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Shouldn’t we still be down at level 1 or 2?

“Earth to Mak.” Leah snaps her fingers in my face. “You in there, babe?”

I blink and pick up my tea. “Yeah.” Sip, sip. “Sorry, I zoned out. I’m exhausted.”

“I bet. It should be criminal to have you guys working around the clock like that.”

“It’s fine. We get breaks.” Not that I take any. “I’m just happy I finally have off for a couple days.”

“Any plans?”

“Sleep, sleep, and more sleep.”

Leah looks disappointed. “No Carson?”

I don’t even want to think about Carson right now. It makes my belly flip flop every time I do. “What do you have going on?”

“I have a date later tonight. Tomorrow, I am going to my mom’s birthday party. That’s about it.”

I take another sip of my London fog, wincing because it’s already getting too cold to be enjoyable. “That should be fun.”

Leah places her elbows on the table and tucks her fists under her chin. “My date’s with Carson.”

“Mmm hmm.”

“We’re going to a sex club.”

“Sounds fun.”

“I’m going to blow him in his car while he sings metalcore to me.”

“Yay.” I blink slowly and take another sip of my crappy tea.

“Damnit, Mak!” Leah smacks the table. “Come on. We’re taking you home.”

I scrub my face and yawn. “No. I’m good. I swear. What are your plans this weekend?”

“You didn’t hear a single word I just said, did you?”

“Mmm hmm.” Nope.

“That’s it. Come on.” She grabs my hand and yanks me out of my chair. I don’t bother taking my tea because it really tastes awful. Leah opens the door to the café for me and I end up bumping into someone.

“Oh, sorry.” My vision’s blurry from fatigue.

“Mak?” It takes me a second to focus and realize it’s Chloe. “Hey!” She leans in and gives me a big hug like we’re old friends. It’s not fake. This is really how I think she is with everyone she meets. “I’m going in for cup number seven.”

“Enjoy,” I say, too tired to give more than a half-smile and a flimsy wave.

Her expression shifts from bubbly to concerned. “You feel okay?”

“Yeah. I’m good. It was so good to bump into you.” Because I’m awkward, I lean in and give her another hug, then Leah and I head to our cars.

“You’re a mess, Mak.” She opens the door for me. “I don’t think you should drive home.”

I start the engine, slap my cheeks a couple times, and put down all my windows to let all the cold air in. “I’ll be fine. Promise. I don’t have too far to go.”

“Still…” Leah’s not convinced. “I should drive you.”