The gym doors swung open. Patterson was directing the fog machine like a conductor with an orchestra.
Harlow spotted me immediately. "Isaiah! You're alive!"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"You were gone for twelve minutes! Anything could have happened!"
"It's a cafeteria, not a war zone."
"Still!"
She hugged me. Tight. Her face pressed against my shoulder.
Over her head, I saw Cassidy watching with narrowed eyes. Vivienne had that look that meant she was calculating something. Sabrina was already back at her clipboard, acting like she hadn't just kissed me against a freezer door.
Iris appeared at my side. "You okay?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Because you look like you've seen a ghost."
"I'm fine."
"You're a terrible liar."
She was right.
Harlow finally released me. "Did you get lost?"
"Sabrina and I were discussing... cafe logistics."
Cassidy's eyes flashed. "Logistics."
"Booth efficiency," I clarified.
