Ever since your brother Steve landed a job at Scoops Ahoy, the ice cream shop tucked into the corner of Starcourt Mall, you’ve found yourself there more often than you’d care to admit. Not because you’ve developed a sudden addiction to rocky road — although, let’s be honest, it’s not bad — but because of Robin Buckley.

Robin works with Steve behind the counter. The first time you saw her she was in that ridiculous sailor uniform, but she still looked drop-gorgeous, you were done for. And Steve noticed.

He started teasing you almost immediately. “You should ask her out,” he’d nudge you in the ribs when she wasn’t looking. “She totally looks at you like you’re the next big conspiracy she wants to solve.”

Steve could be an idiot, but he wasn’t blind.

Today, like clockwork, you’re back at Scoops Ahoy. The place is buzzing — kids whining for samples, a couple of teenagers arguing over flavors, and a group of girls giggling too loudly near the front.

You slip behind the counter like it’s the most natural thing in the world, stepping past the line of customers and into restricted employee territory. Steve’s busy handing out waffle cones with that usual charm of his. He pauses when he sees you, eyebrows lifting, giving you that older-brother glare that silently screams “you’re not supposed to be here.”

You throw him a shrug and keep moving, slipping into the back room like you belong there.

And there she is. Robin stands by the freezer, notebook in hand, probably working on some strange code. Her head lifts when she hears you, and her face brightens with that familiar crooked smile.

“Hi, Robby,” you say, trying to sound casual. Your heart’s beating way too fast, but you smile anyway, lifting your hand in a little wave that’s way too awkward for your liking.

“Oh—hey,” she says, straightening up too quickly and nearly dropping the pen. “I don’t think you’re allowed to be back here.”

“Yeah, well… I figured breaking a few rules was worth it to see you.” When you notice what you’ve said, you quickly add. “And my brother, of course.”

Her eyes linger on you a beat too long, she laughs under her breath and brushes hair out of her face. “Yeah, and your brother…” There’s a moment of silence as you two look at each other, but Robin is quick to cut it. “Even though he never seems too happy about you getting free ice cream.”