Phone call

Mom, giggling: Getting all ready to go without a paycheck?
A.: Looks like it.
Mom: [Giggles.]
A.: It's not funny, mom. You realize livelihoods are at stake?
Mom: You'll get back pay.
A.: Very unlikely, but it's not about me. The security guards, cleaning staff, local lunch places, and so on, are certainly not going to get back pay. You think most of those people can afford to miss a paycheck?
Mom: Whatever. It's not going to happen. They'll come up with a deal.
A.: Doubtful.
Mom: We'll see. What were you going to say?
A.: I made your dry mushrooms.
Mom: You soaked them first?
A.: Naturally.
Mom: Then sauteed them in butter?
A.: I don't use butter, mom. I sauteed them in olive oil.
Mom: Not the same.
A.: It was quite good.
Mom: Butter is butter, A. The cows are happy--they ruminate, they're milked.
A.: That's not the way it works, mom.
Mom: Whatever.
A.: Goodnight.
Mom: Goodnight.