“It’s a sign of how much our clients value what we do” she told Zevi as she’d sat up yet another late night in the office. When he’d shown up with takeout and an offer to keep her company for once she’d been nothing but grateful. It was his way she knew of trying to thaw things out.

He hadn’t actually said anything about the $15000 loan nor had she outright apologized for her cutting remarks. But as soon as he’d appeared with an anxious smile she felt a load she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying melt off her shoulders.

If he had been the first to reach out she felt he deserved a gesture in return so she asked him to join them at their meeting on Sunday to show how much she valued his opinion at such a crucial juncture. It was a completely spontaneous move and as thought out as spontaneous moves usually are. Which is why she wasn’t prepared for the look Suri gave her as the two made their way into Hirth’s office where Suri was already waiting.

“Oh. I hadn’t realized—” Suri began frostily eyebrows raised but she quickly stopped herself from elaborating. Too awkward in present company. Aviva twitched her eyebrows back at her trying to figure out why Suri was upset that she’d brought her husband along. With a shrug she sat down in one of the plush office chairs.

“So” Hirth began rubbing his hands together. “We’re back. You have results for us?”

Aviva nodded then realized Hirth was not looking at her but at Zevi. Feeling a twinge of annoyance she cleared her throat as she pulled some papers out of her folder.

“Yes I do” she said pointedly handing a copy to everyone. “I’ve charted the results including the comments. Overall I was very pleased. Parents seemed to have a very positive impression of us.” She paused giving the others time to look at their charts before adding “With one notable exception.” Suri sitting next to her deflated as she read the results. “Oh no ” she said softly.

Aviva nodded grimly. “Turns out it wasn’t just that small group of mothers who had complaints.”