“No plans for Friday afternoon? You’re not going out?” I teased.
James chuckled. “I don’t have much of a social life.”
“Well, you should,” I said, grinning. “You’re really nice. People would enjoy spending time with you, and maybe you’d feel less tense if you relaxed a little.”
“I’ll consider it,” he replied, amused by my suggestion.
I took another sip of the tea, but the bitter aftertaste lingered. The barista must have been more distracted than I realized.
As we continued walking, the heat seemed to intensify, and I began to feel lightheaded. I shifted into the shade of the nearby buildings, hoping it would help, but instead, a wave of dizziness made me feel even more unsteady.
“Are you okay?” James asked, his voice laced with concern.
“It’s just so hot,” I replied with a
