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My phone buzzes in my pocket, a relentless vibration that spells out "reality check." I fish it out, thumbing over the screen to see the group chat lighting up. They're all awaiting the scoop on Operation Coffee Clash.
I can still feel Victor's eyes on me as I walk away. I need to get out of his line of sight so that I can breathe. I round a corner and walk another block before my phone dings again.
I swear Samantha has some kind of sixth sense—she always knows when to nudge for dirt. Glancing down, I see her name at the top of the screen.
Samantha
UPDATE????
Avery
Ran into Victor
Emily
Details!
Samantha
Spill it!
Avery
Nothing to spill. We talked super briefly.
That's all.
Jessica
About what??
Avery
About the impact his development is going to have on our community
Samantha
Sure, sure.
Just 'community stuff' with the guy who’s the human equivalent of a brick wall.
Avery
Exactly
Emily
Is that why you're typing in full sentences now?
Did Mr. Stone give you grammar lessons along with his dazzling smile?
Avery
Ha-ha
I roll my eyes. The truth is, I'm still reeling from how he was this morning. Not the brick wall I'd braced myself for, but something else entirely.
Avery