Roxanne stood outside the kindergarten for some time before she could recover from her trance. Putting away the tickets. she got into her car and headed back to the research institute.
Just as she arrived at the office, Jack gave her a call. “The date has been decided; it’s tonight. Is that fine with you?”
Hearing those words, Roxanne, whose mind was still in a mess, was slightly taken aback. It took her some time before she recalled what Jack had said when he had come over yesterday.
We’re probably going to meet those doctors we’re collaborating with tonight. On the other end, after not getting an answer from her, Jack urged, “Ms. Jarvis? Is anything the matter? Is that not an appropriate timing?”
Only then did Roxanne snap out of her thoughts. “It’s nothing. I’m free. I’ll arrive on time tonight.”
Though Jack found her reaction a little strange, he did not probe further since they were holding the conversation over the phone. He merely left her some reminders before concluding the call.
Because of the incident that morning, Roxanne seemed to be absent-minded for the rest of the day.
Later that afternoon, Roxanne ended work about thirty minutes earlier since she had the banquet to attend that night. Out of respect for the doctors, she wanted to return home to freshen herself up.
Just as she was ready to leave her house since it was about time, she received a call from Larry.
“Where are you?” Larry’s voice sounded. the second the call connected.
Roxanne was baffled. “At home. What is it?”
Larry chuckled. “I’ll go and pick you up.”
Comprehension dawned on Roxanne after she heard his words. Larry is probably also one of the doctors we’ll be working with this time.
Recognizing that possibility, she pulled a smile and turned him down. “No need. I’ll head over myself. See you at the banquet later.”
“Are you sure? I heard from Mr. Damaris that you hurt your foot.”
Jack had casually mentioned it to him while they were discussing collaboration matters two days ago. Larry had intended to visit Roxanne, but he had not been able to make time for it.
Learning that she would be attending the banquet that night as well. Larry thus proposed to pick her up, as he was afraid. it would be inconvenient for her to move around with her injury. “I’ve recovered. You don’t have to worry, Larry”
Hearing her response, Larry did not insist any further and agreed to it.
By the time the call ended, it was almost time. Roxanne headed downstairs and drove toward the banquet venue. Larry and Jack were chatting away at the entrance of the venue after their arrival.
When they saw Roxanne’s appearance, they immediately halted their conversation and approached her with at warm smile.
“Hello, Larry. Hello, Mr. Damaris,” greeted Roxanne with a smile. Jack nodded gently as a form of acknowledgement.
On the other hand, Larry began a brief chat with her possibly because he had not met her for some time. “I heard you hurt your foot. I wanted to visit you, but I couldn’t find the time to do so.”
Unbothered by that, Roxanne smiled as she replied, “It’s only a small injury. Besides, I’ve recovered now. I’ll feel bad if my injury impedes your work.”
The two looked at each other and smiled. Standing at one side, Jack called out to them after seeing guests arriving one after the other. “Let’s head inside first.
Everyone’s almost here.”
The two agreed and followed Jack into the banquet hall. As soon as the three stepped inside, everyone in the hall instantly directed their gazes toward them.
There were two reasons for the crowd’s behavior-one was that Jack was the official host, and two was the stark contrast between Roxanne and Larry’s
age as compared to the rest of the attendees.
As much as they had outstanding visuals and demeanor, what truly mattered in the traditional medical community was usually one’s experience and qualifications. In any case, their attendance at the banquet was just simply jarring and odd.
