"Rival?" Sandra asked, wondering if Evelyn knew something.

"Of course. We work for two different magazines, remember?" Evelyn said, smiling slightly as she saw the fear in Sandra's eyes before it flickered.

"Oh, that's what you mean," Sandra said with a relieved laugh.

"Of course. What else could I have meant?" Evelyn asked innocently.

"Exactly why I was taken aback. I can't imagine us being rivals. But you have plans of returning to the family magazine, don't you?" Sandra asked. Evelyn shrugged.

"Do you want me to? I thought you'd be happy to run things there without me," Evelyn asked. Sandra's smile faltered.

"Why would you think that? I've missed you and want you to come back. Dad and Mom miss you too. And speaking of them, you have to come to their anniversary party. It's this Sunday," Sandra said. Evelyn feigned surprise.

"Oh, really?" she asked. Sandra nodded.

"Yes. You absolutely must be there. I'll text you the details now," Sandra said, wanting to forward the invitation.

"Do I need an invitation to my parents' anniversary? I'll be there. Thanks for letting me know," Evelyn said. Sandra smiled, happy she'd convinced Evelyn to attend. "Great! I'm sure they'll be happy to see you. They've been worried and disappointed you haven't come home," Sandra said. Evelyn smiled.

"I'm not so sure Dad would be happy to see me. He might not want me there," Evelyn said. Sandra extended a hand, wanting to hold her. Evelyn drew her hands back, and Sandra withdrew hers.

"You shouldn't think that, Evie. Dad misses you too. I'm sure he'd be happy seeing you," Sandra said. Evelyn nodded. "I hope so," she murmured.

"I can't wait for you to start working in the family company again," Sandra said. Evelyn resisted the urge to scoff. Was Sandra scared of her coming back to take everything—things that were rightfully hers? she mused, shaking her head.

"Me too," Evelyn said with an easy smile. It was becoming easier to play along and watch Sandra and Michael make fools of themselves.

"So, do you have anyone special in your life right now?" Sandra asked conversationally.

Evelyn nodded. "Yes, I do," she said, thinking of Samantha.

"Aww. Tell me everything about him," Sandra said excitedly.

"Why does it have to be a he?" Evelyn asked, amused.

"No way!" Sandra exclaimed, eyes wide. "You do women now? Is that why you called things off with Michael?" she whispered. Evelyn laughed.

Trust Sandra and her shallow brain to interpret things that way. "Who knows?" Evelyn asked with a shrug, avoiding the question.

"I guess there's nothing between you and Derek Stone then. Michael was sort of worried"

"Can we not talk about Mike?" Evelyn snapped, sharper than she intended.

Surprised by her outburst, Sandra nodded. "Sure. So, do you know if Derek has someone in his life?" she asked with a curious smile.

"Why? Are you interested in him?" Evelyn asked. Sandra smiled shyly.

"I've heard a lot about him from Mike. So, I'm just curious," she said. Evelyn rolled her eyes inwardly.

"I have to get back to the office now," Evelyn said, glancing at her watch. She was tired and wanted Sandra gone. Their conversation was exhausting. "Why do you seem different, Evie?" Sandra asked, looking closely at Evelyn. She could tell Evelyn had changed, as Michael had said. Evelyn seemed distant. Maybe it was because this was their first meeting in six years. Whatever it was, she would find out.

"Different? How so?" Evelyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I feel like I lost my best friend. You're not telling me anything. You seem distant," Sandra said with a sad pout.

"We haven't communicated for six years. It's normal to feel that way," Evelyn said easily.

"We should correct that immediately. Start by giving me your number," Sandra said. Evelyn nodded. She took Sandra's phone and typed in her number.

"Good. Now, where do you stay? I should visit you for a sleepover"

"No!" Evelyn cut her off.

"No?" Sandra asked. Evelyn nodded.

"Yeah. My place isn't conducive for a sleepover. I really need to go, and I'm sure you need to get back to work," Evelyn said as she stood.

As they walked out, Evelyn wondered what Sandra was thinking and how she could maintain this act after six years.

"Are you coming in to say hello to Michael before you leave?" Evelyn asked when they reached Stone Corp.

Sandra shook her head. "Nah. I came solely to see you," she said. Evelyn nodded.

"Alright then. See you Sunday," Evelyn said, waving and walking away before Sandra could embrace her.

Sandra frowned. Something was up with Evelyn, and she planned to find out. For now, she was glad she got Evelyn's number and mentioned the anniversary party. That was a good start.

Getting into her car, she called Michael. "Hey! I just finished with Evelyn," Sandra said.

"So? How did it go?"

"You were right. She has changed. But I have her number now, and she agreed to attend the anniversary party," Sandra said proudly. "That's great then."

"What about you? Have you been able to plant the listening device in Derek's office?" Sandra asked hopefully.

"Yes. I did that shortly after you both left. Thankfully, his secretary didn't suspect a thing," Michael said. Sandra smiled.

"Perfect," Sandra said, pleased things were falling into place.