Loreen was envious of Claire, too, especially since she had had the hots for Charlie for a while now, and seeing how Charlie would dote on Claire in every way made her envy Claire even more.

Still, she took a moment to compose herself as she told Charlie and Claire, "Meet Sasaki Sachiko. Her mother and my mother were friends in university, and we both go way back, too."

Sachiko hugged Loreen's arm and smiled, "My mom was just saying that we should visit Oskia soon, and she wants to meet your mom. I'll join her if I have the time!"

"Great!" Loreen beamed happily. "Do tell me before you come—I will definitely arrange the best trip ever as your host, and we can share a bed at my place!"

Sachiko smiled and nodded. "I was just thinking about inviting you as well as Mr. and Mrs. Wade over to my place, but you told me you booked a hotel."

Loreen turned and smiled pointedly at Charlie just then, "Sorry, but Charlie here insisted that we shouldn't owe you too much. I mean, as soon as I tol