Ava's attempts to deflect Bella's teasing were futile, and she couldn't help but smile at her friend's persistence. " Okay, okay, let's drop it, " she said, trying to steer the conversation away from her boss. " How was your weekend? "
Bella ignored her question and instead, stared at Ava suspiciously as she grinned " Mhhm, I can smell something brewing "
Ava rolled her eyes " It's coffee, duh "
" You know that's not what I meant " Bella retorted playfully and they laughed.
Their conversation continued, veering away from the subject of Bryan but leaving Ava with a lingering warmth mixed with a tinge of embarrassment at the unexpected teasing from Bella. Bella's playful banter had momentarily lightened Ava's mood, yet the thoughts about maintaining a professional demeanor lingered at t
