“What can I say? I like to be original.” For a heartbeat, the lip twitch approaches a smile. “Too bad your exemption wasn’t approved.” I wrinkle my brow. “What exemption? I didn’t request an exemption.” Not yet. My mumbled statement makes him still. “Could you repeat that?” “I said, I didn’t request an exemption.” He drags a hand down his jaw. “That’s what I thought you said, but I was sure I heard wrong.”
