Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

As the meeting wrapped up, the conference room slowly emptied.

"Mr. Johnson."

"Mr. Johnson."

"Mhm."

Gilbert stood by the door, greeting each person with a polite smile.

Sherilyn slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way out. Catching a glimpse of him surrounded by a crowd, she quickly diverted her gaze and sped up her pace. "Sherilyn!"

Gilbert hurriedly excused himself from the group and caught up to her, leaning in with a grin. "Heading off without me? Didn't you see me?"

Feeling a bit defeated, Sherilyn admitted, "I did. That's exactly why I walked faster."

"Ouch, that's harsh."

Gilbert looked at her, his laughter low and slow. "Come on, my car's just outside. Can't leave it there too long or it might get towed."

Half-dragging her, they headed to his car, bound for Sunset Ridge Community.

Sherilyn leaned back in her seat, silent as she watched the scenery blur past.

"Jenna should be home by now, right?" Gilbert glanced outside. "Weather's not looking great today. Wind's picking up."

"Mhm." Sherilyn hummed, still quiet.

"What's for dinner?" Gilbert switched topics. "Sophia's cooking is always a hit."

Sherilyn turned sharply, frowning. "Don't tell me you're planning to invite yourself over again?"

Gilbert paused, then with a cheeky tone, replied, "Why, worried you won't have enough to impress me?"

Sherilyn was at a loss for words. The man's confidence was simply unbeatable.

"I've got plans today. Maybe some other time."

Sherilyn just stared...

Gilbert's smile faded to a more

serious expression. "Sherilyn, I'll you off at Sunset Ridge Community. I need to fly out."

Flying out now?

Sherilyn paused, wondering. A trip abroad this close to the holidays might mean not making it back to Sunhaven in time.

He continued, carefully, "I need to

head to Switzerland. Caroline's ret

into some trouble. Her house there was

burglarized."

That sort of news barely fazed Sherilyn. Caroline always seemed to be in some sort of predicament, with the Johnson brothers constantly rushing to her aid.

But she had once saved the Johnson brothers' lives, so perhaps it was only fair...

Seeing Sherilyn's calm demeanor, Gilbert grew increasingly restless.

"Actually, my brother should have been the one to go, but he's not been well enough to travel by air since his accident." "Mhm." Sherilyn nodded. "Then it's right for you to go."

Gilbert searched her face for any sign of discontent but found none. His heart sank.

Before, her jealousy over Caroline would upset him. Now, her indifference felt even worse...

The rest of the drive was silent until they reached Sunset Ridge Community and parked outside Sherilyn's apartment.

Gilbert got out with her, shielding her from the chilly wind. Her hair was tousled by the gusts.

"I need to go now."

He stood, blocking the cold breeze for her. "I'll be back for Christmas' Eve. I promised Jenna, and I'll keep that promise."

He stepped back, watching her through the wind. "I'm off! Sherilyn, wait for me!"

As he left and the cold wind hit her again, Sherilyn suddenly felt uneasy.

Could something happen to Gilbert?