"To our newest team member, Ava," Mr. Caldwell announced, lifting his glass. "May this project be a success and your time with us be productive."
A chorus of cheers followed, glasses clinking together. "Welcome, Ava!" someone called.
"Hope you can handle the chaos that is this team," another joked.
Monica nudged me. "Go on, take your shot. First-night tradition."
I hesitated. "Oh, uh—I'm not much of a drinker."
"It's just one," she grinned. "One shot is all we ask for?"
I exhaled, grabbing the small glass in front of me. "Fine, one shot."
A few people clapped as I tossed it back. But it was a bad idea.
Warmth spread through my veins almost instantly. Laughter rippled through the table, and then Mr. Caldwell started sharing a story about a disastrous marketing pitch from ye
