“Final check, I want you to actually see the thing before you tell me we have it. If we forget something, it could mean the difference between success and failure,” Ella said.

After brunch, my high SPF sunscreen was beginning to come off a little -- wearing it outside during the day made me look even paler, but whatever, I just played it up by wearing light goth makeup otherwise -- and I bid Aurelie fairwell, and returned to my apartment.

My roommate was lying on the couch, and gave me a confident little smile and wave. I felt kinda awkward at the look in her eyes, as I so often did, I was pretty sure she had a crush on me, but like, I was more focused on Aurelie romantically?