“Yes.”
“Cancellation terms reviewed.”
Dani ticked each point off on her fingers, enjoying the audit far too much.
“Yes.”
“Romance.”
“Administration.”
“Your favorite form of foreplay.”
The office door stood open.
“People can hear you.”
“Good. Inclusive education.”
I closed the door. Dani leaned against the desk. She wore a Long Run Club shirt and bright orange trainers. Her certificate hung on the wall behind her. Completed three weeks earlier. She had paid the original deposit through her workshops and the savings plan. After the pilot met every enrollment and retention target, Iron & Ivy reimbursed half of her remaining tuition as professional development.
No challenge cash. No shortcut. She had framed the certificate beside the two marathon bibs. Not the medal. The starts mattered too.
“You’re staring,” she said.
“I am evaluating the frame alignment.”
“It’s crooked.”
“Yes.”
“I did it to keep you interested.”
I adjusted it. Dani came behind me and wrapped both arms around my waist. The contact still changed my breathing. Some inefficiencies remained permanent.
“How was the budget meeting?” she asked.
“Productive.”
My promotion had begun four months earlier, after I negotiated a delayed start so marathon taper and quarter-end did not collide. Financial Strategy Manager. Three direct reports. Defined peak periods. The six-month staffing review remained scheduled. I had worked two late weekends. I had also declined four unnecessary evenings. The world had not ended. My team respected clarity. The vice president continued alphabetizing feelings. Progress had limits.
“And Nina?” Dani asked.
“I declined the renewable role.”
“Regret?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“Not currently.”
The external opportunity had shown me I could leave. Choosing to stay after understanding that had felt different from staying by default. Dani kissed the side of my neck.
“Long Run Club budget?”
“Approved for another quarter.”
