CHAPTER FIFTY THREE – LET’S GO JOB HUNTING

The next morning, Joan woke early, padding into the kitchen in search of coffee. She found Vito already there, dressed for work and reading the newspaper. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, looking up with a smile. "Coffee's ready." Joan poured herself a cup, then joined Vito at the kitchen island. "Thanks. You're up early." "Big meeting today," Vito explained. "You have any plans?" Joan nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "I'm going to start my job search in earnest. Update my resume, look for openings, that sort of thing." "Sounds good," Vito said. He hesitated, then added, "You know there's no rush, right? Take your time finding the perfect fit." Joan forced a smile. "I know. I just... I want to contribute, you know?" Vito reached across the island, squeezing her hand. "You do contribute, Joan. In more ways than you know." She nodded, not entirely convinced. Vito glanced at his watch and stood. "I've got to run," he said, coming around the island to kiss her goodbye. "Good