Ex Marks the Boss

ke a comforting embrace. The familiar clang of silverware against plates, the occasional bursts of laughter, and the low hum of conversation filled the space.

ose over half-eaten plates of pie, and a few students hunched over notebooks, probably cramming for upcoming exams.

tied neatly around her waist, her sleeves rolled up. The usual sharpness in h

Maddie announced dramatically, flo

, a notepad tucked under her arm. "Shut up. You're lucky I'm in

ead. "We'd leave you a big

r pen, tapping it against the not

menu. "Turkey club sandwich,

as contemplating a new choice, though she always got the

ighed.

"The usual-bacon cheeseburger, onio

an eyebrow. "And no complain

ions," Mad

ked. "Si

lly flipping her hair. "Anywa

y I don't have the energy to mess with your food." She

he table. The golden glow of the diner's lights reflected i

you ever hear back fr

id-reach fo

her stomach flipping. "I

cally, placing a hand

through the unread emails. Her heart pounded as she skimmed the subject lines,

eath h

said, voice barel

d in eagerly

details. "Lumino Creative. They said

cing in her seat. "Th

er. Another subject line caught her eye. She

. "Vanguard Designs wants me to come in

widened. "Ar

staring at her s

noise before grabbing Ava's

cing their food plates with practiced ease. She slid their plate

e asked, arching an eyebrow as s

!" Maddie beamed, practicall

pull Ava into a quick side hug, squeezing her should

trying to absorb it all. "And I ha

ou better start prepping. And do

d. "Of cou

ed. "Enough

er eyes. "I'

eakers and jeans, I will personally

her head as she gra

to check on another table, while

The fries were hot and salted just right, and her milkshake was thick and creamy. Across from her, M

round a mouthful, "is

"You burned i

y at her. "The inst

iterally on

hip. At some point, Maddie reached over and stole one of Ava's fries, which resul

s, the occasional burst of laughter from a nearby table. It was the kind of place that felt untouched b

the warmth of Maddie's laughter, the glow of the hanging

ld have to prep f

to dress the part and i

he Cozy Fork, sharing fries and milkshakes with her be

at was

-

ations for the evaluation and interview. She set reminders and

hone

wn nu

gnore

ang

ling through her phone, glanced

r head. "Pro

number ca

k. "Just answer it. W

va picked

va

stif

as E

phone," he said quickly. "

he phone tigh

t want to talk. I'm outside, at your dorm park

harply. "Etha

orry. Just... please. Two min

hesi

ing, whispered, "You should just hear

. "Fine. T

odie and sneakers

like he hadn't been sleeping well. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, and there were faint

ened as she

ey

d her arm

car parked a few meters

Leo rolled down the wind

nod before turning b

ted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come on so strong. I m

weet and all, but I don't have t

wned.

is getting hectic, and I'm about to star

"It doesn't have to be a dist

n't want to. I don't have the

after a long pause, he sighe

ood. Live a go

urned and

losed the door behind h

Maddie

Ava co