I gathered my own materials slowly, replaying the conversation in my mind. Had I imagined that moment of connection? The way her expression softened when I complimented her? And what about that maid costume comment – was she just trying to get a rise out of me, or was there something more to it?
More importantly, could she have been the one on the steps last night?
I checked the time. Twenty minutes until I needed to meet Sabrina with her ramen. That gave me time to drop by the main salon where Mrs. Tanaka had mentioned Harlow was waiting to "ambush" me.
Sure enough, Harlow pounced the moment I walked through the door.
"Assistant-kun!" she cried, launching herself from the couch where she'd been sitting cross-legged with her phone. "You took forever! Did Cassidy hog you the whole time? Did you bring me anything?"
"Hello to you too," I said, steadying myself as she collided with my chest. "And yes, there's strawberry milk tea in the carrier."
