“Don’t worry. I had a large pizza for lunch,” Brandon replied. Cassidy turned, gaping at him in surprise, and he shrugged. “I’m a stress eater.”

“Dax, how are you doing?” Cadence asked, hopeful that she had his name right since she hadn’t checked her IAC to make sure.

“I’m okay,” he replied, managing a smile. “Still… overwhelmed. And tired.”

“I can imagine.” She gave him a sympathetic grin. Her IAC began to light up, but she ignored it for ...