Claire doesn't drop the smile. She just adjusts it.
"Must be exhausting," she says, her voice going softer. "Working so hard as team physio. All that...service." A small pause. "You're really not picky, are you?"
Mia keeps her expression neutral.
"Actually—" Claire tilts her head, as though something just occurred to her. "After the last home game, Elias came back to the locker room with all that energy, you know how athletes get. He called me in. Barely even made it through the—"
"Claire."
The voice is low. Flat. Carries no heat because it doesn't need any.
Elias is standing three feet away, and Mia has no idea how long he's been there. His expression doesn't change as he looks at Claire.
"Coach is asking for you."
Claire's smile falters for half a second. Then it's back, bright a
