Page 123 of Glitched Play

She smiles. "So... that's my cue to leave?"

"Correct."

She reaches the doorway before looking back over one shoulder. "For what it's worth..." She stills. Her shoulders drop and the tablet she’s carrying now in her hand beside her thigh. "I've never seen you this relaxed."

The door closes before I can respond, but I probably wouldn’t have anyway.

Silence settles over the office, not the rigid silence I usually prefer—a comfortable one. The kind that doesn't demand anything from either of us.

Maci studies me for a moment. "Were you smiling?"

"I don't believe so."

"I think Dara knows you better than you know yourself."

"That seems statistically improbable."

She grins. "I've seen you smile three times this morning."

I glance back at the proposal still spread across the table, then at her.

The EFL opens in three days.

Ordinarily I'd spend every available hour checking systems, reviewing contingency plans, and solving problems before anyone else discovered them. Instead, I slide the proposal back toward her.

"I'd like you to handle the final preparations."

She blinks. "By myself?"

I nod. "I hired you because you're capable."

Her expression changes, not excitement.

Pride.

"I won't let you down."

"I know."

The words leave my mouth with surprising ease. I don't even question them. Maybe that's what trust feels like.

I wouldn't know.

I've never had much reason to measure it before.

twenty-five

. . .

Maci

Game Chat Rune

Some victories happen long before the time runs out.

By the time I step into the gaming pavilion I've accepted one undeniable truth.

Witt wasn't exaggerating.