Aria
I called Adele inside my office and told her I was leaving early. It was just two hours to closing time and I’ve completed all my work for something to take my mind off things.
She frowned, concern lining her face as she glanced at the untouched flowers still sitting by the window. “You’re sure you’re okay? You don’t look well.”
“I’m fine,” I lied smoothly. “I just need some air. You can take the flowers if you want. I don’t need them.”
Her eyes lit up immediately. “Really?”
“Really.”
She smiled, thanked me, and began gathering them, already imagining wherever she’d place them. I didn’t wait to see more. I grabbed my bag and walked out before she could ask another question.
The moment I stepped into the hallway, the feeling returned.
That crawling awareness at the back of my n
