The late-afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of Esmery's office.
Brandon is sitting on the edge of the desk with one leg dangled lazily over the side.
His phone was balanced on his thigh as he scrolled absently through the feed.
Beside him there is an open bowl of dark purple grapes.
Every few seconds he plucked one without looking, popped it between his lips, and chewed slowly.
The door opened with a soft click, and Esmery stepped inside but froze in surprise when she saw him.
"Brandon."
He lifted his head slowly and showed a smile.
Esmery shook her head and closed the door behind her.
"You just caused a ruckus in the Academy," she said, crossing the room as her heels clicked softly against the floor. "Again."
Brandon took one more slow scroll, then locked the phone and set it face-down beside the grape bowl.
She stopped directly in front of him and braced both palms on the wood to either side of his thighs, leaning in slightly.
