I leaned one hip against the desk and looked at the blank television screen, where my reflection looked pale, tired, and far too awake.
ME: He booked the flight.
SUMMER: What flight?
ME: To Virginia. For Sofia’s homecoming. He was going to say maybe. He didn’t.
The chat quieted again.
RAYANN: Men like that will call sacrifice love if no one stops them.
ME: I know.
RAYANN: That sounded personal.
ME: It was intended to.
SUMMER: Complicated is not the problem. Undefined is where people start making excuses.
RAYANN: We design around the truth.
EMME: Even inconvenient truth.
ANNIE: Especially that.
BRYNN: Our family business is basically impossible logistics with better lighting, richer clients, and fewer liability waivers than we probably need.
A laugh moved through me, quiet and sharp.
ME: That may be the most accurate brand statement we have ever had.
BRYNN: Put it on a tote.
SUMMER: Do not put that on a tote.
RAYANN: Max would carry the tote and somehow make it look tactical.
My chest eased around the smallest breath.
Then Brynn ruined the peace, naturally.
BRYNN: I would like to formally request one ranger photo before anyone makes decisions involving continents.
ME: Denied.
EMME: That means he’s devastatingly handsome.
BRYNN: Or butt-fuck ugly with a huge dick and good crisis management skills.
SUMMER: Brynn.
ANNIE: Refusal to provide evidence increases suspicion across all categories.
ME: I hate all of you.
BRYNN: You love us. You hate that we are conducting a full emotional autopsy with excellent instincts.
RAYANN: And minimal consent.
