CYNTHIA's P O V

‘‘Hello, Melanie. It’s a pleasure to meet you…’’ Melanie's cheeks flushed in response to Oliver's friendly smile towards her. Before shifting his attention back to me, he quipped, ‘‘I can steal your best friend after you two are done with the project, can I?’’

‘‘Cynthia!’’ The sound of Jake's voice jarred me awake from my musings. ‘‘We're here...’’

When I peeked out the window, I saw that the car had already come to a stop ...