She cried for the Hudson she thought she’d met, but who had never been there at all. She cried for the Annika who’d wanted so badly for this to be a fairy tale, a love story with a happily-ever-after. She cried because it had turned out to be just another failed first date, just another sign from the universe that maybe, just maybe, she was meant to be alone. She cried because she hadn’t cried for all those things yet, since she’d been too busy crying for her father. And then, finally, she cried because she was just so tired of crying.

Thankfully, by the time June arrived, Annika had managed to dry her tears and muster some semblance of normalcy. She needed to appear at least slightly put together today. It was the day they’d learn the results of the EPIC pitch.

Annika sat at her desk later that morning, deep-breathing in time to the anxiety app on her phone. “It’s all fine. I looked it up and actually, filing for business bankruptcy is a very straightforward process.”

June studied her from behind her desk, her eyebrows knitting together as she played with her Yoda figurine. “But you don’t know yet if we’ve won.” Glancing at the clock on the wall, she added, “We still have an hour until EPIC officially notifies the winner. It could be us!”

Annika breathed in for a four-count, held it, and let it out for a four-count before responding. “If one thing’s become clear to me with a little time and sleep, June, it’s that I did a really, really poor job with that pitch. I was emotional and distracted and…” She shook her head, feeling a pinprick of guilt. “I know I did the best I could, given what was going on at the time, but…”

June was nibbling at her lip, her eyes watchful.

Annika sat back in her chair. It squeaked softly under her weight. “Mm. Now that’s an ‘I have many questions’ face if ever I saw one.”

June fiddled with Yoda’s oversized ears. “No, it’s just that with everything going on, we haven’t really talked about Hudson.”

Annika focused on the anxiety app’s encouraging, glowing orb and took a deep breath again. “Ziggy didn’t tell you?”

“No. Actually, the last I heard from him was yesterday. He said some stuff was going on that he needed to take care of, but that he’d call me later today. None of them are back in the office yet.” June paused. “I wondered if that had anything to do with you and Hudson, but I didn’t ask. I wanted you to be able to tell me on your own time.”

Annika smiled a little. “Thanks, Junebug. You’re a good friend. What am I saying? You’re the sister I never had.”

June’s eyes got misty. “Same.”