Jeff’s almost done

Jeff stirs the pasta while casually talking about the week. “Man, there’s some nasty stomach bug going around campus. Ariana had it pretty bad the other night. She was supposed to come hang out with me, but she said she was too sick.”

I freeze for half a second.

The other night.

My mind immediately goes back to the party—the upstairs hallway, the bedroom, the woman I thought was a complete stranger. I glance across the room at Ariana. She catches my eye, and instead of looking nervous, she gives me the faintest smirk before turning back toward Jeff.

“Yeah,” she says playfully, stirring her drink with the straw. “It was terrible. Absolutely miserable.”

Jeff laughs. “You were really sick.”

“Oh, I know,” she says, barely containing a grin. “I definitely needed to stay home and rest.”

I have to look away before my expression gives me away. Her tone is light, almost teasing, but I can tell from the quick glance she gives me that she knows exactly what I’m thinking.

Jeff continues talking, completely oblivious. “Well, at least you’re feeling better now.”

“Much better,” Ariana replies, shooting me another subtle smile.

My stomach twists. Somehow, her playful attitude makes the situation even more unsettling.