“I know.”
“Anyway… I just thought you should know. You’re good - and people see it.”
She holds my gaze.
“Thanks.”
I step back toward the door, hand already on the handle.
“Whatever happens today,” I add, glancing back at her, “don’t give them a reason to look any closer than they already are.”
Her eyes hold mine.
“I won’t.”
I nod once.
Then I step out into the corridor, the noise of the day already building somewhere below us.
Something about today feels like it’s going to change everything.
LEONORA
The hotel room is too quiet.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand.
I reach for it, expecting Tara again, or Willow sending something ridiculous to make me laugh.
It’s Zane again.
Scouts are here.
I stare at the message. Zane sent it five minutes ago, probably from the lobby.
One of them is here to watch you.
What?
Her name is Sofia Ramirez. She’s been asking about you.
How do you know all this?
I asked Coach.
Of course he asked. Because that’s who Zane Blake is. Impulsive and completely incapable of leaving things alone.
And also - the thought lands somewhere soft in my chest - the only person in this building who knows exactly who I am and is trying to help me anyway.
Apparentlyshe wants to meet you after.
I set the phone down.
A scout. Watching me. Wanting to meet me.
Obviously that won’t be possible. I’ll have to make an excuse… but it’s flattering all the same.
I stand up and walk to the small mirror above the desk.
