“I really didn’t know,” said Thea while also smiling, “Quincy and I were best friends at the time, but I had no idea she had a boyfriend.”

“Ahem!”

James let out a few dry coughs. He did not expect them to talk about him, much less being so upbeat and lighthearted while doing so. This was not quite like the Thea he was used to.

He quickly changed the subject. “Alright, let's stop gossiping. I just received some news today.”

James began to speak, repeating everything Halvor had said. Then, he