Fawn approached Felix in the staff break room, sitting at the table by the window with his sandwich. Jacob had decided to treat him and order a second sandwich for Felix. The bacon was crispy, and the tomato was juicy. Felix had to give it to Jacob that he definitely had good taste in food.
"Why did your friend say you have the hots for me?" Fawn folded her arms over her long sleeve black shirt.
"He was joking," Felix muttered, keeping his eyes glued to his sandwich. "Just ignore him. He doesn't know when to shut up."
"Hmm." Fawn stepped closer, invading his space. "Because the look on your face back there said otherwise."
"I'm just letting Nova cool down. She'll text me back eventually."
"Really?" Fawn crossed her arms. "You honestly think she's typing out a reply right now?"
"You don't know her as I do," Felix said, his voice dropping. "Yes, she can be cold, but she's been through a lot. She lost her brother to the war."
"If anything, she should need you the most right now," Fawn countered softly. "You could give her a shoulder to cry on."
"She's got Jared for that," Felix said, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice. "But I don't think it will last. She doesn't know what she's missing out on."
"Well, I do know what I am missing out on, which is the summit. But at least I'm not wasting my time on someone who's already moved on."
"Fawn, reaching out to her is not a waste of time!" Felix snapped back, his eyes flashing. "Not when she's the only piece of Intermarium I have left."
Fawn paused, her irritation faltering. "Hmm... I always noticed your accent. I guess that explains it. Do you miss it? Intermarium?"
"Yes," Felix said softly. "But going back is impossible now. Technate is my home, whether I like it or not."
"You make that sound like a bad thing," Fawn responded, a bit defensively. "Trust me, I wouldn't even have a job if I lived in Intermarium. No way in hell would I ever be Lolita's personal assistant over there."
"Yeah... but being an assistant wasn't my dream. And I'd rather have my sister back with me than be here."
"How did you even end up here? In Technate?"
Felix finished his sandwich before replying. "It's a long story, Fawn," he said, pushing his chair back. "I've got to go. My break is over."
He left the break room and checked his cell phone that he pulled from the pocket of his black pants. Still no reply from Nova. He swallowed the bitter realization that Fawn might be right.