Settling in

— “Why the long face, love of my life?”

His lips quirked up, reacting to the title. If he had been slightly depressed, Frances’ affectionate call was sure to lift his spirits up. The young woman settled beside him at the table, her hand sliding across his back as she took a peek at the contract before him. Mere seconds passed before she exclaimed happily.

— “Congratulations! I didn’t know you’d had an offer already. You are so perfect for this job.”

Her enthusiasm felt misplaced; she probably had not read the bottom line.

— “Did you read it all?”

— “Yes.”

Uh.

— “I forget how fast you read sometimes.”

Perhaps it was a trick of her studies, but he had long abandoned the idea to peruse an article with her without looking like an utter fool.

— “Does it not suit you?” she asked.

He bristled slightly on his chair, wondering at her good mood.

— “Well. Part time, it brings only €750 a month, but they can’t afford more.”