I have to!

I jam it into my pocket and leave quickly, closing the door and taking my seat again. Just a coat stand. But Victoria uses it. Good to know.

I’m buzzing with anticipation for the inspection of my new souvenir. My hand lingers possessively over the pocket, fingers wanting to dive in and feel the fabric. I stay my hand. Save it for later.

Victoria is back. She gathers her things together, zips up her bags and sets the dirty coffee cup on the side table. She locks the door, then stops in front of me.

“I’m out for the rest of the day. If you don’t have much to do this afternoon may leave an hour early if you like.”

Friendly Victoria is really throwing me for a loop. What is going on here? “Aw thanks, Victoria. I might do that. Enjoy your day.”

“You, too.”

Did something big happen in her life? {if victoria_birthday = true}If so, Penelope will want to know about it. {endif}If this is the new Victoria? Maybe all this **** planning is going a little far...