Sade POV
The high school cafeteria was alive with energy. Posters promoting the senior class fundraiser covered the walls, announcing the sale of anonymous roses and helium balloons for Valentine’s Day. Tables were scattered with order sheets, colorful roses, and piles of balloons. The sweet scent of flowers mixed with the noise of students chatting and laughing. Sade, seated at the head of the booth, managed the chaos with the ease of someone used to being in charge.
She flipped to a fresh sign-up sheet and smiled at the next student in line. “Okay, what’ll it be? Roses, balloons, or both?”
“A red rose and a balloon,” the boy said, handing her three dollars.
“You got it,” Sade replied, jotting down the details and passing the cash to Isla, who was tying off helium balloons nearby.
“T
