AUTUMNS POV
Late that night, as we lay in bed in my apartment, Brenda and I talked about everything that had happened just hours earlier. My mind was still spinning, and I glanced over at her, wondering if any of this was real.
"I still can't believe Armand said that," I murmured, running a hand over my face. "When you called me, I thought it was some quick thing—maybe to get advice or something—but not this."
Brenda chuckled softly. "I could tell you were in shock. The way your jaw dropped…it was priceless."
"You're telling me," I sighed. "You didn't seem surprised at all when he said it, though. You already knew, didn't you?"
She shrugged, giving me a knowing smile. "He mentioned it in passing a few days ago, but I didn't think he'd spring it on you so soon. Honestly, you're the perfect candidate, Autumn. You care about the people—Armand can see that. So can I."
