Selena was halfway through a romantic comedy she wasn't even enjoying when the knock came. It wasn't a polite like a neighborly tap, but it was steady. Intentionally firm. The kind that made her spine straighten and her breath catch halfway in her throat.
She muted the television. Her hand lingered near the remote as she tilted her head toward the door, frozen. Another knock. She didn't expect anyone to come today. She stood, barefoot and hesitant. The small apartment felt ten degrees warmer suddenly, as if the air itself thickened with nerves. She crossed the living room with slow, measured steps and peeked through the peephole.
Her stomach dropped.
Jennette.
And Sam.
Her mouth went dry. For a moment, she didn't move. Just stared. Maybe if she stayed quiet, they'd go away. Maybe—
Another knock.
Selena opened the door a crack, her body tense.
Jennette smiled softly. "Hey."
