Hannah’s meeting with a potential wedding client in her office, and I’ve just made up my mind to ask her about the jade plants when the bell announces a customer, and seconds later, Emily and Aviana walk into the workroom.

“We come bearing gifts,” announces Em, and she holds aloft a bag of day-old snickerdoodles, my favorite cookie. I know she’s brought them because I told her about Mom’s financial ultimatum at lunch today, and I smile at her gratefully. My afternoon is starting to feel better.

Aviana’s presence today is a minor miracle. She used to hang with us all the time, but she’s gotten so busy with swimming and martial arts that, these days, we see her only at lunch—when she’s presiding over meetings as the president of the Asian Students’ Coalition.

“The filter broke at the pool,” she explains, “so they canceled practice.”

“Cool.” I pick up a blue echeveria to go next to the aloe, and as I settle it into the soil, Aviana leans over and says, “Sooo. When’s Owen gonna show up?”

“I don’t know. He’s on a delivery.” Wait a sec. “Is that why you guys are here? So you can check out Owen?”

Aviana recoils in mock shock. “Never! We’re here because we love you!”

“Also my mom says that Hannah says you guys are hecka cute together.” Em nibbles on a cookie and smirks at me.

“Why do you guys insist on playing in the shallow end of the pool?” I grumble. “Can we talk about something besides boys?”

“Sure. Let’s talk about the History Club,” says Aviana, and she and Emily high-five and collapse into giggles. Hilarious.

At least the History Club joke has died by the time Owen walks in the door, back from a delivery. He takes off his jacket to reveal another T-shirt with words on it—If history repeats itself, I’m getting a dinosaur—and a picture of a cartoon guy riding a cartoon T. rex. I’ll admit, it makes me smile.

Spotting Emily and Aviana, he sticks out his hand. “Hey. I’m Owen.”

They raise their eyebrows at each other before smiling at Owen and shaking his hand. I can tell they’re already scheming.

“So do you like working here?” asks Aviana after the introductions are over.

“Sure. Spreading love and joy and beauty all around—what could be better?” He grins, and I roll my eyes. “For real, though,” he says.

“But you have to be all by yourself in the car. I’d rather hang here with CJ,” says Em. “She’s the best. Right, Aviana?”

Aviana nods enthusiastically. “She’s the best. Like the. Best.”

That’s it. “Okay, thanks for the cookies. See you later,” I say. I grab the bag of cookies out of Aviana’s hand and point my so-called friends toward the door.