Chapter 82

TESSA

By the time I finally work up the nerve to text Lyle, the workday’s over—and for once in my life, I don’t stay late.

Mr. Harris looks at me like I’ve just announced I’m leaving to become a wizard’s assistant in Hogwarts. Full confusion. Slight concern. Mostly disbelief.

But I don’t even register it. I’m too busy spiraling into what is absolutely not a mid-life crisis. Just a very responsible, slightly dramatic, late-twenties breakdown.

Totally different thing.

“Oh—Cam! Wait up!” I brighten as soon as I spot that familiar mop of reddish-brown hair turning the corner.

He glances over his shoulder, spots me, and immediately grins. One of those big, golden-retriever kind of smiles that makes you feel like sunshine. He throws an arm around my shoulders like it’s second nature.

“Tessie Bear,” he says, shaking his head. “I’d be excited to see me too, but reel it in. People are gonna start rumors.”

I snort. He smells like body wash and f