Lisa came into the office and went to the closet to get her things. “Okay, our last customer just left, and the front door’s locked, so I’m going to head out,” she said, slipping on her coat. “But before I go, I was wondering if you’d be okay with me taking next week off. Rapture will be over by then, and Finn and Gunnar are more than capable of getting the gallery back in order. What do you think?”

Lisa waited patiently for a response while Bennett sat at the desk, intrigued by what was on the monitors. Two minutes later, Lisa’s patience ran out. “Bennett,” she yelled, stomping her foot.

Bennett jumped, and when her knee banged into the underside of the desk, she gave Lisa a dirty look. “Practicing your impression of a banshee, are you?”

“No, I was trying to have a conversation.” Lisa moved to see what had captured Bennett’s attention, only to see all the monitors were displaying nothing but the Google home page. “Fascinated by the pretty colors?”

Bennett shot Lisa another dirty look. “I just have something on my mind, that’s all.”

“Something about the gallery?”

“No.” Bennett swiveled to Lisa and folded her arms. “Now, what did you want?”

“Next week off,” Lisa said as she buttoned her coat. “Like I said when you weren’t listening, Rapture will be over, and I was proactive. Usually, things get a little hectic around the holidays, so I already ordered you a five-week supply from Life Source, which should last you through Christmas and New Year’s. Just remember to pack up the empties before tomorrow when they drop off your fresh supply.”

“Okay. I’ll box them up tonight.”

“So, with all that covered, there shouldn’t be an issue with me taking next week off—right?”

“Why do you suddenly need a vacation?”

“I just need…I mean, Jimmy and I just need to get away for a while. I found a good deal for a resort in Steamboat Springs, and the place is amazing. It has hot tubs and whirlpools and…and even heart-shaped beds.”

“It sounds like you’re going on a honeymoon,” Bennett said flatly.

Lisa eyed Bennett silently for a moment, and then humor touched her lips. “Well, it won’t involve rings or a ceremony, but everything else I’m up for. Why? Is that a problem?”

The veins in Bennett’s temples pulsed as her eyes met Lisa’s. “No, of course not. By all means, go with my blessing. I’ve actually had…let’s just say, a similar offer recently.”

“You have?” Lisa squeaked.

“I had dinner with my upstairs neighbor on Friday. It seems she’s quite the free spirit. Doesn’t want to be tied down, likes to play the field. That sort of thing.”

“Oh,” Lisa said, her smile wavering. “I thought you didn’t get involved with mortals.”