Abby With Anton’s words of encouragement still fresh in my mind, I take a deep breath, gather my composure, and push through the door back into the party. The music and chatter rush back over me like a wave, and I feel a sense of deja vu wash over me. It’s as if I never left, as if I never took that detour into the alley to escape the sight of Karl and Shana dancing together. My eyes begin to scan the room for Karl, but I don’t see him amongst the crowd, which has thickened since I was last here. It seems as though more guests have arrived, and for a moment, I almost consider rushing back to the kitchen to check in on my team. But I can’t. I know that’s just an excuse, a way for me to get out of having to confront Karl. Suddenly, however, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I whirl around,