As we're about to leave, Brandon shows up, rocking a light-colored shirt, his grin wide. "Natalie! What a coincidence!"
"Some friends from my circle are having a get-together at Nightshade," he says, eyes sparkling as he looks at her. "You hit it off with them last time, right? Come hang!"
I stand off to the side, watching Natalie—who's never been big on socializing—nod. "Sure."
A sour pang hits my chest. She's only going because he asked.
At the club, we head to a private room. Brandon's friends spot Natalie and start hooting. "Well, damn! Who'd Brandon drag in this time?"
"Isn't that Natalie, the youngest prof at the university? Brandon's got some serious pull!"
Brandon scratches his head, sheepish, shoving them playfully. "Cut it out!"
Someone notices me, giving me a once-over. "
