sound of routine the rhythm of her second life after classes. But tonight, even the familiar noise did little to ease the weariness pressing down

a group of freshmen who'd been laughing so loudly she envied their carefre

cus

h to cut. Alice froze. Slowly, s

ris

effortless arrogance. Two other girls flanked her, both equally polished, their nails gleaming as they tapped against their phones. Clarissa didn't need to say an

wn the flicker of unease in her chest. "Can I g

apron, the scuffed shoes, the stray strands of hair that had slipped

e swept the diner, and then back to Alice. "Though judging by... this place" she ges

ftly, the sound like n

see what I can do." She turned quickly, eager to put distanc

t

. What a

in like a breeze,

ph

a glance for permission. Sophie tossed her designer bag onto the seat beside her and lea

idn't know you frequented... places lik

for the sugar bowl on the table, stirring it into the black coffee Clarissa hadn't touched. Then she glanced up at

ing up her neck. Typical Sophie, bold, sharp

loyalty and more out of nervous amusement. Clarissa'

een a nuisance,"

e replied sweetly, propping her chin o

e. The tension in the booth thickened, pulling Alice in

dropping lower. "Careful, Sophie. Not every

ling. "I save my theatrics for the stage. This?" Sh

fortably, clearly caught between loyalty a

efore the clash escalated. "I'll get your orde

viously. She focused on the task, willing herself not to dwell on Clarissa'

atter. Not because of who she was

und her arm, warm

he asked, voi

y. "Yeah. Just... d

er favorite sport." Then her eyes softened, and she gave Alice's arm a squeeze. "But you

ophie had a way of making the

ater down in front of Clarissa without a word. Clarissa raised one perfectl

ng?" she as

olite smile. "Un

ved in mock sympath

glinting. "Funny thing, Clarissa, water's still water. Whe

d laughter, quickly stifled when Clariss

retreated again. Sophie winked at her before turn

mask of icy composure. She didn't look at Alice again,

idn't surprise her, it was the kind of disdain Alice had faced before, from people who thought they were above h

ng sharper than anyth

mple. Sophie caught her gaze

ind betrayed her, circling back to Brian, his half smile, the way his eyes had linger

away. It was foolish. Dangerous. Brian Carter

gered in her chest, one