Page 109 of Hunger & Harmony

He blinks one more time before a grin lights up his face.

“Why yes, Miss,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “You certainly need your boyfriend’s jacket while he’s gone.”

“It is essential.”

He captures laughter between our lips.

Smoked vanilla and bourbon wrap around me as I lock my front door. It’s barely been twenty minutes since Niko left, and the bond remains steady in my bones. I’m more than hopeful. There’s evidence of what resisting our connection does, and what we did earlier is the complete opposite.

I’m still floating as I journey up the hallway, my face aching from smiling so much. Not that I’m complaining.

The road ahead is still hard, but together? I fear nothing.

When I approach the connecting door, I stop to rummage through my slouchy tote.

“What the . . .?”

Even after a good three rounds of sifting through everything, I don’t see my ID. My lanyard is bright blue, so I always find it easily. I lift my head, glancing around the hallway like it’d magically be lying around. Shit. I must’ve forgotten it back home.

I grumble to myself as I turn. Just my luck!

Three taps on the glass door startle me.

“Oh!” I gasp, turning to see who’s trying to get my attention. “Jamie?”

The human coordinator who passed ‌her sour candy to me. She waves at me, and I wave back excitedly.

“You stuck?” she calls through the door, and I nod.

“Forgot my damn ID!”

“I got you!”

Only a moment later, and the glass door beeps open. It’s a relief when I step over to her.

“Thanks, oh my god,” I say. “You saved me a trip back to my apartment.”

She flips her brunette bob, and I pretend to bow down to her.

“Any time.” She then gestures to me. “It’s been a while!”

I hate to admit it, but dread surfaces when she acknowledges that. Shuffling my shoes, I shrug. The citrus air freshener tightens my lungs.

“Yeah, almost two months . . .”

Despite how awkward I feel, she doesn’t miss a beat.

“It’s good to see you,” she says, and I lift my gaze again. “You should join me for lunch soon!”

Relief settles my shoulders. I nod gratefully.

“Definitely.”

Just as she smiles back, her phone beeps.

“Oh! Better get going. Saving you wasn’t on the to-do list.”

I laugh, nodding as she rushes off.