I leapt from my chair, grabbed a handful of air, and pulled it to my chest. Shae rose hesitantly from her chair. “Yes, what?” “Yes, this!” I turned my computer screen so she could see. Her eyes widened. “She sent you a grant application?” I smiled so wide it made my cheeks ache. “She sent me a grant application.” Shae threw her arms around me. “You did it!” She stepped back and shoved my shoulder. Hard. “Holy crap! You did it.” I laughed. “Don’t get too excited. USAID still has to approve the application.” She reclaimed her chair on the other side of my desk. “I guess I know what we’re doing over lunch.” “I have to call Maxim.” I dug the cell phone from my purse, scrolled through my contacts, and tapped on his name. “Dobroye utro, kotyonok.” I rolled my eyes at his seductive tone. “I have good news.” “You’re leaving Rafael?” “What? No. I am not leaving Rafael. Maxim, could you please try to behave?” I huffed out a breath, my excitement dulled.
