- Kahlil Gibran Chapter 23 Tension permeated from every corner of Claire’s luxurious hotel suite when she allowed Meredith entry. However, like vapors over warm water, the warmth of an old friendship soon rose above the cool, edgy, businesslike atmosphere. Wisp by wisp the strain evaporated and Claire and Meredith’s old relationship prevailed. This first evening was about overcoming their past and becoming reacquainted. Although it was never said, they both knew their future partnership depended upon it. Boldly, Meredith approached the prime obstacle, “Claire, I know I took advantage of you and of our friendship. I knew it was wrong, and I did it. I wanted the story everyone was trying to get. I’m sorry.” She looked sufficiently apologetic. Claire fought the urge to look down at her hands; instead she kept her gaze upon Meredith, as Meredith continued, “After you were arrested, I wrote another article. I meant every word, but I think in retrospect, I wrote it to rectify what I’d written earlier.”
