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Autumn had been preparing for lunch with Julie and her friend all morning. When the doorbell rang, Chrissy sounded the alert, barking to announce that they had company. As Autumn opened the door for her guests, Teddy entered first and ran over to Chrissy. Their greeting commenced in a flurry of wagging tails, hopping motions, and little squeals. Julie came next, followed by her friend, Francesca Barnes, the legal assistant, but most people called her Fran. Julie wore her signature floral top and colorful clam diggers, while Fran’s white slacks and striped knit short-sleeved top had spring written all over it. Autumn’s own casual look of jeans and pink cotton T-shirt matched Chrissy’s pink satin hair ribbons.
“Autumn, this is Fran Barnes.”
“Nice to meet you, Fran. Please come in.”
F
