The anniversary of the night they met was celebrated at the club where they met. His conversation was polite, casual, and noncommittal. Not with a bang but a whimper.” Walking to the Metro station Emily was generous to a pan handler. His conversation was polite, casual, and noncommittal. Emily had taken off the whole day from work, and the next day too, just in case. She did know that she did not want to go on being his friend with benefits. She showed him the article, and said, “I’m proud of you.” He smiled. He told her she meant more to him than they did. He did call. When Emily looked at pictures framed on the walls, she said, “I recognize several reproductions from the National Art Gallery. She did know that she did not want to go on being his friend with benefits. She felt more numb than hurt. Emily had a job. She wanted to impress Ken. She did not regret her efforts.
