Ethan
What’s your best time?
He uncapped a pen and reached for the calendar on his desk. Instead of listing numbers for each cell that wouldn’t contradict the simple, difficult rules of the game, however, he rubbed a thumb over his mouth and watched for Forster’s response. It didn’t take long.
Forster
4:17. In my defense, though, I only started a few years ago. And I haven’t been very consistent with my practice.
Ethan
That’s a good time. Especially if you’re not working on it every day.
Forster
Maybe. What’s your record?
He couldn’t help smiling a little.
Ethan
3:18.
Forster
You’re 59 seconds faster than I am.
Her typing ellipsis bubbled. Then:
Forster
I could catch you.
Ethan
You’d have to reduce your time by almost 30%.
Forster
You think I can’t do it?
Ethan
You think you can?
Forster
I’m not going to admit it now if I have doubts! Just give me until Friday morning.
Ethan
What’s happening on Friday morning?
The Department of Energy’s visit was scheduled for Friday. But he didn’t volunteer that information. It wasn’t the sort of thing they shared, not when they each valued a hard line between their professional and creative work. They’d both said so. He wouldn’t breach that limit.
Probably.
Forster
