“Truce,” I repeat, murmured acceptance. “Until the second interview. Then I’m going to kick your ass, Quinny baby.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Tell me more about how it went in there.”
“It was … fine? I guess?” She pulls her palm free from mine and smooths out her skirt. “It would be nice to walk into a room and be appreciated for who I am as a scientist, not because someone sees me as a check in the box as a woman. It … it sucks. That feeling of inadequacy. Of knowing this is who I am, and it might not ever be good enough.” She fills the pause with a sad laugh. Quiet hesitation. A secret, just for me. “I want to feel appreciated. In my personal life. In my career. I guess that’s asking for too much.”
“Danny said he was sure you’d be asked back for a secondinterview.” I glance up. Dull shades of gray are taking over the sky. It’s probably going to rain soon.Appreciated.“I know you will be.”
“We’ll see. Anyway.” There’s a huff. The flip of her hair over her shoulder. “On to other things.”
“Tropical Storm Eliza formed in the Atlantic while we were in there.”
“It did? Any chance of an East Coast hit?”
“None. Recurve out to sea.”
“Thanks for giving me the conversation piece for my show tomorrow.”
“I expect full credit.” I look at her, glad to find her smiling. “You heading back to town?”
“Yeah. Mia and Harlow want to do dinner together. A celebration, they told me. Even though there’s nothing to celebrate yet.” Quincy sidesteps around me, unlocking her car parked three spots over. “I have my eye on you.”
“It’s about time you keep up. I always have my eye on you.” I knock her shoulder with mine and open the driver’s-side door. “Don’t think about me too much until I see you again.”
“I told you I don’t think about you at all.”
“You should.” I drape my arms over the curve of the doorframe. “I’d make it worth your while.”
“Goodbye, Dunn.”
“Hey, Monroe,” I call, and she looks back at me. “I know I don’t have a lot of pull, but I appreciate you. Just so you know.”
Her face softens. She gives me a single nod that holds an immense amount of weight. I climb in the car and buckle my seat belt, smiling all the way home.
“Have you heard anything from the NWS, Quin?” Mia opens her fridge and grabs a charcuterie spread that’s neatly arranged on a wooden cutting board. I steal an olive before she has a chance to set it on the marble island. “They’d be out of their minds to not call you back for a second interview.”
“Not yet, but it’s only been a week.” I pop a piece of cheese in my mouth. “No news is good news, right?”
“You’ll hear something.” Harlow uncorks a bottle of wine and pours herself a glass. “Anyone else want some?”
“No, thank you. Richard is getting home from his business trip later tonight.” Mia hands us each a napkin. It’s embroidered, a tinyMR—her future initials—stitched in the corner with swoopy letters. “I haven’t seen him in weeks, and I don’t want to fall asleep too early.”
“He’s still gone?” I ask.
“He had to extend his trip.” Her smile is forced as she takes the stool on my other side. “It’ll be nice to have him home.”
“I could never have a job like that. Spending all your time in an office talking to people about money and pretending to be interested? Fluorescent lights that give you a headache? Having to wear a suit and tie? Sounds miserable.” Harlow reaches past me, swiping a cracker off the cutting board. “Speaking of money, do either of you have any references for an accountant?”
“That is a very adult question, Har, and my brain is turned off for the night. Ask me again tomorrow.”
“Don’t you have an accountant?” Mia asks.
“She’s out on maternity leave, and I have some questions about moving funds around into different accounts. Google hasn’t been helpful.”
“Whoa. Hang on. Is everything okay at The Hideout?” I give her knee a gentle nudge. “You know we’d both give you a loan if you needed it.”
“Everything isfine. There’s no reason to panic. The last few months have been tight with finances, but that’s always the case in the summer. Sales dip. It’s hot outside. People are out of town.” Harlow swirls her red wine around and takes a long sip. It doesn’t seem like she’s worried. “It will all work out like it always does.”
