Zara came running, breath hitching in her throat, the weight of panic pressing against her chest. She was terribly late and every hurried step reminded her of it. When she finally burst through the doors of the restaurant, she rushed to where Claire stood.
“You’re late,” Claire whispered urgently, worrying lining her face. “The new boss is already here.”
A sting tightened in Zara’s stomach. Great… What a perfect first impression. Her eyes searched the room until they landed on a woman, mature and stern, old enough to be her mother. Zara swallowed hard.
The woman stood slowly, every movement commanding attention, and walked straight toward her.
“G-good morning, ma’am,” Zara greeted softly, her voice barely steady.
“Is this the time you always come to work?” the woman asked coldly.
“No
