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“Exactly!”

“Everything good out here?”

I looked toward the hallway.

Dr. Q stood there with his coat open, looking from me to Xay.

“Yeah.”

His eyes stayed on me.

“You good, Avery?”

“I’m good.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, Dr. Q.”

Xay turned and looked at him.

Dr. Q looked right back.

And because Xavier was Xavier, I already knew what was coming before his mouth opened.

“Who this?”

I closed my eyes.

“Please don’t.”

“What?”

I pointed toward Dr. Q.

“My boss, nigga.”

Dr. Q’s mouth twitched.

“I’m Quincy Harris.”

Xay gave him a little nod.

Dr. Q returned it.

Then Xay looked at me.

I stood up and came from behind the desk.

“Go.”

“Avery.”

“Go home, Xavier.”

“You gonna call me?”

“No.”