“You’re right,” Kat agreed. “That is better.” She added another finished piece of shaped dough to the baking sheet, a veritable army of cookie cocks awaiting the oven. “Since Julia already got her bonus experience…” She paused. “And I’m referring to the serenade,” she clarified, shooting a warning glance at Andie. “When do you think we’ll get our special activity?”

“What did you choose again?” Julia wondered.

“Stuck in an elevator,” Kat said.

“Ah, going for some forced proximity.” Andie grinned. “Fun.”

“How does this all work, anyway?” Julia wondered. “Couldn’t Kat end up stuck in the elevator with someone other than Zach?”

“Unlikely.” Andie fiddled with some of the leftover dough. “One of the tasks of the game master is to monitor character interaction. A good GM will decide how and when to put various elements into motion, based on their observations, and even the most oblivious GM could figure out who Kat wants to end up stuck in an elevator with.”

“Not to mention, I’ve been trying to find excuses to ride the elevator with Zach all week,” Kat admitted. “But so far, no luck.”

Julia tilted her head. “No luck riding the elevator with him or no luck getting stuck?”

“Or no luck getting lucky?” Andie added.

“All of the above.” Kat sighed. “I’d just really like some guaranteed alone time with him, you know?”

Andie and Julia exchanged glances.

“What was that?” Kat demanded.

“What was what?” Julia hedged.

“Don’t play innocent with me, Jules. I saw you two looking at each other. You’re doing that thing.”

“What thing?” Andie asked.

“You’re judging me.”

“We’re not judging,” Julia said mildly. “We’re worried.”

“About me?” Kat stiffened. “Why?”

“Zach’s an actor,” Andie said.

“I know that,” Kat snapped.

Andie held up her hands, voice placating. “All I’m saying is, you need to remember what’s real and not real.”

“Do you honestly think I can’t tell the difference between truth and make-believe?” Kat bristled. “I’m perfectly aware that we’re participating in a simulation .”

“I’ve seen it happen before,” Andie said carefully.

“I’m here to have fun. Play the game. Live the fantasy. That’s it,” Kat insisted.

“All I’m saying is, it’s easier than you might think for things to get … confusing once emotions are involved.” Andie placed a gentle hand on Kat’s shoulder. “The rules of the game are hard to follow when you mix fantasy and reality.”

After a tense beat, Kat relaxed. “I appreciate the warning.” Her smile was still a bit stiff as she looked at them, but the anger had left her voice. “And you both should remember to be careful too.”