MICHAEL

Aliana is trouble today.

She has been as happy and as high as a kite all day and I just have no idea what to do with her because it feels so good to see her this happy. I'm happy any time she's happy and completely grateful for this moment.

She’s seated at the edge of my desk, legs crossed at the ankle, skirt riding just enough to be distracting without being obvious. Her fingers toy with a pen that isn’t hers, spinning it slowly, biting down, smiling naughtily, eyes on me as if I’m the one being assessed.

“You’re staring Michael, careful I'm not your favourite food so...