Jessica rushed over as soon as we entered, her expression concerned. "Are you alright?" she asked Paige, who nodded weakly.
Jessica turned to me, lowering her voice. "I called Shannon. She's on her way."
"Good," I replied, my tone deceptively calm. "I'd like to have a word with her."
Paige grabbed my arm. "Amber, you don't have to—"
"Yes, I do," I interrupted gently. "No one treats my best friend this way."
A few minutes later, the door opened, and Shannon Miles walked in. She wore a form-fitting red dress that complemented her unusual silver-gray eyes. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face perfectly.
I greeted her with a sweet smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Shannon, what a pleasure."
Recognition flashed across her face as she realized who I was. We'd met
