Terri paused, her response drawn out and playful. “Well, well… it seems Carole has a crush she doesn’t want me to know about. Alright, if that’s how you want to play it… Fine.” She continued with a hint of jest, “There’s no harm in looking, you know. I spot handsome men all the time, and I would definitely share that eyecandy with my colleague. But whatever,” she sighed, pretending to give up on the matter, yet her tone suggested a blend of amusement and mock resignation.
Carole decided to ignore her and closely observed the interactions between the boy and the woman seated next to him. As the woman ordered a glass of wine for herself and an apple juice for the boy, it became apparent to Carole that they were traveling together. However, the boy’s demeanor — his scared and uncertain expression — did not escape Carole’s keen observation.