"I'm putting together a study group," Daren continued. "A few of us are meeting in the west reading room tomorrow afternoon. I was wondering if you'd like to join."
Iva's heart sank.
Lori's face lit up like the sun breaking through clouds.
"I would love to," she said, and the words came out breathless, eager, hopeful.
Daren's smile widened. "Great. It's a date. I mean—" He stumbled, his own cheeks flushing. "A study date. I mean—"
"I know what you meant," Lori said softly.
They looked at each other for a moment longer than necessary. The air between them seemed to shimmer with something unspoken—something that made Iva's chest ache with dread.
Then Daren stepped back. "Tomorrow, then. West reading room. Three o'clock."
"I'll be there."
Daren nodded at Iva—a quick, polite acknowled
