"I suspect hate is a touch too strong of a word." She certainly picked up some dislike there, though there was no real ire there, even from the one who had supposedly played a prank on Brooke.

Stephanie paused for a moment to consider that. "It's possible, I suppose. I can't really speak to the experience of an empath. Most times I'm honestly grateful that I can't discern people's true feelings. Most of the time, it's their actions that matter anyway."

"But let's not get too weighed down by anything unpleasant. This is supposed to be fun." She smiled. "Let's go get some lunch."