~Joan~

I stayed seated, making little conversation with Matthew, even though the awkwardness between us was palpable. I took the plastic cup from Matthew, taking a sip without a clue what it held.

The burn that followed told me it was scotch. Unexpected but impressive.

“So... when are you going back to work?” Matthew asked, leaning closer until our thighs touched. The closeness made my chest tighten with unease, but I tried to act normal and shrugged.

“Next ...