"Okay that's game," Laura yelled breathlessly across the court as she grabbed her water.
"Like hell!" Brenda exclaimed. "That ball was over the line."
"Oh don't be a sore loser," Laura chided with a smile.
"One more round. Winner takes all."
"Another time," Laura promised. "If I'm not home in time for brunch Mom will kill me. I already missed Diana's birthday party."
"I heard!" Brenda replied gleefully recalling her mother's update from the morning. "Tell me everything"
"There isn't much to tell," Laura replied with a shrug putting away her racket. "Addie and I went to the ceremony. hIs parents invited us to brunch - Addie accepted for me. After we ate, Bill asked if I'd like to join him and the boys at the zoo and we had a nice day."
"So what's going on with you two?" Brenda asked curiously grabbing a chocolate from the concession stand outside the court. "Oh my!"
"What?"
"You!" Brenda cried grabbing the paper from the concession boy's hands and holding it up.
Laura grabbed the page from her friend's hands and gasped. There she was. Prominently featured on the front of the society page. She stood greeting Bill with the boys at his sides. Quickly reading the article she was stunned.
She was praised for her fashion decision. Recognized as an up and coming member of the court. She was commended for her work in Grozny. The article concluded by acknowledging her and Bill as having exceeded expectations in the region and compared them to the Imperial couple in their stellar professional partnership.
"Drink this," Brenda said handing Laura a glass of water.
"How did they get this information?" Laura asked once she was able to speak.
"You've served the Empress for a decade - people know who you are. Plus you willingly accepted assignment in an isolated, dangerous area - people notice that. Not to mention that gorgeous dress," Brenda complemented taking back the page. "Those boys are cute. The little one looks just like him. The bigger one must look like the mom."
"Ugh," Laura groaned collapsing to the ground at the reminder that Bill was still in Petersburg, as were his parents and his ex-wife. Although there was nothing incriminating in the article or photograph she couldn't help but worry about how Bill or Carolanne would respond. Ringing in her mind was Ellen's stories about Adama's ex's jealousy.
"Do you think I should warn Bill?" Laura asked looking up at the clock. 9:30 a.m. it was possible he hadn't read the paper.
"You are so in love with him," Brenda laughed. "I've never seen you so pathetic."
"Thanks," Laura replied rolling her eyes.
"It's cute - really."
"We're friends," Laura reminded scrunching up her face and glaring at Brenda.
"Whatever. I just hope you don't have dreams about sleeping with all your friends."
"Only the ones I like," Laura replied sticking out her tongue.