Elliot
"They moved the interview up. To next week."
Delilah went still.
"Next week? That's it. That's in seven days."
"I know."
"But you said three weeks. You had time to prepare."
"I did. Now I don't."
I stood and started pacing, my mind already racing through everything I needed to do.
Revise presentation. Update research data. Prepare for questions.
Seven days. Impossible.
"Elliot?" Her voice pulled me back.
"Sorry. I'm just. This is important. This grant funds my research for the next five years."
"I know."
"If I don't get it. If they think I'm not serious. Not focused."
"You'll get it. You're brilliant."
"Brilliant isn't enough. They want dedication. Stability. No distractions."
The word hung between us.
Distraction.
"I should go," she said quietly.
"What? No. That'
