“Vonda?”

Both Vonda and Max, who was not directly addressed, stopped abruptly. They turned to see several people approaching Vonda. Quickly counting in his mind, Max realized that three women and two men were walking toward them.

“You've finally arrived,” Vonda said with a sweet smile. “I didn't think you'd make it.”

Max took a small step back so Vonda could greet her friends. It did not take long for those casual greetings to turn into hearty laughter.

It was unclear how long it took Vonda and her friends to catch up, until one of them took Vonda's hand and gave Max a meaningful look. Naturally, Max felt uncomfortable under...