"Promise not to laugh if these suck?" she asks.
"Sure. You have mockups already?"
She nods.
For someone trying to push me away, she somehow manages to compel me closer daily. I look at her too long once more.
"I had time," she says as if trying to brush off the fact she spent her little free time working on my father's project.
"Show me," I say and lean forward.
She opens the portfolio. "I had to print these at FedEx since we don't have a printer, and their ink on one of the machine was low," she murmurs. "I made four distinct versions, all to his specifications."
With some nervousness, she sets out four card samples. I study each, struggling not to smile and wanting so badly to wrap my arms around her for a hug. She has no idea how well she's passing my father's test.
The cheerful cards are each distinct: one serious, two fun with completely different designs and one that looks post modern with simple lines, subdued colors and faded graphics.
"It's okay if you don't like them," she says at my silence. "I'm a bit out of practice."
"These are beautiful." I rest my hand over one of hers without looking up. "How long did these take you?" I ask.
"Not long."
I meet her gaze.
She flushes. "All night."
"You didn't have to do that, Claudia."
"You didn't have to take care of Todd."
"I care about both of you. Comes with the territory." I smile to hopefully take away the gravitas of our exchange.
She's staring at the cards.
"Besides," I say more lightly. "Todd keeps me on my feet. Helps me work off all the pie I eat here."
"I'm glad you like them," she says finally. "I have the designs saved if you want to show him."
"I'll bring him by tomorrow, if that works for you."
She nods. "You think he'll like them?"
"He'll love them."
Claudia smiles and stands. She gathers the samples, hesitates, then rests her hand on mine and looks me in the eye. "You give me hope, Petr." Without another word, she leaves.
I'm not sure what that means exactly except it should be a good thing. Even if it is, it's not landing me a date with her yet. I'm not naturally a patient person, but the past two years have taught me the value in not rushing something good.
I leave, warmed by the demonstration of kindness towards my father.