Chapter Fourteen - Priorities

Sofia walked back to the sitting room, a few steps behind Jessi. She noticed her lowered shoulders as well as the slower stride and hoped it was just fatigue. She hugged her arms around herself, following Jessi sheepishly while wondering if she was in the wrong.

Rico scanned both faces as they came in and cleared his throat loudly, interrupting Ryan’s attempt at a joke.

“Uhmm, I think I left my bag in the studio,” Jessi said. Her lips hinted at a smile that should’ve existed. She avoided all eye contact and turned to leave.

“You can get it while you’re leaving. It’s not…” Rico practically jumped to his feet.

“I’m leaving already,” she interjected, cutting him short.

“You two are leaving together?” Ryan asked.

“No,” she immediately replied. It was cool but silently shocking.

They exchanged glances, but the girls avoided looking at each other and Jessi left for the elevator.

“Care to explain what just happened?” Rico asked, collapsing in his seat as the elevator doors shu