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“Be careful,” Sazuki says. He grips my wrist and tugs me backward, out of the way of the jutting platform. At the brush of his hand, my heartbeat skitters.
We both release our grip at the same time.
I focus on what the spinning wall revealed. It’s a raised stage. Orange, red, and yellow pallets cover the entirety of it.
“What are these?” I ask, pushing my fingers into the material.
Sazuki opens his mouth. “It’s—”
“It’s a sound floor,” Jordan rushes to fill in.
Sazuki gives him another cold look.
My ex shuts up.
I wish I had that superpower.
“It’s a vibrating wooden platform that allows hearing-impaired students to get a better sense of the music. When they stand on it, they can synchronize without having to rely on visual cues.”
“That’s amazing.” I’m genuinely excited. “Accessibility is always such an after-thought in community spaces like concerts or conferences. I love seeing it be prioritized like this.”
His eyes soften.
“May I?” I gesture to the stage.
He nods.
I take off my shoes and jump on the platform. It’s sturdy.
“Let me join you,” Jordan says, already starting to worm off his sneakers.
Sazuki holds out a hand, barring Jordan from taking a step.
My ex gives him a befuddled look.
“Have you reported to HR?”
“No.”’
“Then your tour ends here. You can look around after you’ve filed the necessary paperwork.”
“But…” Jordan slants me a pitiful look.
Sazuki clenches his jaw, daring Jordan to defy him.
Jordan gives up on arguing and pleads, “Deej, come find me later. Let’s grab lunch together.”
“Let’s not,” I say stiffly.
“Deej…”
Sazuki takes a small, threatening step forward. Jordan hurries out of the room, watching me with his puppy-dog eyes until he’s through the door.
Though he’s gone, his presence leaves behind a headache. I can’t believe my ex is working here at the foundation. I’m hoping his duties as an ASL interpreter keep him far,faraway from me.
In the silence, my eyes catch on Sazuki’s. He folds his arms over his chest. “Would you like me to call him back?”
“Don’t you dare.” I hop off the stage.
