The Palm Reader's Warning

Maya stared at the lunchroom's invisible social pyramid. Freshman year had barely started, and she already knew her place—somewhere near the bottom, just above the kids who ate lunch in the library. She sat with her new friend Luna, who was currently reading Maya's palm.

"Your lifeline's super long," Luna said, tracing Maya's hand with purple fingernails. "But your heart line's all fractured. That means you're gonna have drama." Luna's cat, who she'd somehow convinced the school was an emotional support animal, slept in her backpack, occasionally peeking out like a tiny, judgmental furball.

"More drama than sitting at the table that wobbles?" Maya asked, laughing nervously. Her palms were literally sweating. Across the cafeteria, Jordan—the beautiful, terrifying senior who'd somehow gotten locked out of his house in his boxers during that viral TikTok incident—was holding court. He'd brought his dog, a golden retriever named Biscuit, because apparently seniors could do whatever they wanted.

"You should go talk to him," Luna said suddenly.

"No. Absolutely not. I have the rizz of a folded lawn chair."

"His dog likes you. Look." Biscuit was indeed staring at Maya, tail thumping. Jordan followed the dog's gaze and caught Maya's eye. He smiled. She froze.

"Go," Luna hissed, giving her a gentle shove.

Maya walked over, her heart hammering. What was she supposed to say? Hey, I saw you in your underwear online, very cool, anyway your dog is cute? Biscuit trotted over and sniffed her shoe.

"He likes you," Jordan said. "Biscuit has excellent taste. Unlike my ex-girlfriend, who said he was 'too clingy.'" He rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm Jordan. You're the girl whose locker won't close, right?"

Maya felt her face burn. "That's me. The Locker Girl. I'm Maya."

"Nice to meet you, Locker Girl." His phone buzzed. He checked it and groaned. "My mom needs me home. Biscuit, say bye to Maya." The dog licked her hand. Jordan paused. "Hey, wanna come over? Biscuit could use a playdate with... what's that in your backpack?"

"Luna's emotional support cat," Maya said. "His name is Nacho."

"Perfect. Nacho and Biscuit. It's meant to be." He grabbed his backpack. "Besides, my brother has this weird pyramid scheme he's trying to get me into. I need someone to help me tell him no."

Maya looked back at Luna. Luna gave her two thumbs up and a dramatic wink.

"Sure," Maya said. "I'm great at saying no to things."

"Perfect." Jordan grinned. "Also, you have cute palms."

"Thanks?"

Back at her table, Luna gave her a look. "I told you your lifeline was long."