JULIA
Evan leaned against the edge of the table with his arms crossed. “When’s the deadline for this project?” he asked.
Heather was the first to answer. “It’s due next month. We still have plenty of time.”
Plenty of time.
The phrase rang in my ears like a warning bell.
I glanced at the canvas, then at the two of them, feeling a sharp pang of unease settle in my chest. Plenty of time for what? To sit here in awkward silence while Heather chirped away and Evan’s presence suffocated me?
“No,” I said quickly, capturing their attention. “Let’s get started right away.”
Heather tilted her head with her ever-pleasant smile. “Right away?”
“Yes,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant, though my fingers twitched against my lap. “The faster we finish this, the faster we can all move on. Plus
