Damien let out a low breath. “You ever thought about applying for early mentorship programs?”
Maya turned her head, startled. Her eyes met his for a fleeting second — too brief to hold, but long enough to leave a mark. There was gratitude there. And something else. Something quiet and unreadable, like even she didn’t have a name for it yet.
Jamie’s eyes widened. “They have those?”
“They do,” Damien said. “Some through Blackwood. Internships for high school students — if your health permits.”
From the corner of his eye, Damien saw Maya fully lift her head now, surprise softening into something warm.
Jamie was already nodding, excitement flickering to life. “That would be awesome.”
Damien turned toward him. “When you’re ready, have Maya contact my office. We’ll see what we can do.”
Th
