189

Just as Scott promised, the check came by courier service around 5 o’clock.

I about peed myself when the runner had me sign for the envelope – and after he was gone, I almost cried when I opened the envelope and saw the check.

$10,000.

I’d received five times that amount a month ago – but this time it was different.

This time I’d earned it.

Anh came home at 6 o’clock and went into a screaming fit when I showed her the check. I joined in and we jumped around like two little girls at a slumber party.

“I’m taking you out,” I announced gleefully. “And we’re getting a cab so we can get smashed. Where do you want to go?”

“Lily, you don’t have to do that,” Anh protested.

“Yes I do – I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Oh, you would have been fine without me… I really appreciate it, but – ”

“Okay,” I shrugged, doing my best to keep a deadpan expression, “we’ll order something in and drink a $5 bottle of wine.”

“No, no, I was just being modest,” Anh said cheerily as she patted me on the h