Bob reached over the armrest and laid his palm flat on top of my hand, pinning it gently to the desk blotter.

“She understands it all now,” Bob said, his voice thick with patient charm.

“We sure don’t want to waste any more of First Community Bank’s morning.”

Donald hesitated, his red pencil hovering over the ledger entry.

“As a matter of routine procedure, Penelope, I have to let you know that co-signers keep full legal access to joint balances.”

“We’re completely on the same page, Donald,” Bob said, getting up and drawing me smoothly to my feet by the elbow.

“Thanks for your help.”