s's

orty-second floor, hands in my pockets, watching

sun cut long shadows between the buildings. It was the kind of view that used to ground me, a proof that

nty minutes ago. The deal was officially cl

m the airport in Dar es Salaam: Done.

anks. Safe flight back. No m

catching the light. I picked it up for a moment, my thumb brushing the edge. Mirabel's smile stared back at me from the background of the picture, t

ated on the l

I answered on

y,

came out softer than I inten

a too-she looked like she might faint when the i

elf. "Sounds like a

ing early tomorrow morning-should be th

pick you guys, Mira

rry. We'll order a ride, we'll

ide, but that's what Mirabel wants. And I just have

ing. She asked about your friend's preferen

n my chest. "You're the best. Alicia's going to so much enjoy her holiday.

ure she has a good time. Anything else sh

She's easy. Just don't scare her wit

n't b

pause, then her voice softened. "I'm excite

omatically, but they were true. "Driv

. Love y

you

I set the phone dow

be home in less tha

scotch, and carried the glass back to the window. The amber liquid

l dragging her friend through every room like a tour guide, pointing out the things she loved most-the window seat i

est in years. Not

ame again. Alicia. So

e name, but I could forget it. And I didn't want to end up calling her Amelia or something. So I recalled and repeated

ond sip. There was no point in dulling the e

age. The driver was waiting, engine idling. I slid into the ba

he tinted windows. I leaned my

bags, calling my name before she even saw me. Her friend trailing behind, probably

e my best holida