Sophia’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Juniper, Daniel is the main reason we probably made this win today.”

A smile played on Juniper’s lips as she replied, “I know, and good for him. He’s a great guy, you know.” Her words were accompanied by a smirk and a sidelong glance, her eyes almost squinting.

Sophia’s head sank into her shoulders, her eyes wide and unsure. “What has gotten into you?”

Juniper’s expression turned semi-serious as she stared directly at Sophia. “Nothing.” The word came out flat, final.

She leaned back, crossing her arms. “I just don’t have time for distractions anymore. Ain’t nobody going to serenade this barricade… I’m not going to be held for ransom.” Her voice grew firmer with each declaration. “And I am certainly not a woman concerned with ships that have already sailed.”

Sophia looked at her, eyes wider than the horizon, unsure of how to respond.

“Like, ‘Ooh, you’re really tall and have a nice drape-cut suit. My goodness, did my heart just flutter at the beat of my soul?’”

Juniper continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “Oh, where’s Daniel at? Maybe he’s got an interview at ‘Hoffman, Hoffman & Snyder.’ Or maybe he’s meeting his parole officer. I don’t know.”

Sophia’s mouth fell open in shock. “Oh my god, aaaa what what?”