She saw that irony, and it earned him a bright laugh, one she needed sorely to break up all the long hours with her new friends. He was right: it was a heavy task, but if it meant making things smoother in the long run, helping them deal the way she had been able to, it would be worth it. And maybe in time they'd be able to return the favor for her when she needed it.

"Thank you kindly." She clinked her bottle against his and took another pull, savoring the flavor of it, amusing herself with trying to pick out any notes she recognized. Something was just a little floral on the back end, but not too much. Maybe something to do with whatever they used instead of hops.

"What've you got coming up on your to-do list for the housing project?"