“So fabulous to see you,” she says, standing and wrapping Garrett in a big hug.

“You look amazing,” he says into her hair. “It’s been too long.”

“Way too long,” she says.

Separating, they take their seats across the table from each other.

“Tea? Coffee?” she asks.

“We’ll have what you’re having,” Garrett replies. I sink down next to him, our backs to the door. Fortunately, there’s a mirror behind Faye, so I can still see everyone who enters the shop. And the front door is the only way out.

Faye enters our order into the screen on the table, and I lower my mask so I can drink.

“This is my ‘sister,’ Betsy,” he introduces me.

“Very nice,” she says, giving me a once-over, offering me her tapered fingers. “He made any moves on you yet?”

My jaw drops, and I have no words.

Garrett busts out laughing.

“Don’t worry, lovie. He will.” She winks.

“I hope not,” I reply, finding my tongue.

“That’s good. It will save you a lifetime of heartache. The truth is, despite that overwhelming charisma, he’s all business. Born to dash hopes. Nobody has a chance. Believe me, I tried.” She laughs.

“Do you remember Chloe?” I ask.

Faye laughs harder. “I do.”

“How have you been?” Garrett asks, silencing her. “What’s it like out there?”

“A dream come true. It’s everything we hoped.” To my surprise, she grows serious. “But we don’t have much time, so let’s get to why you’re here. Nicki.”

A robot delivers our drinks, and I sip the sweet, creamy green concoction, enjoying the warmth it sends through me. I have no idea what it is, but it’s worlds beyond any drink I’ve had at Keystone—probably infused using some forbidden technology. Maybe there are some things I miss about Influencer life…

“Yes,” Garrett says. “From what we can tell from her Network, she’s into music, dance, she goes to a lot of charity benefits…”

“But she’s only showing us what she wants us to see,” I say.

Faye nods. “I can give you a little insight, but she’s not an easy nut to crack. She’s good at keeping her mask in place. It’ll take time. I’ve been hanging in her circle for six months, and she still doesn’t trust me. She likes me, but she doesn’t trust me.”

“How are we going to get close to her?” I ask. “We don’t have six months or even six weeks!”