Angela and Carl were snuggled onto the soft couch, warm shadows cast on their faces by the crackling fireplace coals. Unlike the tension that had dogged their first few weeks together, the air thrummed with a newfound comfort.
"Collaborating with Damon and Emily isn't what I had anticipated," Angela said, interrupting the cozy quiet.
Carl laughed, a real, warm laugh that made her skin crawl. "Neither did I," he acknowledged. "But they have some interesting ideas, and seeing their passion for sustainability is refreshing."
"Unquestionably," Angela said. "It's forced us to think outside the box for our own projects too."
There were difficulties in working together. Carl's more systematic approach sometimes contrasted with Emily's exuberant excitement. Even though Damon seemed kind, Ang
