The next day at the club, Valerie went straight to her senior. "Could I leave a little earlier?"
The senior hesitated. "Is 8 PM really that late? You left early yesterday too. It's just for a few days—family trouble?"
"Just some things to handle. Half an hour would help. I'd owe you one."
Just then, Francis popped up beside the senior like a jack-in-the-box. After yesterday's awkwardness, Valerie's skin prickled with discomfort.
She was kicking herself for ever joining this stupid club.
"Why not let her go early? We've got enough people," Francis said with a shrug.
The senior side-eyed him before relenting. "Fine, go ahead. Family first."
As the senior disappeared inside, Valerie moved to follow—only for Francis to block her path.
"I did stick my neck out for you. Least you could s
