Lily slid her phone back into her skirt pocket, crossed her arms while she watched him.
"So? You think she's in danger or something? Is that why you're making that face?"
"No." The answer came out calm and easy, steadier than what he was actually feeling. "If something had really happened to her, I'd know. Trust me."
Lily squinted at him, apparently deciding whether that answer was creepy or reassuring, and settling on creepy. "Weirdo. But fine!"
"Maybe she just felt bad." Erin came closer, hugging a book against her chest. "Or lonely... When I feel like that, I usually go home for a while too. Being around people is hard when you're down."
He nodded along, because it made sense, and it sounded exactly like something Alice would do. The girl apologized to furniture when bumping into it, so of course she would disappear out of politeness rather than worry anyone.
"Thanks, you two. Sorry for bothering you during work."
Alex left them to it and walked out into the afternoon.
