven

carefully, "I need

to Switzerland. Caroline's

Her house there

burglarized."

fazed Sherilyn. Caroline always seemed to be in some sort of predicament, with the Johnson

saved the Johnson brothers'

calm demeanor,