I really didn't help myself when I saw Max's face droop.
She really did resemble Elara. Was she a sister of hers? Their surnames were different, but that didn't always mean much.
I sighed and nodded; that slight resemblance had far too much power over my heart.
The moment I did, Max lit up. Her smile bloomed wide, awkward and pleased all at once, like she hadn't actually expected me to agree. I checked the time on my phone without hiding it. Five minutes. Exactly five.
Technically, I was still on duty.
"Come to think of it," Max said, scratching the back of her neck, "I don't actually know how old you are. How old are you, Lyra?"
After I had explained my situation at the motel, she hadn't pushed for details—likely trying to keep the atmosphere from getting even more awkward. She didn't even know my full name, only that I'd finished high school.
"Twenty-one."
