19
Wearing my new getup, I return to the hotel. The leather jacket I bought for the occasion is a touch warm, but I should make a good impression on the Guides I meet.
My phone rings, and I see that it’s Mira’s number.
“Hi,” I say, picking it up.
“Hi Darren.” She sounds uncertain. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better today,” I say, trying to sound both cheerful and sick at the same time. “Thank you for checking.”
“That’s good,” she says, now sounding more sure of herself. “I’m happy to hear that.”
Mira is checking on my wellbeing? It’s both amazing and difficult to believe.
“So what are you up to?” she asks.
Suddenly, it hits me. She wants to see me. She’s just being coy about it. But I already have plans, and I know that I can’t bring her with me. Not to this party, not with her a
