Ambitions Entwined

She nodded and Katherine continued "I thought it stopped after the MBA...". With a sigh and heavy heart

the black-haired woman nodded. Her friend was shrewd, and easily put together the pieces "For a moment I thought it was him in the crowd.

feels like being cornered with a checkmate-on a board I set up." Her fr

rl who turned every challenge into an engine for her ambition. You overcame every obstacl

the undercurrent of steel in Katherine's voice reignit

her mug. "Remember, you have people in your corner. No decision h

e's words were not just comforting; they were a reminder of t

memory of when their sparring was contained in a university classroom. James had challenged her during a case study presentation, his keen

rd, like keeping score in a game. Now, th

een silently observing her friend's introspective journey, gently nudged her. "Earth to Noreen. Let's not let Mr. Corporate-Smooth-Talker

ery might be just what I need to clear my head." They rinsed their mugs and within

displays pulsed with colour. As Noreen and Katherine wandered through the galleries, their voices mingled with the hushed murmurs of othe

observations and the rich tapestry of art worked in concert,

reflection of her turmoil. But today, she was content to be an observer. The vibrant colours was

m glow beckoned, offering a welcome haven from the day's dreariness. Tucked away in a cosy corner, they cra

Stephen? The one I thought was 'the one?'" she asked, a playful lilt in he

Don't tell me..." she sputtered, amu

my underwear for some 'liberation exercis

her eyes as she wiped them away, still chuckling. "Oh, Ka

gentle hum of the bistro a soothing lullaby. N

ith a touch of longing, "doesn't seem to extend

she joked trying to lighten the mood, "...What was the name of

liot?" Katherine nodded a mischievous glint in her eye. "E

corners of her mouth. "Ancient history, Kat.

Katherine teased, earning

ad with his parents..." Katherine nodded sympathetically. "Long distance is toug

with work being what it is, I don't know if I

e urged gently. "You never know what the future might h

remember our crazy road trip across the coast? No map, no plan

t the memory. "Oh, that

tings, you know. Sometimes it's about bad poetry readings, questionable wine, or dancing

within her. "OK," she declared, a playful glint in her eyes. "

ed her cup in

Noreen's eyes. Resolutions might be fleeting, but this one felt different. As the bistro dimmed the lights for a more intim