Page 57 of The Snowball Effect

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Regan Freaking Gallagher – 2:33 PM

had the most genuinely delightful tourists come in today. Guess where they’re from (no, really, you will never guess)

Emma glanceddown at her phone surreptitiously as possible as she sat next to Allegra in the backseat of her boss’s town car. And then choked on her laughter when she saw the picture Regan had sent to her. A family of six, all with identical mullets, wearing neon-coloredI <3 NYt-shirts. Regan had blocked out their faces with emojis, but if anything, it added to the amusing quality of the photo.

Quickly, she darkened her phone screen, doing her very best to smother any sounds of amusement as she shot a look toward Allegra.

Her attempt to hide that she’d clearly looked at something amusing on her phone was futile, as her boss had already turnedher sharp gaze from where it had been focused on her tablet to stare at Emma.

“Are the follow-up emails from our meeting all that entertaining?” Allegra drawled, winging an eyebrow up at her in question.

Emma slowly shook her head, feeling her cheeks burn. Honestly, she’d love to blame Regan for sending that picture to her, but the reality was that it was on Emma for looking at it.

Growth.

“No. Sorry. That was… personal. But I’ve already sent all of the follow-up emails and forwarded the notes to Renee,” she quickly added, needing Allegra to know that despite Emma’s foot-in-mouth syndrome, she hadn’t been bagging off on her responsibilities.

Allegrahmm’d under her breath before she waved her hand in Emma’s direction. “Then, by all means, use the rest of the drive back to the office for personal correspondence.”

Emma’s eyebrows shot up in obvious surprise.

“You’ve been by my side in nonstop meetings since eight-thirty this morning; I’m counting this as your lunch break.” Allegra turned her attention back to her tablet.

Willing herself not to snort in laughter again, Emma took a deep breath and unlocked her phone.

Emma – 2:35 PM

And… you HAD to send me that in the middle of the work day…

Regan Freaking Gallagher – 2:35 PM

Emma, I would have sent you that at three in the morning if need be. If you were on death’s door, even

Emma pursed her lips, fighting off another snort of laughter at Regan’s ridiculousness.

Regan Freaking Gallagher – 2:36 PM

But the main reason I needed to text you is because I need to know – chicken or steak?

Emma couldn’t help her first, cautious, instinct.

Emma – 2:36 PM

For what?

Regan Freaking Gallagher – 2:36 PM

For a surprise!

Without allowing herself to dive too deep into the question, Emma answered.

Emma – 2:37 PM

Chicken

Regan Freaking Gallagher – 2:37 PM

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