“It’s just harmless fun, Emily,” Ashley said, propping her phone against her water glass.

“Three people from my real estate class liked it already,” Ashley said.

Would Ashley’s video cause problems for my official military record once headquarters reviewed the public tags?

No one answered me.

Linda took a thin slice of lemon from the tray and dropped it in her tea.

“Nobody in Oakridge cares about overseas paperwork, Emily,” Linda said.

“Daniel is the one landing actual regional contracts.”

My father’s restored silver pocket watch sat heavy in my left coat pocket, its second hand ticking against the lining.