Lunch, Lies, and Career Crises

Just as the comfortable silence started to settle between them, the door swung open like it was auditioning for a dramatic entrance award. Marisol waltzed in, arms laden with bags of food, looking far too pleased with herself for someone who'd taken way too long to fetch lunch.

"Food's here!" she announced with the grace of a seagull, which is to say, not much. "And no, I didn't get lost, in case you were wondering."

Amara, who had been enjoying the rare peace with Elara, plastered on a tight smile. "No, but we were betting on you getting caught in a vortex of bad decisions."

Elara's snicker almost made Amara feel victorious, though the suspicious look Marisol shot her was a nice bonus.

"You two play nice now," Marisol said, setting the bags down with a flourish. "Eat. I'm not babysitting hangry actresses and heiresses today."