The Contract Negotiation

"It is pretty big for just one person." Maya’s gaze sweeps over the vast, minimalist expanse of my living room. She wraps her arms around herself, stepping further inside the quiet sanctuary. "Don’t you ever feel lonely in this big apartment?"

I reach up, pull the silk tie free from my collar, and drape it over the back of a nearby chair. I unbutton the top of my shirt, letting out a long breath.