“Though I’m surprised you made the drive up from Oakridge at all.”

She gestured with her free hand toward the open seating area near the glass curtain wall.

“Come sit down for a minute, Claire,” Vanessa said.

“You look exhausted.”

Claire did not move her feet.

“The boys are in the morning testing room.”

“Sit for two minutes,” Vanessa repeated, setting the hot cup on a small marble table between two leather chairs.

“I insist.”