“Go ahead and book it.”

At the end of the hallway, past the copy room, she handed me the summary page.

“The new contract’s signed, the money’s locked in, and we’re officially moving ahead,” she said.

“And they paid for their own dinner, so I’ve got nothing to expense.”

“That’s the part you’re happiest about.”

“That’s the part I’m happiest about.”

By seven I was out on the back patio with a tall glass of iced tea and my shoes kicked off.

The mountains turned from tan to rose to something nearer to rust.