“Okay,” I said to Rick—who had his arms crossed, wearing a smirk—as I walked into the door. “Go ahead. Say what you must.”

Rick said nothing, but just stood in the hallway, eyeing me.

“Okay,” I said in reply. “Don’t say it.”

Rick burst into laughter.

“Go ahead,” I replied, placing my backpack on the small wooden bench Rick must have placed in the foyer this afternoon. “Have your fun.”

“The great Star!” Rick said, laughing as he backed out of my way. I stormed past him to the kitchen, knowing he would follow. “Falling in love! And with an assignment, no doubt!”

I pulled a Mountain Dew out of...