[Vander thought that he should feel called out, but the truth of it was that he and Maria had shown a repeated habit of manufacturing excuses to see each other or do something with one another. It would be easier to just ask, but where was the fun in that when they could come up with obtuse reasons to set an action or scene when the determined want eventually was successful.]

I don't think it's excuses per say. We just don't enjoy the straight and narrow way of getting to a point. [They had been manufacturing since their very first meeting.] Don't tell me you aren't enjoying it?

[Vander had never rested a full day in his left except that time he was literally septic and was too febrile and hallucinating that he couldn't. Otherwise, missing a day of work or networking could be a catastrophic set back for weeks or months.] It will heal eventually. It always does. [Though that nurse outfit was tempting. Yet, it was the 'for me?' that caused him to quietly contemplate the request.] Just a day, I suppose. But it has to be at the apartment; the cabin beds are made for someone my size.