Ranger looked back to Amelia as she recovered from Ranger’s shooting her down. Amelia looked a little embarrassed as she laughed and moved on. Ranger had an apologetic look on her face.

Amelia told Ranger about a guy she liked once. Who could turn into a girl. At that particular moment, Ranger felt that either her own power, Noel’s power, or some combination of the two was giving Ranger that same ability. Only without any degree of control. She’s been in Noel’s body for the past week with only a brief moment in her own body. In her own sex.

Best of both worlds? ”If y’r int’ both sides, I have t’ imagine it is.” Or did she mean that the person had the best of both worlds? If they could control when they were which, they for sure would have the best of both worlds.

Then Amelia asked who the guy was. She must have seen Ranger look toward Noel. Ranger felt her face warming and she found an interesting spot on the other side of the hot tub to look at.

Ranger bit her lip and after a moment said, ”That’s… Michael… An’...It’s complicated.” Ranger looked back to Amelia and slowly waved her hands to dissuade any ideas, ”Not in some silly MyFace way. We… We were both de-aged an’ best as we can figure we were together in our older lifes. From my perspective I met him a few weeks ago an’ from his he met me a few weeks ago.” And why was she blabbing so much to the girl? Ranger looked back toward Noel for just a moment before addressing Amelia again, ”We’ve spent a lot of our time since de-aging together an’... I don’t know about him… but it’s been some of the best times I can remember.”

Thinking back over the past few weeks, Ranger felt they had grown closer. They’d gone from business acquaintances to casually kissing—all before they switched bodies. They had run off together. No reason they should have but they did. Nothing concrete was holding them together and yet they kept staying together. There were numerous reasons for why they had; they had been together before all this, they had a camaraderie born of dealing with ninja, they were agents of SUPER who worked together, and they had now swapped bodies. If all they had was circumstance… Would they still be together after everything had settled down and they were back in their bodies.

”I feel comfortable around him an’ it idn’t like he doesn’t notice me.” Ranger laughed, ”I… We just haven’t…” Ranger screwed up her face thinking of how to describe her weird situation without coming out with how they were in each other’s body, ”Maybe… we could be more than we are?... I’m word vomitin’, I’m sorry.”

Becca was reminded that taking a dip in the hot tub was a no-go with her condition, so she was enjoying the heat of the water on her dipped legs, rocking her head to the throwback beats when she was approached by a friendly, familiar face!

”Andrea Gordon, fancy seeing ye it a party loch this!” Rebecca met a great many faces living in New York and working the jobs she worked, but some were easier to remember. Green skin and snakes were a fantastic calling card; a lot easier than “that blonde I met at a wine tasting.” The teacher scootched to offer a place at the edge of the pool.

As expected, the baby bump was noticed right away, though Becca also caught the moment of attention her physique earned. She grinned, willing to not explain her state. Why not enjoy seeming like a proper amazon for the day? ”Ah’m gettin’ close tae five months noo. Time’s certainly flyin’ in ‘at regard.”

The redhead watched the snakes in Andrea’s hair freed from their ties, fascinated by them. She almost missed the polite question. ”Ah’m enjoyin’ it aw right, though Ah suppose it’s nae fer me. Ah’m stickin’ around in case th’ mansion teens need me. E’en if th’ current mansion teens include two ay mah de-aged ex-girlfriends who suddenly seem tae be thick as thieves,” she joked lightly, seeing no reason not to make a joke about it. It was absurd, right? Absurd and true.

”Hoo abit ye? Ye an’ th’ wee snakies enjoyin’ th’ festivities?” Becca might have temporary physical mutations, but she found people who lived with them far more impressive. Andrea’s mutation was even more unique, with the snakes having some minds of their own.

Reaching up toward Andrea’s scalp, she absentmindedly proposed, ”Dae they loch attention? Ah’d be willin’ tae trade tummy touchin’ fer some snake scritching. Heck, maybe mah wee ain woods kick?” Everyone wanted to touch a pregnant woman’s stomach, which was normally a bit intrusive, but maybe she could use that to her advantage?

Floating the suggestion out there, fishing for a response, definitely gave Ezmeralda’s line a solid tug. She caught that smile; this guy was not afraid to play. Not gay, and if he was married, he was not showing hesitation about the offer. ”Well, I certainly strive to be good company. Keeping a conversation going is sort of fifty percent of my job.” Stripping out of clothing made up most of the other half.

Like a very smart young man, Ashton not only validated Ez, he recognized an opportunity to compliment her bottom. Ez was never accused of humility, and was open to reward points for proper praise. ”Jealous, you say? Because sexy guys in goofy shirts can’t help but chase after a booty like mine?” She smirked, smacking Ashton’s butt as she walked past him to the bidding slips. ”I think I’d be jealous, too.”

After writing the amount she came to donate, hidden from Ashton so he did not see how much she was actually donating, she gave up her slip and turned back to her companion. Reclaiming her drink, she walked past him once more, tugging at the side of her bikini bottoms to tug them down just a little. Just enough to tease. ”Gonna keep chasing, stud?” she murmured as she passed, giving him a moment to watch her from behind as she walked to a hot tub.

Dipping herself into the water, she set down her drink and reached behind her back for a small gold clasp. It was daring, but it was the first frisky thing that came to mind. Maybe she had certain gems lingering in her stomach, making mischief. She let her upper body dip under the bubbly surface of the tub, leaning her shoulders forward, until a white bikini top was floating near her. She looked over her shoulder at her prey new friend with a wolfish grin.

Once his drinks were cleared and no one entere the tub he was in one could mistake Sam from sleeping. He wasn’t though. Just enjoying himself. Almost too much. Sam pushed himself upwards before he went under completely then pushed himself out of the tub. It would have looked like he lost his footing, which was better than falling asleep at a party. Is this what happened when you get into a relationship?

Sam looked through the crowds and decided he was just boring now. Boring and a little tipsy. Sam’s legs weakened for a moment before he regained his balance. Was he drunk? Did the hot tub relax him that much he’d feel this way? Or was he drugged? Sam looked at the nearest tray of glasses and grabbed one and took a sip before spotting his date for the evening Amelia slip into a tub with another woman he couldn’t see very well. ”You go girl.” Sam said allowed. He wasn’t sure why he did but he didn’t think anything more on it. A nearby stranger might have thought of it as encouragement.

The icemancer decided to walk around till he found himself staring at every woman he was passing and not where he should. It took him a moment before he realized where his eyes should be and he corrected them by grabbing another two drinks to his already slightly sipped one. ”Don’t get in trouble.” he said to himself finding that the safest place right now was probably with Amelia. They were friends. He didn’t have to worry about anything there. ‘Cora.’ He reminded himself as he passed another pair of women who only got a grin.

When he got to the tub he cleared his throat hoping not to ruin any magic that was going on here. If there was magic. ”Ami, sorry I’m late.” Sam said as he sat down and offered up a drink to both Ami and the woman she was talking to. If they didn’t want them the icemancer was willing to take care of contents later.

‘Eye contact’ Sam thought to himself again wonder what was wrong with him tonight his gaze shifted from the stranger to Ami he gave her a thumbs up. ”Had trouble getting these two.” Sam mocked cheers the two women then took a swig. ”Whose you’re friend?” Sam offered a wave, ”I’m Sam. And trying really hard to stay out of trouble.” his eyes managed to fix on hers instead of other locations on her person.

”This place is not helping me any.” Sam smirked slipping into the tub not really picking up on the situation in the tub. Everyone wanted him around. He was Sam. Everyone wanted his company.

The punch caught him off guard. It shouldn't have, but he'd been focusing really hard on trying to get his butt to waggle in just the right way... yeah. He definitely deserved that.

It sent him sprawling backwards a step onto some poor woman's fingers. He jumped up to his toes and danced around in an attempt to not smash anything else vital. Only, he wasn't all that great at avoiding puddles and his head was spinning a bit. He wasn't at his best.

Noel slipped on a stack of towels and landed with one leg in the hot tub occupied by two beautiful ladies who were only soaking their feet.

"I-uh. I've found my tribe. Mind if I join ya?" Noel congratulated himself on a smooth re-entry into society and stuck his other leg into the water. He smiled and waved over the head of the green-skinned woman at the man who'd tried, and failed, to kidnap him.

"I had a bit a' fallin' out with the punchy one. Y'all seem nice, though. Name's Michael." Hm. Yes. That was right he was still Michael.

((Rebecca Grey-Morris & Andrea "Danger Noodle" Gordon I choose you!))

Gosh! Five months already! Time certainly flew when she wasn't paying attention to it.

"Well, you look wonderful!" Pregnant women were often very insecure about the ways that their bodies were changing and in her practice, it was common to wiggle in as many compliments as she could to help relieve some of that mental stress. Becca, from what she knew of her, might not have needed it per say, but it couldn't hurt any, right?

"Oh, lordy. I had known that there were a lot of cases of that.. but it sounds like the school got hit pretty hard?" She tried to avoid a bit of the tension that came along with all of the people afflicted by the de-aging by chuckling slightly and swinging her feet in the water. "I do not envy you. Teenage hormones are one of the worse things to deal with, I feel."

The Greek smiled pleasantly at the woman, lifting a hand to smooth her gloved fingers over Sloths scales. The snakes were having a blast now that they were free of the constricting braid, although they were all trying and failing to get into the hot water.

"I'm a bit nervous, to be honest. I am not used to such lively festivities. The kinds of charities I usually attend are very reserved and a bit... stuffy." She.. just wasn't going to mention the ones Carol used to sucker her into going to that involved auctioning off dates with people.

"Oh! Feel free to pet them, dear. They certainly do love it when people talk to them and pet them. Just be careful with Sloth. It tends to cling a bit." The big white snake in question licked his tongue out at being called out like that. It was true, but still!

She was blushing a bit, but couldn't figure out if it was from the hot tub, the environment, or the usual fluster that came with people touching her serpents. Instead of focusing on it, she just smiled and held up one of her gloved hands to wiggle her fingers. "It is okay, as much as I would love to feel your little one kick it's safer in this environment to keep my hands to myself. I would never want to inadvertently hurt you if the heat made one of my gloves break." It was a good thing she'd thought to bring a backup stare, too, since she hadn't realized there would be water involved in this excursion.

"How is Gawain handling everything?"

She jumped a bit as someone else abruptly joined them and blinked wide orange eyes at the new face. "O-oh... no, of course not!" Her surprise didn't last long and soon she was all smiles again. It was a party, after all, so of course others would probably pop in to socialize. She'd forgotten having been so focused on Becca.

"P..punchy one??" He'd been punched?! She'd been about to turn, but then he introduced himself formally and the urge to reciprocate won over her curiosity about his comment. Maybe it was slang? She didn't understand half of what kids these days were saying.

"It is nice to meet you, Michael! I am Andrea." She pulled Sloth back as it tried to slither closer to investigate the new face. Really, she probably should have put them all back in their braid, but... it was a paaarty! She just needed to keep a close eye on the big one so it didn't latch onto anyone and put them both in an awkward situation-

"Ooh! I love your swim trunks!"

They touched for the briefest moment, but Sveta could feel the jolt as Spencer registered the contact. Uh-oh.

>>"I-uh. Ow? I think you shocked me."

"That is possible" Sveta noted, moving away from the other woman. There was something definitely changing. Of course a reporter sidling up to her would be a mutant. It was just her luck. Did she know? Did she have intel about the boosting powers?... Sveta's eyes narrowed at Spencer.

>>"So what kind of statement we talking here? Off the record, still?"

"There will be a press conference" Sveta confided. The smile didn't do much for her, and frankly, she was getting a little annoyed by the fact that the press had eyes all over the pool party that was... seemingly getting a little heated. "Haven is taking on more public roles. Social responsibility and whatnot. You know, plugging holes the government can't be bothered to fix for mutant citizens." blink "Still off the record."

After a couple of minutes relaxing in the hot tub, Serena finished her drink and slipped back out, wandering around the room and smiling, shaking hands again while trying not to engage in too much more social activity. She wondered how long she should stick around, what would look right? Spotting a few faces she recognised here or there from around the mansion, Rebecca was conversing with someone she didn't recognise, she was pretty sure she spotted a de-aged Amelia chatting to a pair she didn't know either.

Giving that situation as wide a berth as possible, Serena made her way back to the bar and ordered another gin and tonic, it seemed an appropriate drink for this sort of party. The bartender was a nice enough guy, good looking if that was what you were into and Serena also noted he didn't seem overly zealous with the ID checking, maybe pretty faces were his thing. Alas, male bartenders were not hers.

She turned around and started making her way back over to the hot tubs, chatting with people she recognised from haven here and there. She was enjoying herself quite a lot, thinking about what a positive event this was. It was the right kind of positive mutant awareness, there were definitely good intentions, good people behind this.

There was a kind of giddiness in the air, an elated feeling seeping into the crowd. There were drinks, this made sense. After a minute or so of trying to politely excuse herself from a flirtatious gentlemen Serena more abruptly countered "Sorry, excuse me." And turned to move away more quickly than she normally would have. Some people just couldn't take a hint.

She very nearly barrelled straight into a woman she didn't recognise but caught herself. There were of course, wet patches on the floor from the hot tubs, but Serena had pretty good reflexes and had trained regularly with a man that liked to cover the floor in ice. She caught herself and realigned her balance, just barely not knocking her drink out of her hand, or the new woman's hands. Her cheeks flushed a little in embarrassment.

"Oh goodness, I'm so sorry, that was nearly messy." She apologised sincerely while she tried not to think too hard about how nice the woman's eyes were.

((Niko Kobayashi tag, you're it!))

The Hot Tub party turned out to have an amazing turn out. As Niko walked through the auction area, she placed a few silent bids but made sure to not outbid anyone who truly seemed to want certain prizes. Though her persona as Melissa was a party girl, she didn’t want to make too much of a scene by spending all her money in one place. So, rather, she focused instead on just a few simple prizes and only drove up money for things that would ensure a good return for the organization.

After winning a ski trip that she would probably give away to a loyal business partner, she took another sip of her drink and decided that the auction was probably tapped out for the evening. She would channel her focus on participating in the hot tubs before deciding that enough was enough. She was only here to make a show and earn some extra money for a worthwhile organization.

Taking another sip of her drink, her gaze flicked down to her phone as she began to type in another live Chirp. In this one she began to write about the city’s most beautiful being in attendance when she felt her step stagger.

She was sure footed. You had to be when you were running rooftops in pursuit of prey. So the fact that her footstep felt uneasy was...disturbing. But just as her mind started to reel in on that thought, she suddenly felt more relaxed and just a little...buzzy. Huh. This felt nice. She didn’t think she had that much to drink. How much proof was the alcohol they were using?

Momentarily she thought of this when, out of the corner of her eye, near one of the hot tubs she caught an absolutely lovely sight. There was a woman with a rather curvaceous backside that she flashed at her male companion. Lucky guy. She grinned a little as she looked over the woman from afar, to the point that she must have been too distracted when she began to walk away.

Oomph. There was a squeak of surprise and an apology as she turned around to see another woman, a blonde, in a rather nice maroon one piece. Wow, there really were a lot of beautiful women at this event, weren’t there? Her eyes looked over the other who was holding her drink back, trying to put most distance between them as she almost spilled on her. Niko just smirked at that as she turned to give the blonde her full attention.

”Oh, it's fine, Gorgeous,” she smirked dreamily. ”As you can see,” she gestured to herself. ”Not much on me that you could have stained. Did you spill any?” she asked, gesturing to the drink in the woman’s hand. ”I can buy you another if you like.”

Serena had hardly flinched talking to a flirty bartender, and other people that recognised her demonstrating interest, a stunning woman complimenting her though? Especially when she had nearly just done something potentially embarrassing and or painful to the other woman due to her own negligence? Well now, that made her blush.

Serena's eyes did a quick once over of the lovely woman standing in front of her, noting the appealing, suitable Bikini she wore and then freezing when she reached her eyes, taking them in for a moment. "I-Yes, you are." Funny how Serena's brain short circuited around pretty ladies.

Serena had been so composed a few minutes ago, and now everything felt all floaty. She was definitely a little giddy, probably the drinks and the compliments. Deep, beautiful brown eyes.

It was a considerable effort bringing her head out of the clouds. "I-no, I'm typically rather good at keeping my balance." She definitely felt off balance right now. "Very generous of you though." she was barely conscious of the fact she was grinning so widely, showing teeth. "Sorry, where are my manners, I'm Serena. Sorry again for nearly crashing into you."

He got a smack... but the good kind. Not the kind on the face. Sometimes, people do not appreciate aspects of their anatomy being appreciated, but this woman was not one of those types.

He grinned at her comment and her smirk, and did not jump slightly when she swatted him on the keester. He took it in stride.

A low chuckle escaped Ashton. Oh, this woman was fun.

She went to the bidding slips, did her thing, then teased him again and called him stud. ”Heh. What kind of idiot would I to walk away now? I have to see how things end.”

Okay. Any red blooded American male would stare. That didn’t make him a pig.

Ashton didn’t tear his shirt off as fast as he could, to lob it in a trash can or throw it at a passing waiter so he could join Ez faster in the hot tub. But he did loosen his collar, and follow after her. She slipped in. And a moment later, something noteworthy drifted to the top of the water.

Ashton turned and calmly stripped off his loud Hawaiian t-shirt. He folded it and placed it by the side of the tub. Turning back to her, he revealed a fine physique. Military academy, running, and weight training had left a positive effect on him. Even in spite of his love of bacon cheeseburgers.

As he slid into the hot tub, he smiled at her coyly. ”Well, Ez. Looks like you won. You got me out of my shirt, and it didn’t cost you a dime!”

Up until then, he had not been able to tap into his mutation. Ever since he had grown young again. Never with a conscious thought. Now, though, with a few drinks under his belt and a beautiful woman in front of him, it happened by chance. Subconscious, unconscious, whatever. Ashton was by the edge of the hot tub one second, and near her, the next. Right where the bikini top had been. And where he had been, there was the bikini top. The faint scent of cinnamon hung in the air.

Ashton slipped in next to her, to lean against her side of the hot tub with one arm sling out onto the floor outside the tub.

”So Ez. Now that you have me, what follows? I’m dying to see.” he said. And as he leaned there casually, smiling, the phrase ‘step into my parlor, said the spider to the fly’ ran through his mind. He wasn’t certain why.

This feeling was...strange. Niko just felt so...relaxed. Normally there was always a tiny bit of stress thanks to her attempting to keep her cover going. The only time she had ever truly felt at ease these days was when she was in her armor. The weight of it was comforting and the feel of a sword in her hands gave her focus. That was what relaxed her. But this? Pretending to be Melissa Kobayashi? That was usually wrought with stress.

Oh, but not now. The ease of her posture, the flirty smile, and the air of confidence she gave off certainly kept her standing straight and tall as she peered over the newcomer. The blonde who had nearly nudged into her. Gosh, everyone here was just so damn pretty.


The immortal samurai greeted the woman with a honeyed name and a flirty smile. Turning to face her, Niko stood boldly before her. The bikini she wore left little to the imagination. The black and white fabric covered the essential parts of her anatomy, but the combination of her curves and a little imagination quickly filled in any gaps. Reaching up, she ran her hand through her long, ebony hair, grinning as she spied the colorful reddish to the other’s cheeks.

Adorable.

At her stammered words, Niko grinned a little wider and flicked a glance to the woman’s glass. It seemed that she was fine, probably having spilled, at most, a couple droplets. She confirmed that buying a new drink wasn’t at all necessary, Niko was also gifted by the sweet sounds of a name. Serena. Mentally she repeated that moniker to herself, rolling it around, twisting it inside and out as she absorbed it into herself. Such a lovely name.

”Ooo, Serena,” Niko practically purred as she edged a little closer to her. ”Feel free to crash into whatever you like, honey.” She started to form an N with her lips, nearly giving off her real name but managed to catch herself just long enough to offer her hand and correct. ”Melissa. It’s lovely to meet you.”

Another teasing smile adored her lips. She gave her another, subtle and yet obvious, look over and sighed. It looks like she had just recently vacated a hot tub. Shame, she would have enjoyed the sight of seeing her submerged. Oh well, maybe there would be a chance later.

”Were you heading to the auction?” she inquired, gesturing to the area of the party where bids were being placed. ”That have some interesting lots. Plenty to...entice.”

Serena might have been pretty terrible at the whole flirting thing, but she was pretty good at picking up on hints. She cleared her throat in an attempt to kill any stammering or awkwardness, however despite her steadier voice her intentions were betrayed by her still hot cheeks. "You may regret that." She fired back as smoothly as possible, unable to not admire the woman standing in front of her.

"Melissa, I'll definitely remember that." She shook Melissa's hand gently. Shaking hands at charity events was something familiar and comfortable. Okay, she was definitely checking Serena out. And her smile was just... So alluring.

Auctions? She'd seen some of the options, and she did find them amusing but she wasn't here to win something, she just dropped a donation and engaged in the event, shaking hands, sending out some chirps. A giggle escaped. "I'm sure they do, I've already donated and done been around, I was just relaxing and wandering when it would be acceptable to move along." She lingered a little on the 'was' part of the explanation.

"Things do seem to be getting interesting though." She chirped, goofy grin returned in full bloom.

Her grin widened. A promise to regret her decision? Nah. Even through the haze of her mind she knew she would regret nothing. After all, looking at a woman like this, with a smile like this, what could she possibly regret? An easy smile on her lips she took a careful sip of her drink. She really should stop. She was already feeling a little buzzy but it was getting harder and harder to make that decision to stop. Why, when she was feeling so absolutely good?

Now that their names were offered, Niko felt just a little more relaxed. She almost had a slip up before, saying her real name to this absolute stranger. That would have been a mistake. But, yet, what did she have to fear? Serena seemed like an honest, trusting and hot girl. Surely she could trust her.

That was just something to keep in mind as she turned to inspect the auction section. Was that where Serena was headed? Niko had just come from there but...considering the company...she wouldn’t have minded going back.

However it seemed that it wasn’t Serena’s destination. She had already made her donations and had merely been wandering about the premises in search of another objective. Her stress on the word “was” did not fall on deaf ears. Her openness to other suggestions were clearly on the table; something that Niko wasn’t going to let slip away.

The goofy grin. That was what did it. As soon as Serena unleashed that hidden weapon, Niko felt a small thrum course across her scalp. It was like an electric current fried some of her basic functions, making her shift weight to her other leg. Though she wasn’t as weak-legged as she initially thought, she still felt so relaxed and yet so energized. Mmm, what was this woman doing to her?

”That so?” she inquired with an impish smile. Her chin lifted, she began to turn, her eyes scanning the rest of the room. Her torso twisted left and right, as she sipped her drink and hummed in her throat, trying to find a new location for the both of them. When her eyes settled on a dark, isolated corner booth, she turned back to Serena and sidled up next to her. ”You wanna go have a seat over there?” She gestured with her drink. ”Maybe get to know one another? You did, after all, almost accost me. Figure the least you can do is share a drink with me. If you’re willing, that is.”

Oh that was so freaking ADORABLE. With the blush and the ‘avert your eyes!’ Move. Whoever this guy was, he better not have been a snake. Because the lady deserved someone worth it.

Amelia listened as Noel talked about her love life, and watched the body language.

Michael was complicated. Because they were both deaged. Well, this was the party for that kind of crap, wasn’t it? But they had been together, in a past life. Yet, from her perspective... yep. That was all toooo complicated to mentally repeat.

Amelia nodded her head! Nod nod, nod! Nod.

It was sweet, really. What with the best weeks of my life comment. Confusing as hell, but sweet! She smiled at Noel, like she got what the woman was talking about. And just let her gush.

The woman finished up, and Amelia held up a hand. “It’s okay.” She said. “The vomit? It’s endearing. Listen. You just tell him what you told me. I guarantee, if he’s really into you, you won’t have any problems with getting him to the next level!” She gave the woman the thumbs up! Level up!

“Guys aren’t really that complicated.” Amelia rambled on. “Hell. Usually, it’s them that have the major problems expressing their feelings. You, though? Pretty good at that.” She nodded.

Speaking of guys, Sam appeared as if on cue. A definite guy with definite skeletons in the closet that definitely made it hard for him to get all touchy feely. Er. With the emotions, that was.

Truth be told, though she’d shot him down (and hard) the first time they had met... he was kind of a hottie. She was glad he had a girlfriend, or else she might make things awkward just for a change of scenery to shake the embarrassment of the hard shot she’d taken a few minutes prior... and potentially ruin a good friendship.

Oh good. He had alcohol. And she also had a girlfriend, too. What was she even thinking?

She shook herself slightly, to get her mind back on target, then smiled at Sam. “Right on time, actually.” She said.

She took the proffered drink, and mouthed the words ‘my hero.’

He gave her a thumbs up, and she had to think it was kind of funny they were both throwing out thumbs up like it was the 90s again.

Apparently he’d had trouble getting the drinks. She was oh so grateful he’d got them though. She mocked cheers right back. Took a drink. Mmm.

“Glad you managed.” She said. “This is Noel.” She nodded to the woman.

Sam joked about staying out of trouble, and Amelia smiled wryly. “But Sam. You are a perfect Saint. Why would you get in trouble? Lenna isn’t even here to accuse you of terrible things. Or is she? Did she come?” Amelia glances around for her BFF.