“Because I’m going to show up at her front door every Thursday morning at eight fifteen with two cups of coffee, whether she asks for me or not.”

“And your division director?” I asked.

“What did Alan Vance say when you told him you’re taking five hours off every Thursday?”

“I emailed Alan an updated schedule twenty minutes ago,” Ethan said.

“I told him my family situation has changed and my availability during those hours isn’t negotiable.

He replied with two words.

Understood, Ethan.”

I ran my finger along the edge of the printed page.