Invite Colby

“Hey,” you say, getting serious for a second and taking her hand. “I don’t know what the plan is tonight, but do you want to come?”

She gazes up at you, a look of something like bafflement on her face. Then she smiles and shakes her head.

“I’ll pass,” she says, pulling her hand free. “I still have a headache from last night.”

You do as well. You and Colby aren’t usually big drinkers. You only do it because of CCL, and she’s not trying to impress them, you are.

“Right,” you say, but you hold her gaze.

“Some other time,” she assures you.

OK. You are a bit disappointed, but at least you’ve made sure that you’re still on good terms with her. You were worried after last night, but even if you didn’t really get a chance to talk about it… your impulsive decision to kiss her did not ruin things. You have your whole life to figure this out.

“I’ll miss you,” you tell her, pretending to reach for her hand again.

She laughs and blushes. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says firmly.

You head back to the booth, where you find the girls in good spirits. Business isn’t slowing down. They welcome you back, and there’s so much going on that you don’t have time to agonize about Colby. You told yourself that you would wait and talk to her about it, but you haven’t had this conversation with yourself yet. What was that kiss last night? Do you want to think about Colby as more than a friend?

Doesn’t matter. You have to work now. Yuki takes off for her break, and you and Nancy pose with everyone who wants a photo. You’re getting tired, but this isn’t hard work. At least… not until the unexpected happens.

You notice Athena frowning at her phone.

“Is there a problem?” you ask.

“Huh?” She looks startled. “No.” She quickly flips her phone over, frowning. “I have to step away for a minute.” Without waiting for an answer, Athena grabs her bag and hustles away into the crowd.

“What the shit?” Nancy says, puzzled.

“Huh,” you agree. You’ve never seen Athena look like that, and you’re shocked that she would do this. You and Nancy can handle this, but still. It’s a bit rude. Athena is never rude. Something must be up.

Well… running CCL, especially in post-crisis mode must be stressful. And Athena must have a life. She’s not actually a goddess, she’s just a person like you.

But you’re curious, and you know that Nancy must be as well.

There’s no doubt that Nancy will give her blessing if you propose slipping away to spy on Athena.

Or you can stay here and just mind the booth like you’re supposed to.