9

You find Aaron on the steps in front of the ballroom, standing with a couple of his own security people. As you approach him, his limousine pulls up at the curb.

But Aaron spots you, and doesn't get in right away. "Neah, had a good evening?" he asks, a smile on his face.

"I did, yes," you answer. "Despite your efforts to embarrass me."

"I prefer 'challenge' to 'embarrass,'" he says.

"It's all in the name of friendly competition, right?"

"As ever," he says, spreading his hands wide and making an attempt to look innocent. "Listen, there's no reason we can't get along just fine outside the theater of commerce. You do see that, don't you?"