~Joan~

I stayed seated, making 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 week, maybe? I’ve been thinking of quitting, though. I can’t stay at the café forever,” I muttered, downing the drink in one go. A sharp pain flared in my lower stomach, making me grimace ...