The M&Ms were upside down, so they were giving quadruple-mocking smiles at me from behind the glass. I hated them, but I wanted them so much I wanted to cry. It was like a bad soap opera.

I spotted Craig coming over from my left. He had a lunch tray in his right hand, change in his left.

“Hey, Craig, can I have seventy-five cents?” I asked. He just raised an eyebrow and pocketed the money.

“Steph! You have any change?” The brunette a table away shook her head. I rolled my eyes and walked away from the vending machine, bringing my tray to Craig’s table.

“Just a few – “

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I’m using them later.”

“I hate you.”

“How’s your chicken patty?”

“Tastes like Mr. Bougherton’s sweaty…”

“Tell you what. You bring the money tomorrow.”

“What?”

“It’s just seventy-five. I told you, I’m using the change later. If you can’t control your sweet tooth, I suggest the lasagna. Won’t want anything after that.”

I watched him finish his lunch. He got up and bought some M&Ms for seventy-five cents.