“Am I bugging you?” Ashley shot back, her tone defensive. She and Valerie had been tight for years, so it wasn’t hard for Ashley to pick up on the fact that something was off—just from Valerie’s opening line.

“Ugh, don’t start pouting at me, okay? My head’s already spinning from office drama, and I don’t wanna be stuck here any longer than I have to. Do you even realize I’m calling you from the bathroom stall right now?” Valerie groaned.

Ashley burst out laughing, ...