Page 213 of Ruthless Court

“I didn’t criticize it.”

“Your face did.”

“My face thinks it’s cute.”

That stops her.

The RA becomes fascinated by his computer.

Hannah pushes her glasses higher.

“You played well.”

“You disappeared.”

“The game ended.”

“You left before my interview.”

“Exactly.”

Her hair tumbles over one shoulder when she tilts her head.

The almond scent reaches me even from here.

I almost forget the grocery bag.

Footsteps rush down the stairs.

Lila and Noor appear carrying cans of soda. Both are in pajamas, slippers, and oversized sweatshirts.

Lila sees me and grabs Noor’s sleeve. “Not Doordash.”

“So what’s in the bag?”

“He brought provisions.”

Noor leans toward the bag. “Popcorn?”

“Dr Pepper. Chocolate. Gummy bears.”

She looks at Hannah.

“This is courtship in every known civilization.”

“It’s snacks,” Hannah says.

I lift my laptop.

“And Netflix without ads.”

Noor places a hand over her heart.

“Marry him.”

“He listens to songs where men rhyme money with money.”

“That was the artist,” I say. “Not me.”