Maria noticed Bernard's eyes hadn't left her since she and James began their conversation.
Though she tried to ignore the intensity of his gaze, it grew more distracting by the second. She knew she had to do something, something clever.
Turning toward James, she offered a soft smile. "Excuse me for a minute, okay? Please stay here with Laura till I return," she said calmly.
James nodded. "Of course."
Maria stood and motioned for Cassandra to follow her outside the classroom. Once they stepped into the hallway, Maria quickly pulled her close and whispered urgently.
"Cassandra, I need a favor. When we get back inside, go over to Bernard and talk to him. I'm planning to step out with James, but I don't want Bernard to realize we're leaving together."
Cassandra glanced around, cautious. "Alright, I'll do it. But I can't just walk up to him randomly—it might look suspicious."
