Linden perked up as he grabbed hisptop, scanning over the highlighted sections and the new details Mirabe had just added. His eyes lit up. "Wow, this looks way more polished now. You''ve got some serious skills, freshman."


    "It''s because your project outline was so well-done," Mirabe replied modestly.


    Jessie raised an eyebrow, reminded of how some folks in theb pretended not to know much to seem humble. Dropping her pen, she casually draped an arm over Mirabe''s shoulder. "You''re ying the humble card like a pro, aren''t you?"


    Mirabe just shrugged.


    "Is there anything you can''t do?" Jessie teased.


    Feeling a slight headache, Mirabe rubbed her temple just as her phone on the table buzzed. ncing at it, she picked up the phone, coughed, and said, "My friend''s looking for me; gotta run. Catch youter!"


    With that, she stood up, waved to the trio, and made her exit.


    Left behind, Jessie, Linden, and Kason exchanged nces and shook their heads in unison.


    Anyone else in her shoes would probably be the talk of the department by now, instead of ying it cool like she''s just starting out.


    Maybe it was some kind of quirky genius humor?


    The trio couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy.


    **


    After leaving the study room, Mirabe noticed the call had ended. As she made her way to the staircase, she hit redial.


    It was David on the line.


    "Mirabe, did I catch you at a bad time?" David asked, suddenly remembering she was still in college.


    "Not at all, what''s up?" Mirabe replied politely.


    "Are you free tonight? How about dinner?" David asked, having justnded and meeting up with his assistant.


    "I might not have much free time right now; my family''s visiting Riverdale," Mirabe exined briefly, adding, "Let''s n for another time when I''m free. Dinner''s on me then."


    Though a bit let down, David understood and said, "That''s alright. By the way, the association''s assessment ising up soon; are you sure you don''t want to check it out?"


    Mirabe wasn''t interested, "No, thanks."


    "Alright then." David wasn''t one to push. As he walked and talked, he almost didn''t notice a luggage cart barreling toward him.


    Just in time, Paul reacted quickly, pulling David aside and effortlessly stopping the cart with his foot.


    The person pushing the cart quickly apologized.


    Paul stepped back, dusting off his worn denim jacket, "No worries."


    David, still holding the phone, hadn''t resumed his chat with Mirabe. Turning to Paul, he said, "Thanks, Paul. Wasn''t paying attention there. Without you, this old guy might''ve been in a pickle."


    Paul nodded slightly, a man of few words, "Anytime."


    David exhaled and returned to his phone call, "Mirabe, I''ve got to go now. We''ll catch upter."


    Standing in the stairwell, Mirabe hesitated, not moving further down. Hearing Paul''s voice had given her a bit of a headache.


    Rubbing her forehead, just as David was about to hang up, she said, "Wait, I remembered something. Aren''t you into traditional remedies? I heard about a website selling a rare elixir that''s been lost to time. You might want to check it out."