I thought we were friends

"You are right." He nodded, passing my phone back. "I thought little about the venue when I picked it. Being in the city centre, it was the first choice because of the distance between the hotel and the company. I didn't consider the impact on the theme. This is the right choice. How did you come up with such an outstanding place?" He sounded proud, his eyes sparkling as he smiled at me. "You are a damned genius, Nova. The best in the entire world."

"I didn't do that." I forced a smile. "That was all Benita. Though I noticed how flashy the hotel you chose would be, I wasn't the one who suggested the hotel in the countryside. She did."

I have never been comfortable taking praise meant for another person. Letting him know it was Benita who brought the idea was the least I could do for my friend.

"Oh, Benita." He had a bite of his fries, his face in a thought frown. "Why didn't she present it to me when she noticed it? Why go through you?" He looked confused, his face morphing further a