Page 24 of Cava with My Colleague

A pause. “No.”

“Then I think we’re set.” I keep my eyes on my laptop screen, adjusting the brightness even though it doesn’t need adjusting.

Another pause. Then I hear his footsteps retreat.

Good.

At 7:45, my phone buzzes.

Emma

We’re here! Where should we sit?

I glance out at the filling ballroom. The front rows are reserved for press and pharmaceutical executives. The middle section is filling with industry professionals. The back is reserved for patients and their families.

Jade

Middle section, left side. I’ll be looking for you.

Five minutes later, I see them file in. Sara first, scanning the room with her organized efficiency. Emma next, smiling when she spots me on stage. Tessa and Luc bringing up the rear—Luc looks exhausted, but he’s here.

They wave. I wave back, and something in my chest loosens.

My people. They’re here.

I walk down the stage steps to meet them in the aisle. Sara pulls me into a hug immediately. “You look so professional,” she says. “Very powerful.”

“Your suit is perfect,” Emma adds. “And I love what you did with your hair.”

I touch my ponytail self-consciously. I’d taken extra time this morning to make sure the white streak was visible, positioned just right. “Thanks.”

Tessa hugs me next, squeezing tight. “You’re going to do great.”

“I’m going to try not to freeze and run off stage,” I say, aiming for humor but landing somewhere closer to honesty.

“You won’t,” Sara says firmly. “You’re prepared. You know your material. And we’re right here.”

Luc offers a sleepy but genuine smile. He got stuck on a layover in Frankfurt yesterday due to a strike and didn’t get in until late last night. He offers me two thumbs-up. “No pressure.”

I laugh despite my nerves. “No pressure at all.”

A few more people file past us, and I realize I should get back on stage. “I should⁠—”

“Go,” Emma says. “We’ll be right here the whole time.”

I squeeze her hand once more and head back up. As I climb the steps, I see Carlos watching from the side of the stage. His expression is unreadable.

At 8:00 a.m., I step up to the podium.

The ballroom is packed. Every seat filled. Press in the front with cameras and recorders. Pharmaceutical executives with their tablets and expensive suits. Patients in the back, some wearing headscarves, some with partners holding their hands.

My mouth goes dry.

Then I find Sara in the middle section. She’s sitting forward, hands folded on her lap, giving me her full attention. Emma is next to her, smiling encouragingly. Tessa and Luc are slightly behind them—Luc is clearly fighting sleep, but Tessa is alert and supportive.

My people.

I take a breath and begin.