“I do, but I feel like just saying I have anxiety doesn’t really capture what I’m personally going through because everyone has their own interpretation of what anxiety means. I prefer to just explain how it feels for me outright.”

Fox nods. “Do you need anything? Water? Food?”

“I’m okay.” Joy smiles like she means it. “Thank you for asking. Not many people do.”

“Hmm.”

“And no, I don’t think they’re trying to set us up. Malcolm wouldn’t do something like that.”

Fox sits down next to her, hands clasped between his knees. “Summer might. If she thinks she’s helping—” He pauses. “Let’s just say her good intentions aren’t always that well thought out.”

“You know what they say about hell and good intentions.” Joy tries to make sense of what he said, but it feels off. “Why would she think setting us up is helping anyone? Helping what? Who?”

“You.” Fox exhales into a sigh. “I’m not sure which of them came up with the idea, but I think they’re both in on it. Sorry. I see the way you look at him.”

Joy’s enduring cool slips for a split second, surprise flitting across her face. Are her feelings that obvious? And if they are . . . why can’t Malcolm . . . She exhales through her nose. Does he know and just . . . not care?

Deciding to lean into distraction, Joy scoffs and says, “I look at everyone exactly the same. Except for racists, rapists, and child molesters. I’m sure they can see the flames behind my eyes as I imagine them spontaneously combusting.”

“Wow.” Fox shakes his head, laughing quickly. His mood returns to solemn before she blinks again. How long has he been thinking about this setup situation? It’s clearly weighing him down—she sees it in his posture and furrowed brow. She’s sure he really believes what he’s saying, that he’s right. It’s kind of sweet how concerned he is.

“How come you two didn’t come say hi?” Summer appears with Malcolm in tow. “They invited us to a party.”

Joy stares at Malcolm with a clear that’s not on the agenda look. He gets the message, saying, “It’s the night before we leave. It’ll be fine.”

“I bet,” Joy says dryly. She didn’t believe Fox over Malcolm—he’s done nothing to earn her trust and Malcolm has done everything to earn her benefit of the doubt.

All she knows is someone is lying to her.

Big mistake.

Summer picks up the bright pink board resting on the ground. “I think I’m ready to go in. Fox?”