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Ashley chewed her breadstick. “Remember how we’re working on not dragging other women down to lift yourself up?”

“It was a compliment! I think it’s brave how some girls obviously don’t care about their looks. I wish I could be that way, but,” she shrugged helplessly, “I’m just too pretty.”

“I should not have said no to the liquor.” Randa muttered to Ashley. “Sorry about that.”

Ashley snorted in amusement, before quickly regaining her professional composure.

“No drinking for any of us. Not in this treacherous place.” Rysimer examined the daiquiri like he was investigating a particularly complex mystery. “No eating either. It’s not safe.”

“It’s not?” Tallulah Jayne blinked at him. “Wait, do you guys only digest blood? …And pickles?”

“No, he’s just mistrustful about anyone else touching his food.” After emptying half her purse onto the tabletop, Randa finally excavated a granola bar from the depths. She reached over to place it on Kahn’s bread plate. “Here you go.”

He gasped in amazement. “Thank you, Randa.” He reverently picked up the granola bar, holding it at eye level to marvel at the artistry of the cellophane wrapper. “I will treasure this forever.”

Randa couldn’t quite contain her mirth. “It’s not an heirloom, Kahn. It’s food.”

The sound of her amusement had his head whipping around. His lips parted in amazement, as he gazed at her smile. Every time she laughed, he seemed dazzled by it.

Still chuckling, Randa plucked the granola bar from his hand. “It’s grains and nuts and honey. And it’s safe for you to eat, since it’s still sealed.” She tore open the end of the packaging for him. “See? It’s good.”

“Yes, I see everything good.” He was looking at her though and not the granola bar.

“Do you have another of those honey grain logs?” Rye asked hopefully.

“If she does, it’s also mine.” Kahn took a bite of the granola and hummed like it was ice cream, dipped in ambrosia, dipped in bacon. “My Match is providing me food.”

Rye pouted.

Tallulah Jayne glanced at Rye. “I have gum, if you want.”

“Is it meat-flavored?”

“Pretty sure it’s peppermint.” Her tiny nose wrinkled. “Do they make meat-flavored bubble gum?”

“They should. It sounds delicious.”

Tallulah Jayne leaned closer to him. “I’m sure your meat is delicious.” She breathed in a sultry tone.

Ashley gazed up at the ceiling, mapping out an escape route through the air conditioning ducts.

As Randa worked to scoop all her belongings back into her purse, Kahn spotted her phone, lying flat on the table. Unlike so many Elementals these days, she didn’t carry it to be trendy. Sullivan issued it to her for work emergencies, so it was an older, utilitarian device.

The one that Kahn fished out of his own pocket was much sleeker and more expensive. Ben had great taste… wherever he was.

Bing.

Randa eagerly read the screen.

You’re so beautiful.

She smiled. Earlier, he’d offered to “set things up better” on her phone, and she’d happily handed it over. Her ancient smartphone was now working like a high-end, brand-new, much more expensive model.

And someone had added the contact information “My Magnificent Match” to identify Kahn’s number. Kahn was gifted at electronics. And sneakiness.

She glanced up at him through her lashes, pleased that he thought she looked pretty. She’d donned her most flattering dress for their date. She hardly ever wore it, because the bold red color used to make her feel too visible. Now, it made her feel powerful. She’d even added a fancy hair clip and a pair of heart-shaped earrings to her ensemble.

She’d wanted to impress him.