"You want me to develop your app's visual identity?" Rhonda Wellington Lloyd set down her artisanal coffee and studied Arnold across the table at Hillwood's trendiest café. "Darling, I usually design for luxury brands, not... educational software."

"That's exactly why I want you," Arnold said. "Your design firm understands how to make things appealing. This app needs to draw kids in, make them feel special."

Rhonda tapped her manicured nails on the table. "And Dr. Pataki is okay with this?"

The way she said 'Dr. Pataki made Arnold look up sharply. "Why wouldn't she be?"

"Oh, please." Rhonda waved her hand dismissively. "The whole PS 118 group chat exploded when people found out you two were working together. Nadine even started a betting pool."

Arnold felt his face warm. "It's a work collaboration."

"Mmhmm." Rhonda's knowing smile hadn't changed since fourth grade. "That's why you're blushing. But fine, tell me about this project's visual needs."

As Arnold outlined the app's requirements, his phone buzzed with a message from Helga:

Found perfect UI/UX lead. Meeting her at 2. Come by my office?

He typed back, "I'm alreadymeeting withapotential art I update you afterward?"

The response came quickly:Who?

Rhonda.

Three dots appeared and disappeared several times beforeInteresting choice. Don't let her make everything pink.

"That's her, isn't it?" Rhonda's voice broke into his thoughts. "You've got that look."

"What look?"

"The same one you used to get when she'd slip up and be nice to you." Rhonda leaned forward. "Some of us weren't as oblivious as you pretended to be, you know."

Arnold put his phone away. "About the color scheme—"

"Don't change the subject." Rhonda pulled out her tablet. "But yes, let's talk colors. I'm thinking a versatile palette that can shift with different emotional states. Like how you used to adapt your approach depending on Helga's mood—"

"Rhonda."

"Fine, fine. Business collaboration only." She started sketching. "Though I have to say, you both seem to be forgetting that I minored in psychology. The dynamics at play here are fascinating—"

"The app interface—" Arnold tried again.

"Will be gorgeous, of course." Rhonda showed him a quick concept sketch. "See? Clean, inviting, but with depth. Like certain relationships I could mention—"

Arnold's phone buzzed again. Helga:Bringing Phoebe on as UX lead. Meeting in 20. Still want to come by?

His heart sank. Phoebe knew everything about their history and was married to his best friend, who had that scary-smart way of analyzing everything.

"Go," Rhonda said, watching his face. "I'll send you preliminary designs tonight. And Arnold?" She waited until he looked at her. "The betting pool's up to $200. Just so you know."

Arnold gathered his things, trying to maintain his calm composure. "There's nothing to bet on."

"Keep telling yourself that, darling." Rhonda's smile was knowing. "Oh, and tell Dr. Pataki I say hello. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to know I'm on the team."

The walk to Helga's office gave Arnold time to think. Rhonda as art director. Phoebe as UX lead. Their old classmates watch with interest. This project was about to get a lot more complicated.

In the elevator, he straightened his tie and reminded himself: this is a work collaboration only. No matter what anyone else thought.

The elevator doors opened, and there was Phoebe, waiting with that same analytical smile he remembered from grade school...

"The emotional landscape metaphor is excellent," Phoebe said, scrolling through his documentation. She paused at a section of notes where Helga's handwriting intermingled with Arnold's, full of excited exclamation points and rushed additions. "Very collaborative work."

"It's based on Dr. Pataki's research," Arnold said quickly.

"'Dr. Pataki,' is it?" Phoebe's eyes sparkled behind her glasses. She pointed to a margin note where Helga had scrawled 'Football Head - make the safe spaces bigger!' next to Arnold's response: 'Whatever you say, Helga.' "Though these notes suggest a less formal working relationship."

Arnold quickly flipped to a different page. "Professional boundaries are important."

"Of course." Phoebe pulled up the prototype video from their last development session. In it, Arnold and Helga's voices overlapped with enthusiasm:

"And then the kids could write their feelings in the volcano's caves—" Helga's voice. "Like your old poetry spots!" Arnold's excited interruption. "Exactly! I mean... that would be an effective therapeutic technique..."

Phoebe paused the video. "The development sessions seem quite... energetic."

Before Arnold could defend himself, the conference room door opened...