She shrugs like this is no big deal. “I’m Valerie, but you can call me Val.” One corner of her mouth tilts up before she continues. “Statistically, group icebreakers boost engagement and participation by creating a positive atmosphere.”
Heat spreads through my chest and I don’t bother stopping the smile.
There she is.
“Also,” Val adds, turning to Cole, “introductions usually follow the three P’s. Personal, professional, and peculiar. You covered all three, so nice job.”
She smiles at him. Real. Warm. The kid visibly relaxes, shoulders dropping like she flipped a switch.
Something twists in my gut.
Am I jealous of a high schooler?
Yes.
Yes, I am.
Because she still does that thing. Makes people feel seen. And sitting here, watching her own the room without even trying, I want her attention back on me more than I probably should.
Val turns to face Fred, who looks like he already regrets asking for introductions. She tilts her head, then smacks her palm to her forehead.
“Right. Something personal...” She bites her bottom lip, eyes flicking upward as she thinks.
My chest tightens.
I shouldn’t notice that.
I absolutely notice that.
She lights up like she’s cracked some great mystery. “I love random pieces of knowledge and facts.”
Fred stares at her. Flat. Unamused. “You don’t say.”
She shoots him a finger gun and a wink.
Something hot and reckless coils low in my stomach.
This version of Valerie Andrews—sharp mind, smart mouth, zero fear—hits harder than any memory I have of her. She isn’t trying to impress anyone. She’s just being herself, and somehow that makes it worse. Better. Both.
Fred’s gaze shifts to me.
Right. My turn.
I clear my throat. “I’m Shaun. I work at Drew’s family farm and...” I turn just enough to catch Val’s eye and let a slow smirk pull at my mouth. “For my peculiar fact, I believe candy corn is superior to all other candy.”
Her eyes roll, but she doesn’t hide the smile fast enough. She turns away, loose strands of red hair falling around her face like a shield.
I count that as a win.
A small one, but I’ll take it.
Cole sneezes hard, the sound echoing off the barn walls. We all mutter a half-hearted “bless you” before Drew jumps in.
“I’m Drew. I work professionally at my family’s farm.” He throws Val a wink. “And I strongly disagree with Shaun. Candy corn is trash. Caramel apple suckers are elite.”
I scoff. “Blasphemy.”
Sandie doesn’t bother looking up. “I’m Sandie. I’m taking a break from modeling and figured I’d get some cute content for my followers.” She snaps a quick selfie, lips pursed, chest out, then goes right back to typing.
