“I didn’t have time to shower.” I look away so that I don’t have to see her reaction and wave to Robbie as he hops out of a car driven by another student.

I check my watch. “Five minutes to go... We might as well head in.”

We take an elevator to the third floor. The office is light and airy, with big windows, stainless steel furniture and light blue accents. The modern, clean look should create a soothing atmosphere, but my stomach drops as I step off the elevator. I feel like I’m having the dream where I’m in a play I forgot to rehearse for, or when I show up to school naked.

“Williams, Brown and Moore,” a pretty receptionist says into a phone. She narrows her eyes at us. Sara takes a seat in the waiting area and taps her foot on the floor. Robbie paces behind her.

“All right.” The receptionist types into the computer. “I’ll get him the message, thanks.” She hangs up the phone with a click. “Can I help you?” she asks us.

“Yes.” I step forward. “I am Braden Hart—we’re from Perfect10.”

She flips through a schedule in front of her.

“Our appointment is at one, but we might not be on there—there was a cancellation.”

She nods. “Have a seat. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

I sit next to Sara.

She leans over and whispers, “Please tell me this is like the class presentation and you’ve secretly been preparing a perfect pitch.”

“I wish I could.” I wring my hands.

“Hey guys.” A fortysomething man in dark jeans and a button-down steps into the room.

We shoot out of our seats.

“I’m Michael.” He shakes each of our hands. “I’m looking forward to hearing about your project. Let’s head back to my office.”

He leads us into a large room. There is a huge window against the back wall with a beautiful view of the foothills and in front of that, a grand desk.

Three tiny chairs are lined up near the door.

He offers us water, which none of us take, and then tells us to sit down. I settle into the seat farthest to the right. The florescent lights from above bear down on me. I can’t help but feel like I’m about to be interrogated.

Why is it so bright in here?

“So.” He folds his hands on the desk in front of him. “Tell me about this app.”

I lean forward to the edge of my seat. “Well...”