Loren’s POV
The diner was still loud from the celebration, but at our booth, things were quieter.
Laughter came from one side of the room, someone was arguing seriously over fries near the counter and Darren was probably somewhere lying.
At our table, it was just the three of us for the moment—Zeke, Mia and me.
“So, how is school?” Zeke asked Mia.
Mia looked up immediately.
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“That sounds suspicious.”
“It’s a question.”
“It feels more like an interrogation.”
I smiled into my drink, watching both of their expressions.
She sighed and leaned back.
“School is fine. Stressful. Loud. Too many people. But overall, I know why I’m here, so that should matter.”
That made me laugh slightly.
“And classes?” Zeke asked.
“Fine.”
Zeke didn’t push, he just looked at me an
