Page 15 of Only When It Breaks

“She’s fine.”

I clear my throat and look at Ava again. “I’m not here to mess with you,” I say. “I just figured . . . I don’t know. Thought I’d try sitting somewhere different today.”

She squints at me like I’m a science experiment that might explode. “Right. And this hasnothingto do with Emmie?”

I hold up my hands. “I mean, I like talking to her. But it’s not just that,” I add. “Maybe I’m tired of sitting with people who only care about followers and filters.”

Ava tilts her head, amused. “And you think the geeks will just take you in?”

“I’m hoping they’re feeling generous today,” I say with a small grin. “I brought a tray. I’m unarmed.”

She snorts, actually snorts, and picks up her can of coke. “Okay, first of all, don’t ever call yourself unarmed again. You sound like a dad.”

I laugh, relieved. “Fair. What do I have to do to earn my spot here?”

Ava raises a brow thoughtfully. “You want to be friends with the geeks? You’ll have to pass the test.”

I lean forward. “There’s a test?”

She nods, solemn. “One question. If you answer wrong, you’re banished forever.”

I pretend to wipe sweat from my forehead. “Okay. Hit me.”

“Marvel or DC?”

I blink. “That’s the test?”

Ava shrugs. “Choose wisely, Kai Banks. This could determine your entire social future.”

I pretend to think very hard. “Marvel.”

She narrows her eyes. “Why?”

“Because Batman is overrated, and the MCU actually knows how to build a story arc.”

A pause. Then Ava breaks into a slow, impressed smile. “Okay. That was the right answer.”

I grin. “So, I passed?”

“Temporarily. Prove you’re not a jerk and we’ll talk permanent residency.”

I nod, genuinely grateful. “Thanks, Ava.”

She sips her coke. “Don’t thank me yet. I still think you’re up to something.”

“I’m just trying not to be the guy I was last week.”

A beat passes. Then she says quietly, “Good. Because that guy sucked.”

Chapter Six

Emmie

I wait ages after my last lesson, scrolling through my phone, pretending not to care that Ava is late.Again.But when she finally appears, she’s not alone.She’s withKai.And they’re laughing.

I blink. Rub my eyes. Blink again. Nope. Still there. Kai Banks. Laughing withAvalike they’re friends. Like he hasn’t spent years barely acknowledging she exists.

My stomach twists.

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