“We can always make some room.” Kai gestures to the empty space across from us. “Haven actually had some questions for you.”
“Kai!” I hiss, hoping like hell he’s not expecting me to ask Bastian about Milo’s cryptic message.
Bastian’s takes a seat opposite us withsupremereluctance.
Drama queen.
“I have office hours for student questions,” he says flatly.
“I had a question about the assignment,” I blurt out.
“Did you.” Bastian gives us each a long look as he unwraps his sandwich. He lowers his voice. “Bold. Anyone could see us.”
“It’s almost Thanksgiving,” Kai says. “No one gives a shit.”
“Someone’s always paying attention.” Bastian takes a bite, chewing slowly. “Which is why this—” he gestures vaguely at the three of us “—needs to remain discreet.”
“We know,” I chime in. “I mean, is it that hard to believe that this is innocent?”
“Maybe if you two weren’t making out like a pair of horny teenagers in the middle of the cafeteria.”
“With each other,” Kai murmurs, taking out his phone and scrolling as he takes a sip of coffee, like he’s not even part of this conversation. “Not with you.”
Bastian’s eyes darken slightly. “I told you I’m on thin ice with the dean. Never mind other parties who might still be sniffing around.”
We all know who he’s talking about.
Deputy Thatcher.
“So,” Kai says, changing the subject with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. “What areyourThanksgiving plans, Professor?”
Bastian’s sandwich pauses halfway to his mouth. “Excuse me?”
“Thanksgiving. You know? Turkey, stuffing, family.” Kai leans back, his arm stretching along the back of the booth behind me. “You doing anything?”
“My family is dead.” He takes a bite of his sandwich, chewing as he watches me and Kai exchange a glance.
“I’m sorry,” I say, the same time Kai murmurs, “All of them?”
He glances at Kai. “Those that mattered.” Then he turns to me. “Don’t be.”
There’s a beat of silence so heavy, it feels like the air has turned to concrete.
“Haven and I are going to my family’s place.” Kai blurts out like he’s trying to disperse the thundercloud hanging over us.
“So you’ve finally made up your mind?” I say through a dry chuckle. “When did this happen?”
Kai looks down for a moment, his face serious. “It’s like you said. I gotta tell those fuckers to fuck right off, or they’ll just keep controlling me the rest of my life.”
“Avoidance only amplifies the fear,” Bastian says.
“Yeah, or some bullshit,” Kai sighs out. He leans back, raking his fingers through his hair. “Thank fuck my dad’s not gonna be there. Only reason I’m even considering going.”
“What about Ezra?” I ask.
Bastian’s expression flickers at the name. My chest tightens when I realize it might be concern on his face. He knows how badly Kai beat up Ezra at the Rain Dance, so it’s no wonder he’s anticipating friction between them.
“Nope. Just us and my mom.HerI can deal with.” Kai’s voice goes hollow, his gaze unfocused as he takes another sip of coffee.
