Lauren was aware of the situation and offered to accompany me, but I declined. I didn't want her to get involved.

I suspected she had ulterior motives for wanting to be there, but I told her to let it go. There was no need for her to get mixed up in this mess.

Lauren relented, so I brought Carol, who used to work at Tanum Corporation. I had my reasons for bringing her, and I didn't have to explain them. Carol was perfectly capable of handling the situation on her own.

The party for the baby