“Mmm.” Something clicks in Mimi’s brain. She hesitates, then switches off the music. “You… you nervous, Kayla?”

M

imi takes one last bite of the giant waffle they’ve been sharing, then reluctantly puts the spoon down.

“Sooo good, but I’m done here,” she says.

“Looks like it’s time to get the bill and head off, then,” Ta says.

They’ve been in Philadelphia just a few hours, but already Mimi feels like she’s in a different world. Shopping, restaurant, and now the hotel; how did she ever go so long without a vacation?

The hotel rooms are neat and clean. Minimalistic. White walls, white linen, soft lighting. Nice. She and Kayla are sharing a room, and while Kayla sits herself primly at the desk, Mimi kicks off her shoes and spreads herself out on the bed with a rapturous sigh.

“I could get used to this,” she says.

Kayla, busy writing in her notebook, doesn’t reply.

Mimi unwinds her earbuds and sticks them in her ears. Music, a comfortable bed, and nothing — nothing at all — that she has to do. Bliss.

“…think?” Kayla’s voice filters dimly through the music in her ears. Mimi sits up, pulls out one earbud.

“What was that?”

“I was asking you what you think about the competition. What format it will take. Will we have buzzers to press to answer questions, or will they question each contestant in turn, and eliminate those who respond inaccurately?”

“I have no idea.” Mimi covers a yawn with her hand. “Mrs. Price didn’t say?”