97 Chapter 39 - Mariano (2)

"Good morning," she chirps as I walk over to my chair.

"Morning." Like I said, there's nothing "good" today.

We start eating and I keep my focus on my plate and the iPad to my left as I catch up with current events. Even though I haven't looked over to Riri since I sat down, I feel her stare burning the side of my face.

Oh, so you're blatantly checking me out now, Ree? After a week of avoiding me?

I sound bitter, I know. But like I said, I'm losing my patience.

Not lifting my gaze from my iPad, I tell her, "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

From my periphery, she freezes for a beat, gripping the table napkin tight as she clears her throat. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. I just… I wanted to thank you…about Mika."