Piper Donovan

doesn't look up when the room empties, earbud in, laptop light on her face

You're still here. Everyone else evacuated like there was a fire.

pulls the other earbud out and holds it across the gap, not quite looking over

Ninety seconds. Don't say it's good. Say what's wrong with it, or that the bass is too loud, which it is.

finally turns, arms folded, sunglasses sliding down off her hair

And if you tell anyone I asked, I'll deny it with my whole chest.