Ayala frowned. She didn’t appreciate the condescending note in his voice

Ayala checked her laptop screen one more time. Yes, the flight was still available, and it would only cost her a few dollars more, even with the change fee. It made sense to extend her visit at such a sensitive juncture.

Would Naftali see it that way?

Feeling suddenly weary, she lay down on her bed as she dialed her husband’s cell phone. She hated bothering him in the middle of seder, but according to the site there were only three tickets left at this price.

“Hi, Ayala. Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Sorry to disturb you, but I have a time-sensitive question.” She took a breath. “About changing my ticket.”

The silence on the other end didn’t bode well. She quickly continued. “You know that potential donor Dini told me about?” She figured she’d go with the argument that he’d be least likely to dispute. “So he’s only able to meet with me next week. And according to Dini, this is too good an opportunity to pass up. It can be a major source of funds for Chesed Tzirel.”

“I hear,” Naftali said.

Ayala plunged on, going for lighthearted. “If you ask me, Dini’s happy with the delay. She said she needs at least a week to train me how to speak to mega-wealthy people so I don’t make a fool of myself.”

“If she’s so worried, why doesn’t she fly in instead?”