She pulled into the back parking lot of Jack’s. She checked her phone. 5:42. Long Saturday shift. She parked next to Brie’s car and walked through the blue door. The door closed behind her. Inside, she saw a sea of white uniforms. She stood at the door, as employees began to part, forming a walkway.
A dark-haired man looked at her and bowed his head.
A pony-tailed blond nodded at her.
She wandered through the aisle, studying the employees from face to face. A dark, hollowed-eyed woman glared at her, frowning. She rolled her eyes and whispered in another girl’s ear.
Nia spotted Brie, who stood by Thomas’ office.
She solemnly stared at Nia.
Nia clawed through her purse for her cell phone. Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead. “What’s going on? Am I late?”
Brie’s lips slowly fo
