The longest day ever, drawing to a close. Wee hours of the morning, packing up laptops, coats. Bloodshot eyes, sore legs, feet. Bone deep weariness. Please, let's go home.
A comfortable silence in the dark of his office.
(From him, something unexpected: gratitude.)
"Thanks for staying tonight."
(From her, a look of surprise, like a flash, and then gone. And then: a sleepy smile.)
"You're welcome."
A pause in the parking lot.
And he thinks, "All I would have to do is ask."
And she thinks, "All he would have to do is ask."
They both say, softly, hesitantly, "Goodnight."