I immediately adjusted my surgical mask and got to my feet. Emma groaned before putting on her own dark green surgical mask and walking toward the door.
When she opened it, Vessa stood in the hallway with her handbag hanging from one shoulder. She seemed to have had the same idea as us because she was wearing a mask too.
"Hey," she said. "I'm here for…"
"Yeah." Emma nodded. "Come in. I'll explain the scenario, then we can start in ten."
"Okay… sounds good." Vessa looked at me. "Um, hey."
"Hey. I'd give you my name, but then the whole mask thing would be for nothing." I smiled.
She chuckled quietly. "Yeah."
My phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket. When I pulled it out, I realized it was Layla calling. Shit. How was I supposed to answer her now?
"Hey, while you explain everything to her," I said, looking at Emma, "I'll make a short phone call."
"Okay, but be quick about it, please." Emma's eyes were half-lidded, and her voice carried almost no emotion.
"Right. Be right back."
