LANA P.O.V
I had spent the entire weekend brainstorming, trying to figure out how to approach Philip based on Mary's idea.
But approaching him wasn't the difficult part.
The real problem was getting his phone.
"I noticed he uses an iPhone 14," Ruby said during lunch, resting her chin on her hand. "And he has a black pouch. Maybe we can use that to identify it."
"No one here uses an iPhone 14," I said, exhausted. "I use a Samsung, and Mary uses one too. Maybe we should find someone else who has the same phone."
"There is someone," Mary said firmly. "We just need to find out who."
I sighed, staring at the table. This was becoming more complicated than I had expected.
"Maybe we should tell the boys," Ruby suggested, running her fingers through her hair. I noticed she had dyed it black. It actually looked really good on her.
"No," Mary and I said at the same time.
Ruby blinked.
"They'll refuse to help," I explained. "And besides, we don't need everyone knowing what we're planning."
"We'll tell them after we've accomplished it," Mary added, her voice firm.
Ruby rolled her eyes. "Fine. Secret mission, then."
I couldn't help but smile.
Then I looked at her properly.
"You look great today. I wonder if Xavier has seen you yet."
Ruby immediately coughed, nearly choking on her drink.
"You're crazy," she muttered, glaring at me.
I laughed.
For a moment, the tension disappeared.
But only for a moment.
Because sitting across from me, Mary wasn't laughing.
She was staring past us, her eyes fixed on someone.
I followed her gaze.
Philip.
He was walking across the cafeteria, his black phone pouch visible in his hand.
Mary slowly leaned closer to us.
"Forget the boys," she whispered.
Her eyes narrowed.
"I think our opportunity just walked in."