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What?

“No,” I snap, i my boss My eyes hot on Akara “It’s your birthday” I say the word birthday thinkin’ it’llwork like a newborn baby Sillyon birthdays the way so But today was perfect for him

A Winter Festival in formalwear on his birthday

Perfect for a date

Perfect for romance

Hell, I’d take it if it were offered tothis shit down?

“TwoGabe to maintain the perimeter”

Sure enough, I see two security guards shouldering their way through the crowds to reach our position

With heavier breath, Akara says, “We need to talk”

Gabesound like I’m in trouble with the boss He takes irls

I didn’t consider thismy emotions “Is this about security?” I ask Akara while he motions me further away from Sir Blob Squall and the Hales With Sulli at our sides, we all journey several meters to my ten, soft snow underfoot I sink with each step

And then we stop

Standing alances cautiously between us

“No,” Akara says, “this is about us”

Us

The lack of shrill screa in my head

I grind down on my teeth “What about us?” I ask, but as soon as I say the words, I notice Thatcher and Jane joining the safe zone that Donnelly, two temps, and Gabe create

My brother and his wife are watching us

I frown deeper What the hell is going on?

Sulli takes a hearty swig fro I stare at that, too Don’t knohat she just downed, but I’ liquor by how she sways unsteadily

I feel like I’ve missed a lifetime and it’s only been a few hours

“I’uys a moment to talk”

I’ue

Akara inhales a sharper breath, watching her leave “She’s on her third cup of spiked cocoa in less than an hour I haven’t seen her drink this much, this fast…ever”