AVA’S POV

The lunchroom was quiet. Most people grabbed something quickly before they returned to their desks.

I had chosen a table close to the window so I could think, breathe and ignore the chaos that brewed all week.

I was just unpacking my lunch when Austin slid into the seat across from me.

Giving that smooth smile he always carried, like nothing he did could ever be wrong.

“Hey,” he said casually. “Mind if I join you?”

I looked at him, kept my expression neutral. “I don’t ...