"Louisa, are you waiting for Daniel to go home together? They're having a team dinner tonight. Mind if I join for a meal?"
I shook my head. Since I wasn't going, why would I mind?
Daniel escorted Logan to his car and then hurried back to me.
"Louisa, sorry for not replying to your messages earlier. I was busy.
"The gathering later, Logan will be there. It wouldn't be right if you didn't go."
It was because he was concerned about Logan's impression of him that he insisted I attend.
Watching Daniel's anxious demeanor as he looked down, I couldn't bear to refuse.
"Okay, I'll go."
I compromised once more, not for anything else, just to part on good terms.
Daniel cared a lot about his work, and I didn't want to cause him embarrassment.
As we got into the car, I noticed Barbara sitting in the front passenger seat.
Daniel turned to explain, "Bella has helped me a lot with a recent project, so she's here today."
Seeing me waiting by the car, Daniel seemed to be in a quandary.
He said, "Bella, why don't you sit in the back..."
"Louisa, sorry about this. I'm used to sitting here. I'll switch with you," Barbara said, but she made no move to change seats.