If she’s ready, then I’ve taken even longer than I thought. Sloane is notorious for her tardiness. In high school, our shared friend group used to tell her we were meeting an hour earlier than we actually were. Half the time, she was still late.

I cast one final glance at my reflection. I got my hair cut yesterday. Now, the blonde strands fall just past my shoulders. I let it dry naturally, so there’s a slight wave to the texture. My blue eyes look wide, excited. The sleek lines of the pink dress make me look put together. Poised. Professional. Like I’m headed to a polo match or a lawn party. I take a deep breath and open my bedroom door before I decide against this outfit too. Most of my wardrobe is still in boxes. I don’t have any other option that won’t involve hacking at tape and flying fabric.

Sloane, my best friend and roommate, is lounging against the couch in the living room, scrolling on her phone. I’d bet my meager savings she’s on a dating app.

She glances up and eyes my appearance. “You changed.”

“Yeah. Did you like the green dress better?” I literally can’t remember the last time I wore anything besides scrubs or yoga pants. I’m out of practice on the whole dressing-up thing.

Sloane’s head tilts to the left as she studies me. “No, the pink is cute.” She stands. “Is Noah almost here?”

“No, he’s running late.” I don’t say why. “Let’s just Uber.”

One brown eyebrow arches. “You were just complaining about how broke you are last night.”

“I am broke. But I’m also earning money for the first time ever, not just sinking further into debt.”

Sloane rolls her eyes. “Please. You’ll pay off your med school loans in no time. Doctors make a ton. The Phillipses are filthy rich.”

“Dr. Phillips runs the whole hospital, Sloane. I’m a first-year resident. Two very different pay grades.”

“Whatever. Dr. Phillips loves you. You’ll be promoted in no time.”

I smile. “That’s not at all how it works.”

Sloane is no longer listening to me, back on her phone and pulling up what I’m guessing is the Uber app. “Jimmy will be here in two minutes,” she announces, heading toward the door.

“Great.” I double-check I have everything I need in my bag, triple-checking for the two boxes of candles, then follow her out onto the porch and down the stairs.