Ugh, we are absolutely swamped
at work right now. We’re in court in
two weeks for a huge case. Proposal
might have to wait a while.

Okay, I’ll keep thinking.

Me too. Thanks, Arch. Talk soon.

It turned out he had slept right through breakfast and was in danger of missing the lunch window, too. He had a quick shower, threw on some sweats, and jogged up the path to the dining hall. Most employees had already cleared out, but he saw Caleb sitting alone at one of the long tables. Archer gripped his tray and went to sit next to him.

“Hey,” he said, prepared for some frost, or at least some remnants of the sulk from last night.

But there was nothing. “Hey, you,” Caleb chirped, leaning over to give Archer a kiss on his cheek. “Man, you were out cold when I got up this morning. Have a good sleep?”

“Yes, great sleep. Where did you go last night? I left right after you did but I couldn’t catch up to you.”

“Oh…” Caleb waved an airy hand. “You know, took a walk, cleared my head.”

“Look, I’m sorry about the Monopoly, I—”

“It’s fine,” Caleb interrupted. “It’s only a silly game. I think I was overtired.”

“It was a crazy week, that’s for sure.”

Archer was glad Caleb wasn’t mad, but he felt a little unsettled as they chatted over their sandwiches. They had to hurry, though, because after lunch, the dancers gathered at the theater.

“Well, my darlings,” Stewart said, leaning on his cane, Judy wagging her tail at his feet. “You have no need of me anymore. Judy and I are off to other adventures, but we’ll be back in a few weeks to check in on you. Now, Mateo…” He rested a hand on Mateo’s broad shoulder. “You’re in charge. I trust you to keep these whippersnappers in shape.”

Mateo nodded and hugged him.

“Dominik, listen to Mateo. I know you think all of your ideas are good but…” He studied Dominik’s mohawk. “… they are not.”

Dominik sighed and hugged him. “Thanks, Stewart.”

Stewart went down the line, imparting final words of wisdom for each dancer, until he reached Archer at the end. “And Archer, my boy. Remember, sex on the dance floor, yes?”

Archer’s cheeks heated. “Right.”

Stewart hugged him, scooped Judy up with a flourish and, with a final wave, tromped out the door.

The troupe looked at one another in silence for a minute.

“Swim and suntan?” Dominik suggested.

Swim and suntan.

Archer and Caleb were heading back to the dorm to change into their suits when a voice called to them. “Excuse me! Young man!”

Archer looked back and saw Ms. Eileen Lamb waving at him. She was wearing pink this time, another flowery dress with a matching hat.