Chapter 23

Alice buried herself in her work. Her way of avoiding the pain. She didn’t take time to process after her divorce. Peace Lilies Foundation was her new distraction. She was working herself to the bone and not sparing time for anyone. When she first started, it seemed reasonable that she needed to be more involved, but after six months, Alice seemed obsessed. She was barely sleeping or eating enough. She looked underweight.

“You are not doing this again,” Megan sighed as she walked into Alice’s large office.

“I’m busy, Megan,” Alice responded, typing on her laptop. “I have a fundraiser coming next week. Things have to be perfect.”

“Alice,” Megan pushed Alice’s chair back.

“No!” Alice shrieked, “Meg, I am working.”

“You need to stop. Everyone is waiting for you.”

“I have to finish the presentation for tomorrow. I still have a meeting at two.”

“Alice, this is your birthday, and you promised you would be done by eleven. It’s fifteen minutes after twelve. Cancel the meeting.”

“I can't,” Ali