108

Piper

Disappointment

Behind the stage, all of us sat together in a little room while we listened to a presentation from the speakers on how human resources fit in with RA culture. With my arms around my knees, I sat on one of the hard plastic chairs with June.

Don't throw up .

Panic had settled in. Because there were only a handful of people out there. If someone coughed, my presentation would come to a standstill. Basically, I'd be speaking to myself and trying desperately not to look over at the panel of residential leaders with their eyes beaming on me.

Don't throw up .

"Piper! June!" Kassie whispered from the door and I glanced up. She gave a little wave and motioned both of us over. "Hey, June, you killed it."

Zariah popped up behind her. "First presentation I didn't fall asleep through."

"I'm glad I thrilled the ten people in the audience," June joked.

I'd snuck out to the curtains during June's presentation too and it'd given me about as much anxiety as sitting in the back was. She didn't let the emptiness faze her. How could I compare?

The turnout was disappointing, but the peering eyes of our bosses were downright terrifying . And I had nothing else to distract me from the magnifying glasses.

"Ryan and King are going to be here soon," Kassie whispered.

I glanced up and tried to smooth out my expression. Because if Ryan and King were coming…

"We're all excited for you," Kassie told me gently. "You've got this."

She's telling me he's not coming .

What was I expecting? Of course Adam wasn't coming. Training for this presentation meant that I'd counted on him being my focus point. Without him…I'd be…fine. I had to accept it. I had to ace this presentation.

I needed to say goodbye to the athletics dorms.