Chapter 1

The P.T.U. Starbucks was buzzing, mostly students hunched over laptops.

I found a small table by the window, sun warm on my face.

My iced latte was sweating onto the polished wood.

I'd just finished a panel discussion for the university's alumni entrepreneurship week.

My Alo Yoga set – a high-neck tank and leggings – was comfortable after sitting for two hours.

Perfect for the quick gym session I planned later.

My phone buzzed on the table.

A notification from the P.T.U. Alumni Connect app.

Anonymous message.

[Is that outfit really appropriate for a professional setting on campus?]

I frowned. Professional setting? I was in a Starbucks.

Another message popped up.

[Some of us are trying to focus on serious work here. Your attire is distracting. This isn't a nightclub.]

I glanced around. No one was looking at me.

Just students typing, sipping coffee.

I closed the app.

Probably some crank.

My phone buzzed again.

[I'm a P.T.U. student, trying to build a future. People like you make it harder. Show some respect for the institution.]

I sighed.

I had a meeting to get to.

I picked up my latte and walked out, dropping the empty cup in the trash.

The sun felt good.

I wouldn't let some faceless comment ruin my day.