"Because you didn't bring Cheese over last night, Lily's cat died."
"Her depression flared up. I stayed at her place the whole night."
I'd already moved out of our apartment by then. I hadn't even known he didn't come home.
Before, hearing that might've made me lose it.
Now? I felt nothing.
Seeing my lack of reaction, he rubbed his temples.
"If you came to ask why I didn't come home, you could've just texted. It's a sensitive time. We need to be careful." He emphasized it again.
I cut him off.
"You don't need to explain. That's not why I'm here."
"Last week, I assigned Lily a proposal. She still hasn't turned it in."
His expression soured. "Didn't I just tell you? Salad died. Her depression flared up. I gave her a few days off."
"Then have her send me the proposal when she has a moment. I need it."
"Can you stop being difficult? Lily told me you've been using your position to give her attitude. I didn't believe her—until now."
"She can't give you the proposal. You're her mentor. If it's that urgent, do it yourself."
I laughed coldly. "Haven't I done plenty of her proposals already? Not this time."