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Chapter 5

Crazy Ideas

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“YOU'RE LEAVING ALREADY?”

It was Aubrey who'd caught me as I was waiting for the elevator. I made a face, gripping the strap of my purse extra tight before I faced her. I could see the clock on the wall behind her head—just after four. Way, way earlier than I'd ever left without some emergency.

But this was an emergency. Sort of. My mother's future was in my hands. “Uh, yeah,” I said, keeping my tone light. “I need to let my landlord into my place. Maintenance or something.”

“Huh. Shouldn't he have a key?”

My face went blank. “Yes. Yes, he does. But he's not allowed to go inside without me being there. I negotiated that into my contract.”

“That's so you,” she laughed. “Maya the Micromanager.”

“Guilty as charged.”

“Does it ever get tiring, being in charge of so many things? I think I'd buckle under all that responsibility.”

“I just like making sure stuff gets done the way it should be.”

“Well, I admire how good you are at controlling every aspect of your life. See you tomorrow.” She half turned, then glanced back at me with her nose crinkled. “Before I forget. Am I crazy, or did I see Ben in here earlier?”

A tiny shudder went through me. “Remember how you said the person who found my ID was coming by to return it?”

“Oh god. That was him?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Blech. I'm sorry, Maya! I didn't recognize his voice on the phone. If I knew it was him, I never would have let him get within sneezing distance of your office.”

“Forget it. I'm erasing the meet-up from my mind as we speak.”

“Okay. I won't keep you any longer. Have fun with your maintenance thingie.”

I waved at her as the elevator doors shut between us. I sank down between the building's levels, my mood sinking even lower. Lying to my friend felt awful. But I couldn't possibly tell her where I was really going.

Peeking at my phone as I left the building, I re-read the messages I'd sent to Conner.

Me: I do want to meet again.

Conner: Perfect. When and where?

Me: Stony's Grill, around 5?

Conner: Isn't that place a bit... public, for our brand of meetings?

Me: It's fine. I'll explain when I see you.

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THE RESTAURANT I'Dpicked was in walking distance. I wanted to use the fresh air to clear my head, I needed my mind to be as sharp as possible before I spoke to Conner.

I can't believe I'm doing this.

It had seemed like a good idea earlier when it first came to me. I wasn't as sure, now. It's not a big deal, I assured myself. I hoped Conner thought the same.